Whip up some Hurricanes, grab some beads, break out the Zydeco and throw inhibition to the wind! Next week is Mardi Gras, cheres, and even those who can't make it to New Orleans can find plenty of ways to celebrate. Courtesy of NYCGo, New York City's tourism agency, here are a few events in Manhattan worth checking out.
February 9
A Mardi Gras Weekend Celebration: Louis Armstrong Tribute at B.B. Kings Blues Club & Grill
Before the Big Easy's biggest day, see acclaimed trumpet player "Hot Lips" Joey Morant headline a festive concert at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, accompanied by the band Catfish Stew. Morant honors jazz legend Louis Armstrong through trumpet playing and scat singing (Armstrong was among the first musicians to popularize this vocal style). $22 in advance; $27 the day of the show. The event starts at 8pm. For more information, visit bbkingblues.com.
February 12
The Fourth-Annual Two Boots Mardi Gras Ball at (Le) Poisson Rouge
Two Boots celebrates Mardi Gras with live music, dancing, stilt walking, hat making and even body painting. Actress Rosario Dawson will host the event, and musicians ?uestlove and Cyndi Lauper will be crowned king and queen. The fun begins at 7pm; tickets are $25 for general admission or $125 for the VIP treatment (including an open bar, dinner and reserved seating). Proceeds benefit The Lower Eastside Girls Club. For more information, visit lepoissonrouge.com.
Mardi Gras – All Day Long Extravaganza at Bourbon Street Bar & Grille
Nothing says Mardi Gras quite like po'boys, Hurricanes and lots of beads—and you can find all that and much more here. Beginning at 5pm, partygoers will enjoy music, giveaways and food and drink specials, including a $20 all-you-can-eat Cajun buffet. For more information, visit www.bourbonny.com.
Mardi Gras Party at The Delta Grill
Step into The Delta Grill for a bayou blowout: The $25 cover grants you access to unlimited amounts of Cajun food, one free Hurricane and the Southern styles of the musicians in Citigrass. The buffet opens at 6pm; the music starts at 7pm. For more information, visit thedeltagrill.com.