Each Mardi Gras season in Shreveport-Bossier, there are always some smaller, off-the-beaten-path festivities that pop up in the days before or after major parade weekends. In the language of Louisiana, these events would probably be considered “lagniappe” – not the main attraction, but a little something extra. With the Krewe of Centaur XXIII just around the corner (the Krewe of Centaur parade will roll at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22), lots of these fun, last-minute celebrations are being added to local event calendars. Here are a few that caught my eye:
Super Water Sympathy’s Mardi Gras Pre-Party
Friday, Feb. 21, Doors at 9 p.m. (Ages 21 and up)
Phoenix Underground, 600 Market Street
Popular local rock band Super Water Sympathy will perform an unusual live set on Friday night, featuring a brass section accompanying the band in a tribute to Carnival season. That brass section will include the talented John Howe, of A-Train fame. Admission is $10, and “reggae space rock” group The Dubonauts will open the show at 10 p.m.
The Krewe of Centaur’s Post-Parade Party at Sam’s Town Live
Featuring a live performance by Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin’ Cajuns
Saturday, Feb. 22, Doors at 7 p.m., Zydeco expected around 10 p.m. (Ages 21 and up)
Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino Shreveport
The Krewe of Centaur folks have organized a public post-party celebration at Sam’s Town Live following the Krewe of Centaur parade on Saturday, Feb. 22, and they’ve been kind enough to book a Zydeco band, Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin’ Cajuns, who are expected to take the stage at 10 p.m. A quick glance at Bergeron’s recent performance schedule leads me to believe he’s the real deal. Anyone who has recently performed in the parking lot of a bar in Youngsville is, most definitely, a true Cajun.
Bergeron’s website also says that he’s performing at Sam’s Town Live on Friday night, Feb. 21.
The Port City Runners’ Courir De Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Run (Facebook Link)
Tuesday, March 4, 7 p.m.
Departing from the parking lot of Shreve Memorial Library’s Broadmoor Branch
The Port City Runners, a group of local running enthusiasts who previously organized something called “The Christmas Carol Beer Butt Run,” are back with a Fat Tuesday run inspired by traditional Cajun Courir de Mardi Gras celebrations. During a Courir de Mardi Gras, ornately-costumed celebrants on horseback and on foot travel from house to house, causing a ruckus and begging for ingredients that will later be used to cook a large communal meal. That seems to be the plan for this group (minus the horses), as their Facebook event states: “We are still working out the details but I am pretty sure it will involve: running, singing, dancing, maybe second lining, and begging. Get ready.”
Runners are encouraged to wear masks and costumes.
For more information on Carnival season events, visit www.sbfunguide.com.
