Cajun & Zydeco Mardi Gras Ball with Grammy nominated bands

The annual Cajun & Zydeco Mardi Gras Ball celebrates it's 20th anniversary this year with an extended lineup of four bands and an earlier start time of 5:00 pm on Saturday, February 18, 2012, at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston, RI 02905. One of the only authentic Mardi Gras celebrations in New England, the event will run until midnight and features a costume contest with prizes in a variety of categories including best group, best couple and best individual and a grand cash prize for best overall costume. Featured bands this year include two 2012 Grammy nominees: CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band and Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys. Also on the lineup is four-time Grammy nominated band, The Pine Leaf Boys plus Preston Frank, Ed Poullard & the Big Daddy Zydeco Band. The Hot Tamale Brass Band will also be on hand to lead the costume judging parade and add festive atmosphere to the event.

Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door and may be purchased on the website at www.mardigrasri.com or in the mail by sending a self addressed stamped envelope and check made out to Lagniappe Productions, 51 White Oak Ct, Wakefield, RI 02879. A limited number of Tables of 10 are available with advance purchase. For more info, see the website or call 401-783-3926.

Cajun and Creole food served up by Russell Morin Catering will be available. Like a classic New Orleans bistro, the menu will include Shrimp Etouffe over Rice, Creole Style Chicken & Jambalaya, Caesar Salad with New Orleans Fried Shrimp and Homemade Cornbread, Pecan Bourbon Pie, gourmet coffee and assorted teas. The Rhodes provides a cash bar.


Costume.EntryAbout the Bands: CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band are in the running for a Grammy for their new CD, "Can't Sit Down," the perfect title to describe their rockin' funky brand of zydeco. CJ has been described as "attacking the accordion with the tension and drive of James Brown...creating contemporary turbo charged dance music."

Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys are Grammy nominated for their latest release, "Grand Isle." A staple at the Rhythm & Roots Festival, they keep the dance floor filled with their pumpin' hybrid of Zydeco, Cajun, and swamp pop. See below for fundraiser information for Mamou Playboys drummer, Kevin Dugas.

The four-time Grammy nominated Pine Leaf Boys, known for their wild shows have breathed new life into Cajun music with their rock influences and were described by the New York Times as "...the best new, energetic and fun Cajun band in a very long time." They have toured the world bringing multi-faceted angles to Cajun, Creole and Zydeco.

Preston Frank, Ed Poullard & the Big Daddy Zydeco Band have been playing festivals around the country to delighted crowds. This will be their first appearance at the Mardi Gras Ball.