BY DUCK PATERSON
Mardi Gras celebrations in Ladysmith won’t be quite like the ones in New Orleans, but they’ll be the next best thing.
This Saturday, March 9, the Arts Council of Ladysmith and District will be hosting a Mardi Gras Madness dance party at Aggie Hall.
“We encourage everyone to unleash their dance moves at this electrifying night of non-stop fun, laughter, and oh-so-groovy vibes,” said Andrea Rosato-Taylor, arts council president.
The main entertainment for the event will be the Soul Shakers, a Victoria group that will perform soul, Motown, R&B, blues and pop.
“Top-notch musicianship, stellar harmonies and high-energy performances are a trademark of this fine band. They will have you singing and dancing along,” noted an event press release.
The 19-plus event will include a cash bar, snacks, party games, a costume contest, photo booth and more.
Rosato-Taylor envisions Mardi Gras Madness becoming an annual event.
“We hope that people will come out enjoy the music and have fun while supporting the local arts,” she said.
The event is a fundraiser for the arts council and its capital campaign to build a permanent art space in Ladysmith. Rosato-Taylor said the arts council continues to eye a future home next to the train station, and has already presented to the Island Corridor Foundation a plan for a wood building with space for the council’s array of art classes. The council currently offers 42 classes for all ages from six-year-olds to seniors.
Mardi Gras Madness goes from 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at the Ladysmith Gallery at the Temperance Hotel, 32 High St., or online at www.ladysmitharts.ca.
For more information about the arts council, e-mail info@ladysmitharts.ca or call 250-245-1252.
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