A recent six-alarm fire on Canal Street has worried Crescent City revelers that Mardi Gras might be curtailed this year. But Chathamites need not be concerned. The 4th Annual Mardi Gras Party, hosted by the North Carolina Arts Incubator, will bring the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of New Orleans to Siler City.
“The annual Mardi Gras Party has become an eagerly anticipated addition to the local arts calendar, said Joan Underwood, owner of Courtyard Coffee and Soda Cafe. “It’s one of the more festive, colorful, and well-attended events of the year.”
A joyful noise of New Orleans jazz, dixieland, and traditional jazz played by the Steve Wing Jazz Quartet will transport the crowd to Bourbon Street. Though he’s a Chatham resident now, pianist Steve Wing was born in New Orleans and grew up inspired by Crescent City jazz forms. The Chatham artist first studied with jazz greats Mary Lou Williams and Yusuf Salim and has an extensive history of recording and performing live. Music enthusiasts will be in good hands.
As for the culinary arts, Siler City’s own Dr. Mark Zeringue, also a New Orleans native, will assure that “Fat 
Tuesday” lives up to it’s name. The evening’s menu includes delicacies such as gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp creole muffaletta, pralines, bread pudding, king cake and more. Wine and beer will flow under the steady hand of Dave Peters from Bear Creek Brews.
Door prizes, a raffle, and a fortune teller will sweeten the deal and all for $40 per ticket which includes dinner, drinks, dancing and music — but they’re limited and going fast. A sell out is very likely. Sponsors to date are Lumen Strategies, Still Point Acupuncture, Mary Helen and Jack Moody, and Norma de St. Aubin. Additional sponsors are still being accepted.
Proceeds from the 4th Annual Mardi Gras Party will help fund the 2016 Downtown Art District Music Series.
For the past nine years, the Mus
ic Series has drawn crowds to the Courtyard and it’s Rotary Stage in downtown Siler City from March through November. Individual musical artists and bands play bluegrass, traditional folk, classic rock, country, beach music, and more. The Music Series coincides with the 3rd Friday Artwalk and is anchored by gallery openings in the North Carolina Arts Incubator, local galleries and studios and activities in Siler City’s shops.
The drive from Chatham County to New Orleans is a long 12 hours and the date for Mardi Gras is coming up fast. Fortunately, your local party destination is just down the road and benefits a great local cause. So dress up and bring your beads, masks, and feathers and…laissez les bon temps roulez!
• Event Name: 4th Annual Mardi Gras Party
• Event Host: North Carolina Arts Incubator to benefit the Downtown Art District Music Series
• Day & Time: Friday, February 6, 7pm until…
• Location: 223 N. Chatham Avenue, Siler City, NC 27344
• Cost of Admission: $40 tickets at the door,
…OR… online at http://lumen-strategies.com/ncai-silercitync/
…OR… by check at the Courtyard Coffee and Soda Cafe
…OR… by mail to NC Arts Incubator, P.O. Box 643, Siler City, NC 27344
• Parking: Free in lots nearby and on the street
• Accessibility: Yes
• For more info: http://www.ncartsincubator.org/visit/
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