Buffalo Rising Online

Feb 19th 2007, 9:58pm By Gabrielle Bouliane

Tuesday brings us Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, what many perceive as the only holiday besides St. Patrick's Day to celebrate -- well, celebrating. Masks, costumes, parades, and of course beads are traditions of the season, and Buffalo will be partying in style along with the rest of the nation, in time to the brassy heartbeat of New Orleans.

Mardi Gras is, despite appearances, a religious holiday. It's the culimation of the Carnival Season in New Orleans in effect since the Feast of Epiphany, or Twelfth Night -- January 6 -- and continues until the midnight of Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday being the beginning of Lent, the season of fasting and repentence, an old joke used to be that Mardi Gras gave you something to repent for. Last notes: the traditional colors are purple (symbolic of justice), green (symbolic of faith) and gold (symbolic of power), and ladies, you don't HAVE to risk frostbite for beads. Just saying.

All that aside, there's definitely something for everyone this Mardi Gras. Artvoice's Celebration is the grandaddy of them all, with a total of 48 venues participating for a low, low $5 joint cover charge. This massive communal event, with a full parade starting at 5 PM at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and culminating at Kleinhans Music Hall at Symphony Circle, is also an awesome benefit -- proceeds are donated to the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care.

Laughlin's is also proudly representing, with a battle cry of "Don't Fear The Fools". Jugglers and Jesters will be everywhere handing out beads to the most "ambitious" ladies and their chefs are preparing some incredible Cajun dishes like Catfish, Seafood Gumbo, and Jambalaya, so come hungry. Authentic Hurricanes will also be served up at the bar. Check them out at 333 Franklin Street at W. Tupper, in their beautiful building which could be straight from

Nietzsche's (248 Allen Street, Buffalo, 14201, 716.886.8539) will be swinging with the Steam Donkeys and the Chevon Davis show, and will be later hosting Anne Philippone, My Brother's Robot and Nucleo Polyglot.

The Lafayette Tap Room (391 Washington Street, Buffalo N.Y. 14203, 716.854.2466) is really going to be in the spirit with New Orleans' native Sam Naquin and the Zydeco Whips, as well as BuddaHood, a nine-piece Brazilian dance band and a Cajun buffet.

The Gaia Tribe World Fusion Belydancers perform at 6:30 at the Crocodile (88 West Chippewa Street, 716.853-2762), followed by Lee Ron Zydeco, and then across the street at the Barrel House at 7:30.

Shango (3260 Main Street, near UB South Campus) has the Mumbo Gumbo Mardi Gras Band to go alng with their outstanding food, and everywhere downtown will be having drink specials, beads, and lots of laughter and fun. Whereever you celebrate, please park legally, drive carefully, and keep the happy spirit of the holiday in your hearts. Laissez les bon temps rouler!