The sights, sounds and tastes of New Orleans will take over The Center for Rural Development Saturday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 p.m., when Mardi Gras at The Center brings a bit of Bourbon Street mystique to Somerset.
At the event – set for the Saturday before Fat Tuesday – The Center will roll out traditional multi-colored beads and festive masks for visitors, who will celebrate Mardi Gras with live performances from two of Louisiana’s premier Cajun and Zydeco bands, and savor a sampling of Cajun and Creole food staples, like red beans and rice and shrimp jambalaya.
The evening’s musical headliners include Cajun favorites Feufollet and second-generation Zydeco performer Lil’ Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers. This unique program is produced by The Kentucky Center, which will tour to Louisville and The Center for Rural Development in Somerset.
Although Feufollet has often been hailed as the future of Cajun music, band members have come into their own in recent years as accomplished musicians extending their music into the new century. Formed in 1995 when accordionist/singer Chris Stafford was 8 and fiddler Chris Segura was 11, Feufollet quickly developed a following, not merely for their youthful energy but also for their surprising musical maturity and instrumental expertise in the traditional music of the Cajun culture.
Feufollet continues to be known for excellent musicianship, beautiful vocals and innovation based on a solid grasp of the tradition, making them one of the most exciting Cajun bands in Southwest Louisiana.
Like a lot of Zydeco performers, Lil’ Nathan (Nathan Williams Jr.) grew up playing music from the time he was born. As the son of Nathan Williams Sr., leader of the Zydeco Cha Chas, and connections through his family with many musicians in the Zydeco community, Lil’ Nathan was born with musical talent and nourished in a musical environment throughout his childhood.
“It’s definitely going to be a party,” Lil’ Nathan promised of the event. “Every time you get Zydeco and Cajun music together, it’s always a party. We want to let the people know that we’re going to make a lot of noise and have some fun.”
Mardi Gras at The Center is presented by The Center for Rural Development and co-sponsored by Clear Channel Lake Cumberland. Single tickets are $20, and may be purchased by contacting The Center’s Box Office at 606-677-6000, or by visiting www.centertech.com.
Before the show, The Center is hosting the Bourbon Street Brass Blast pre-show party – sponsored by Sonny’s Bar-B-Q and Clear Channel Lake Cumberland – in the front lobby from 6-7 p.m., featuring a lively performance of Dixieland standards by the Southern City Brass quintet.
Southern City Brass, who will perform in the style of French Quarter street performers, is comprised of Somerset musicians John Lenox and Dan Carpenter on trumpet, Megan Lenox on French horn, Matt Smith on trombone, and Campbellsville resident Al Courington on tuba.
While guests enjoy the music of Southern City Brass, they can also enjoy authentic Cajun and Creole food, including jambalaya with shrimp and red beans and rice with sausage. Other menu items include chicken tender “po’ boy” sandwiches, potato salad and beverages. The cost of the meal is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger.
