Laissez les bons temps rouler, Brooklyn!
Carnival season is upon us, and a parade of New Orleans-style Mardi Gras parties and events is rolling out across the borough. There may still be snow on the ground, but on Fat Tuesday the Big Apple will masquerade as the Big Easy, with bars hosting Cajun and brass bands, pouring bayou brews and cocktails, and serving up gumbo and king cake.
Piper and Andy’s Traveling Mardi Gras Party
Two Boots Brooklyn may have closed, but its former owners are still throwing their annual Mardi Gras party. Now taking place at South Slope’s Fifth Avenue Party Hall, the event will a buffet of food, such as seafood gumbo, jambalaya, alligator, and crawfish boulettes, plus bartenders mixing up Creole lemonades, hurricanes, and Sazeracs. Live music will be provided by Jellyroll Fats & the Zulu Kings, playing swampy funk, soul, and New Orleans classics.
Fifth Avenue Party Hall [693 Fifth Ave. near 21st Street in South Slope, (917) 553–1950]. March 4 at 7 pm. $25. Tickets at Eventbrite.
Way Station Mardi Gras Party
Swing into the celebrations with the Way Station’s annual Mardi Gras party, featuring live music from swing band the Buhre Station Stomp Society. There will also be Abita beer and Sazerac drink specials and beads.
The Way Station [683 Washington Ave. between Prospect Place and St. Marks Avenue in Prospect Heights, (347) 627–4949, www.waystationbk.blogspot.com]. March 4 at 8 pm. Free.
Mardi Gras All Star Brass Band
On Fat Tuesday, a krewe of local musicians will join forces to form the Brooklyn Bowl’s All Star Brass Band — including members of Medeski Martin & Wood, the Shady Horns, Lettuce, and the Outer Borough Brass Band.
Brooklyn Bowl [61 Wythe Ave. between N. 11th and N. 12th streets in Williamsburg, (718) 963–3369, www.brooklynbowl.com]. March 4 at 8 pm. $10 advance, $12 at door.
