The Big Easy in Buffalo celebrates Mardi Gras season with 3 shows

NOLA’s John Papa Gros Band joins top WNY bands

The Big Easy in Buffalo has announced three shows celebrating Mardi Gras season:

•Feb 18 – Mardi Graski with LeeRon Zydeco & The Buffalo Touch Polka Band – Sportsmen’s Tavern – Organizers said, “Two of Buffalo’s best reunite after last year’s sold-out show to play separately and together for a special ‘Mardi Graski’ concert that continues The Big Easy in Buffalo’s ‘Cultural Connections’ series.”

•Feb. 24 – The Jay#Tet & Folkfaces, the 16th Annual Mardi Gras Jam – DHU Strand Theatre – A press release stated, “Another ‘Cultural Connections’ show, modern jazz meets Americana as each band plays their own set, then joins together for a set of Mardi Gras favorites.”

•March 4 – John Papa Gros Band with Randle & The Late Night Scandals – The Cave – Organizers noted, “Founder of Papa Grows Funk and a Big Easy in Buffalo favorite, Gros brings his blend of New Orleans classics and original material that spans R&B, funk, rock and jam band music. Opening the show is Buffalo’s own blues powerhouse, Randle & The Late Night Scandals.”

“Three weeks, three shows, six bands, one great celebration,” Artistic/Executive Director Tod A. Kniazuk said. “We’re excited to showcase the music and spirit of New Orleans and Mardi Gras through so many different musical styles.”

More information, including ticket links, can be found at www.thebigeasyinbuffalo.org and www.facebook.com/TheBigEasyInBuffalo.

Since 2007, The Big Easy in Buffalo has brought New Orleans and Louisiana music and culture to the Western New York region several times a year for free and low-cost live performance, as well as music education and mentoring for local musicians, students and the community. Through The Big Easy in Buffalo, thousands of students, dozens of local bands, and countless audience members in Western New York have been exposed to this unique American culture.

The Big Easy in Buffalo is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Gov. Hochul and the NYS Legislature, Erie County, buffalo.fm, Buffalo Iron Works, Sportsmen’s Tavern, National Fuel Gas Co., and Dick & Jenny’s.