The 5th Annual Portland Mardi Gras Ball- Feb 14th

WHEN:  Saturday, February 14th 2015 (Doors at 7:00 pm)
WHERE:  Wonder Ballroom, 128 Northeast Russell Street, Portland, OR 97212
WHY: The only authentic Louisiana Mardi Gras experience within 2000 miles!
HOW MUCH: Tickets: $25 – $35 (available through Wonder Ballroom box office or Ticketfly – http://www.ticketfly.com/venue/975)

Contact:  Steve Kerin (503-442-6602)
Email: portlandmardigras@gmail.com
Web:www.portlandmardigras.com

Pomp, Circumstance & Soul!

In sharp contrast to those who view Mardi Gras as an excuse to get wasted, Portland’s Mysti Krewe of Nimbus makes Mardi Gras an event to be savored. The group’s 5th annual Portland Mardi Gras Ball takes place on Saturday, February 14th at the fabled Wonder Ballroom This year’s theme Voodoo Valentine is a mashup that invites attendees to explore the intersection of love and Love Potion #9.

VOODOO OUTLINE REV 4 FINALThe annual ball is the highlight night for Mysti Krewe of Nimbus, a membership organization styled in the tradition of a New Orleans’ “social and pleasure club.” The group’s 100+ members range from native Oregonians to Gulf Coast transplants, bonded by their love and appreciation of the culture, food, and music of the region. The Krewe’s dedicated mission is celebrating that rich cultural heritage …and, having a kick-ass time when they do.

For the first time, this year’s ball will be graced with the presence of New Orleans musical royalty, as R&B powerhouse Charmaine Neville joins the entertainment lineup. Charmaine, daughter of saxophonist Charles Neville, represents the 3rd generation of a dynasty that has kept faith with the musical traditions of Mardi Gras and New Orleans for more than seven decades. An established artist in her own right, Charmaine performs around the world, electrifying crowds with a powerful, soul-drenched voice and non-stop energy. She brings with her a soul-deep connection to the spirit of Mardi Gras and les bons temps rouler.KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

It will be a veritable New Orleans musical summit when Charmaine takes the stage with native son and saxophonist Reggie Houston and Crescent City Connection. Also on hand is Portland’s own Too Loose Zydeco Band doing its part to keep the dance floor rocking. The evening kicks off with a second line parade, followed by the Northside Skull & Bones Gang. They take the crowd all the way to the streets of New Orleans’ 9th ward for an authentic Mardi Gras Indian experience.

And, yes, there will be beads. Lots of beads.    (See more next page)

Lagniappe (a little something extra)

  • 21 and over only
  • Full cash bar
  • Light taste of Louisiana cuisine included
  • Fresh Louisiana-style, you-peel shrimp available for an additional fee ($11)
  • Plenty of traditional Louisiana King Cake
  • Costume contest & prizes (costumes encouraged, but not required)
  • See the crowning of the new 2015 King and Queen of the Mardi Gras Ball

About the Krewe

The Mysti Krewe of Nimbus brings Louisiana Mardi Gras culture and traditions to the Pacific Northwest via:

  • The Annual Mardi Gras Ball
  • Mardi Gras Day Parade on Mississippi Ave (on February 17th 2015)
  • Second Line Parades at the Safeway Waterfront Blues Fest and Bite of Oregon
  • An award-winning Rose Festival Starlight Parade float.​

The inspiration for the Krewe began with Louisiana natives Steve and Jane-Clair Kerin. Transplanted to Portland, they had hoped to see the kind of Fat Tuesday celebrations they were used to at home, but all they found were drink specials in local bars. So, they gathered other Louisiana transplants and their friends, and launched the Mysti Krewe of Nimbus with the goal of bringing some Louisiana-style Carnival mojo to the Rose City.

A little Mardi Gras history:

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season in the Catholic calendar. The idea of Carnival, which culminates with Mardi Gras, is to have as much fun as possible in the weeks preceding Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and reflection before Easter. This festival has its roots in various pagan celebrations of spring, some dating back 5,000 years. In 1582 Pope Gregory XIII made it a Christian holiday (guess “Pope G” liked to party, too). People in New Orleans and Louisiana have been celebrating Mardi Gras since the 1700s.

Portland, it’s time to join the fun!