The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Celebrate Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) around Connecticut
A lot of excitement as Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) hits the state and its clubs. Expect beads and the like as the parties begin. There are also a number of blues shows to take in.
The moniker Taj Mahal came to Henry Saint Clair Fredericks in a dream, and now stands proud as shorthand for one of the prime movers on the blues, folk, and roots music scenes. To really feel the man’s essence, you have got to hear him live. You will come away enriched. Blues Beat remembers the Springfield native’s early albums and shows at UMass.
Fat Tuesday at BlackEyed Sally’s is a Hartford tradition. It is Sally’s biggest day of the year. They will be partying all day long. Start with Lunch, an all-u-can eat Southern Feast from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Eat all you like — no one will tell you to stop. Happy Hour kicks off at 4 p.m. with complimentary Cajun vittles and other specials. Then comes dinner at 6 pcm. The regular menu has some Nawlins’ specials added. Top it off with dancing to Rivercity Slim & the Zydeco Hogs at 7:30. Be prepared for stilt walkers, Mardi Gras beads, face painting and more.
You might want to get ready for Mardi Gras with a little hip shakin’ with the Beehive Queen. Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez will be at Sally’s on Saturday.
The Outer Space Ballroom kicks off Mardi Gras on Saturday with River City Slim & the Zydeco Hogs. This band is Southern New England’s premier Louisiana dance party band. Mardi Gras season means getting out and dancing to their Cajun sound. The Hogs bring the exuberant sounds of the steamy bayous of southwestern Louisiana to the hills of New England. The Zydeco Hogs cook up a spicy musical gumbo that combines the traditional sounds of the button accordion and washboard with a driving, syncopated beat. They turn every venue they play into a rockin’ Louisiana dance party.
This time they’re bringing along our friends, Hartford Hot Several Brass Band. The Hot Several will perform fulldress marching band madness before The Hogs take the stage and crank it up with red-hot Zydeco party tunes. Grab your beads and your dancing shoes and join the party.
Some other Mardi Gras events include Tuesday at the Maple Tree Café with Tim McDonald & the Mardi Gras All-Stars. And up at Theodores’ on Tuesday is Krewe Les Gras.
Infinity Music Hall brings in Los Lobos on Thursday. You must see and hear this band at least once in your lifetime — and yes, Los Lobos plays traditional Mexican music, but they will also rock, roll, funk and blues you to places where only the masters can go. Los Lobos has been one of America’s most distinctive and original bands since the 1980s. They’re best known for their chart topping hits “La Bamba,” “Come On Let’s Go,” and “Will The Wolf Survive” among many others. Special guest is Matt Andersen.
Wilson’s Pub is holding a special event on Saturday called CrownAid 2017, at 1 p.m. If you haven’t heard, on January 23, there was a terrible accident in Collinsville. A car left the road and crashed through The Crown and Hammer. Tragically, one of the passengers was killed. The building sustained extensive damage and has been closed while repairs are made.
The community has pulled together to have a fundraiser to help the out-of-work employees who rely largely on tips for their income. Crown Aid starts at 1 p.m. at Wilson’s Pub. If you can stop in at some time during the day or evening ‘till 10 p.m., your support would be greatly appreciated. A number of bands are participating, including Hannah’s Field.
Café 9 on Tuesday is hosting a benefit for IRIS (Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services). Orkestar BAM & Harris Brothers Brass Band will be playing. IRIS is a nonprofit in New Haven doing the critical work of welcoming newly arrived immigrants and refugees to our state. All of the bands’ proceeds will be donated for this cause.
The Knickerbocker Café’s Sunday Blues Jam is a jam and fundraiser, presented by the Mystic Blues Festival. Special guest performers include the Chris Leigh Band. There’s no cover, but a donation is appreciated. There will be raffle items donated by individuals and sponsors. Come down and support the festival and blues music.
Get the complete Blues Beat schedule on Thursday at the blog http:// bluesbeatnews.wordpress.com/. Any questions or comments should be sent to Domenic Forcella at TWBlus@aol.com.