Music and NOLA Soul Food @ BlackRock Rocks Mardi Gras 2013

Update:  because of Winter Storm Nemo, this event has been postponed until April 6.  Check out the Pardi Gras new details here. 

N’awlins is calling, mon cherie!

N’awlins…in Black Rock, Connecticut, actually.  You know, that bustling place right between Fairfield and Bridgeport.  Black Rock is probably one of the strongest communities that we have ever seen.  They have so many great things going on to bring everybody together such as Black Rock Day (we were food party judges one year) and their fun Christmas time celebrations that bring out Santa on a fire truck.  You’ll also be really glad to know that there’s the 8th Annual BlackRock Rocks Mardi Gras party and fundraiser!  We’re talking 23 different bands at three different local spots, lots of drink specials, and NOLA soul food favorites such as gumbo, cornbread, and jambalaya.  Oui, oui.

Mardi Gras starts on 2/9 at noon and goes until last call…you need that much time to listen to all that music, no doubt…wow.  For admission to all venues and performances, adults pay just $25 for a wristband.  If you’d like to only pay $20, stop by Acoustic Café through 2/2.  12-20 year olds are welcome, too, and only cost $5 but after 8:30 you’ll need to drop them off with the baby sitter.  Kids 12 or younger enter for free.  While tickets aren’t really expensive when you consider how many great bands you’ll see, you’ll be very happy to know that your money will help to benefit Kids Empowered by Your Support.   K.E.Y.S. gives music instruction to underserved students who live in Bridgeport, CT.

Here are some other reasons to go:

1. Music from The Primate Fiasco, Like Violet (that’s right, they are awesome), Fungus Amungus, School of Rock House Band, Nardy Boy with Renard Boissiere from New Orleans, Danny Labich, Darian Cunning, Oobleck, Dr. Caterwaul’s Cadre of Clairvoyant Claptraps, EKL, Fake Babies, Giorgio Fareira, Oobleck, Ports of Spain, Hot Chaos, Oh, Cassius!, PJ Pacifico, King for a Day Reunion, Solistic, Steep Grade, Steve Detroy Trio, StringFingers, Symphonic Bodega, and more.

2. Great food and drinks from Tautog Tavern, Acoustic Café, Fire Engine Pizza Company.  Plus, you just might get some special pricing with your wristband.  Just sayin’.

3. Local legend Mike Falzone will be emceeing the event and we hear he’s wicked funny and has lots to share about music.

4. There will be a face painter on hand to help you get into that N’awlins mood.

5. Get some snapshots of your Mardi Gras revelries at the French Quarter Photo Booth!

6. Buy some raffle tickets to win prizes such as a much-coveted Gathering of the Vibes Weekend Camping Ticket, Catskill Chill Weekend Camping Tickets, and massage and dining certificates.

7. Earn 10 raffle tickets if you give in a gently used musical instrument that will benefit Horns for Kids.  They’ll give your donations to local school music programs!

8. Keep that wristband on, you party fiend, and check out a Hair of the Dog, BlackRockin’ Brunch on 2/10 from 12-4 at Brennan’s Shebeen of Black Rock.  $15 gets you a prixe-fixe brunch and a free Mimosa or Bloody Mary.

Acoustic Café and Tautog Tavern are located at 2926 Fairfield Avenue in Black Rock, Fire Engine Pizza Company is at 2914 Fairfield Avenue, and Brennan’s Shebeen of Black Rock is at 2652 Fairfield Avenue.  Check out the BlackRock Rocks site and their FB page for the final roster so you can figure out which band is playing at what time.    Questions can be directed to BlackRock Rocks at 203.400.9509 or info@blackrockrocks.org.

Info about BlackRock Rocks from a recent press release

BlackRock Rocks is a group of local musicians, artists and avid supporters of both, which presents musically-focused events.  BlackRock Rocks Mardi Gras, to date, has donated over $18,000 for the revitalization of New Orleans, LA and Bridgeport, CT.  Previous years’ beneficiaries include Original Works, Inc., Music 4 More, the Uptown Music Theatre & Swinging with the Cool School, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Higher Ground Fund and the Tipitina’s Foundation.