[ WEEKEND ]
COURTESY OF COMMUNICATIONS PACIFIC
The Brazilian dancers of Samba Axé.
Mardi Gras is IT'S TIME once again to break out the colored beads, glitter and sequin-covered masks -- Mardi Gras returns for another year of debauchery around town next week.
gonna be ‘phat’
Jason Genegabus
jason@starbulletin.comBased on the Catholic ideology of indulging yourself one last time before starting the 40-day season of Lent, "Fat Tuesday" was introduced to the United States in the 18th century by French explorers. Its traditions are most deeply rooted in New Orleans' French Quarter, where thousands are spent each year on lavish parties and parades. And, of course, lots and lots of beads to cover lots and lots of otherwise bare flesh.
Here's a listing of Oahu Mardi Gras events:
COURTESY OF COMMUNICATIONS PACIFIC
A dancer from Samba Axé.
>> "Mardi Gras at Kemoo Pub and Lakeside Lanai": 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. today at Kemoo Farms, 1718 Wilikina Drive, Wahiawa.
Get an early start to Mardi Gras. Starting at 8 p.m. today, Conjunto Tropical performs upstairs at the Pub, while Guy Cruz and Bootie Karma keep it funky at the Lakeside Lanai. Jambalaya and gumbo are on the menu, and 97.5 KPOI's Fil Slash hosts a search for Mardi Gras king and queen. A bikini contest is also planned. Cost: $5; call 621-1835.
>> "Third Annual Nuuanu Mardi Gras Shuffle": 4 p.m. to midnight Tuesday at 1026 Nuuanu Ave., downtown.
In what has become an annual tradition among downtown merchants, Nuuanu Avenue plays host to what's being billed as a "Poker Run." Unfortunately, surface streets won't be closed to vehicular traffic -- make sure to look both ways before crossing to another bar! Collect playing cards from participating establishments (including Hank's Cafe, Indigo, Murphy's, the Garden, Bonnie's Closet, Island Keepsakes, Michele Henry & Tea, Pegge Hopper, Roy Venter's Studio, Sharkey's Tattoos, Studio 1 and the ARTS at Marks Garage) for a shot at spinning the "Wheel of Fortune." Live entertainment is planned at Hank's Cafe, Studio 1 and at the 1026 Nuuanu courtyard. Free; call 521-2900 for details.
>> "Third Annual Mardi Gras Hawaii": 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday at the Ward Entertainment parking lot, Kakaako.
After two years of helping plan downtown's block parties, "Mardi Gras Hawaii" Chairwoman Lisa Kim moves her celebration to the parking lot across from the Ward Entertainment Center. A variety of activities are planned for both keiki and adults alike; enjoy live performances of Brazilian music and dance, balloon animals, face painting and more. Grown-ups are also invited to enter the "Mardi Gras King & Queen Costume Contest" for a shot at $200 each.
Live entertainment at "Mardi Gras Hawaii" is scheduled to include performances by the Swingin' Tradewinds Jazz Band, Soulz, Samba Axe, Aloha Brasil and Honolulu 24 Seven. Cost: $3 general; free for keikis under 13. Call 545-4195.
>> "Fifth Annual Mardi Gras Madness Festival": 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday at Gordon Biersch, Aloha Tower Marketplace.
Gordon Biersch celebrates five years of Carnival at the restaurant with a "Mudbug Boil," Mardi Gras parade and live entertainment. Try chef Liam Martin's authentic "Mudbug Boil," a spread of crawfish with spicy New Orleans jambalaya, chicken and sausage gumbo, dirty rice, red beans and more. At 5:30 p.m., Dizanne Productions will lead a spirited parade with entertainers and costumed characters throughout the marketplace, tossing lots of shiny beads along the way. Finish the night with New Orleans jazz by Slim Mango and rock music with Zanuck Lindsey. Free; call 599-4877 or 537-3291. Validated parking available.
>> "Mardi Gras @ Kapono's": 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday at Kapono's, Aloha Tower Marketplace.
Kapono's promises to "put a smile on your face and a wiggle in your waist" during its Mardi Gras celebration at the restaurant when Shaka Jambe performs its unique style of "Aloha Afro-American World Beat." The 11-person ensemble of percussion, keyboards, acoustic instruments and electric guitar and bass will perform a rhythmic mix of primal sounds and tribal beats blended with modern song and dance. Special guests Samba Axe and Aloha Brasil are also scheduled to perform. Free; call 536-2100.
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