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| Mardi Gras 2009 - Perth Blues Club-Style The Perth Blues Club will host a brand new Mardi Gras on the Australia Day long-weekend - 24 January 2009, bringing New Orleans carnival, blues, jazz and a fun-packed day of musical entertainment to the state capital. Kicking off at midday, going through to midnight, three stages will operate at the Charles Hotel, North Perth - a major Mardi Gras 2009 supporter - where 13 acts will perform non-stop. Headlining the day, in the main Voodoo Lounge, will be New Orleans-born and self-confessed Aussiephile Eugene "Hideaway" Bridges. Eugene brings his own heart-felt blues-soul guitar prowess to the ol' style Southern Blues. The Zydecats - Freo's favourite zydeco-swamp-stomp band - and Victoria Newton - jazz singer extraordinaire and headliner at London's Ronnie Scott's and 606 Club - will support the night with sets to bring the house down. "Perth Mardi Gras 2009 is not just about Australia Day and summer carnival, " said Rick Steele, Blues Club President. "It's about celebrating the huge wealth of musical talent that comes out of this place, much like New Orleans. We're bringing together some of WA's finest who, as you will see, stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their international compatriots from jazz through to blues, roots, funk, jug, barbershop, gospel...the list just goes on." The Mardi Gras 2009 will be an exclusive 600 ticket-only event. The Charles Hotel beer garden will transform into Congo Square, which gave birth to the blues in New Orleans, alternating with the Charles Lounge Bar during daylight hours. The back-hall will become the Voodoo Lounge for the night, with patrons invited to dress up in the carnival spirit. There will be raffles and a competition for the best Mardi Gras costume of the day. The Charles Hotel chef will be swinging out a Cajun and Creole menu for the day, to go with a host of Amercian beers and other beverages, including the Voodoo Cocktails. Gumbo, deluxe spicey sausage-sizzles and gourmet coffees will complement the restaurant and fully-licensed bars. "This will be a superb day on the Australia Day weekend, " said Chris Angelkov, proprietor of the Charles Hotel, which is a major backer and supporter of the Perth Blues Club Mardi Gras. "The music line-up is incredible, and it's going to be matched with a special menu and a range of boutique drinks. We invite everyone to come and chill-out in the beer gardens with a drink and a snack, or take the full sit-down with the special Cajun and Creole menu for the day." Doors open 11.00am, music starts midday, Saturday, 24 January 2009. Tickets go on sale 10 November 2008 write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |