Check out what's happening on the streets and around New Orleans....
Krewe du Vieux
Only one Mardi Gras parade still rolls through the French Quarter – and trust me, you don't want to miss it. Satirical, racy, debauched, lubricated, and over the top are just a few polite adjectives for these marauding krewes. Crimes Against Nature is the theme for this year's romp and there are bound to be plenty of salacious takes on said theme, including digs on the Occupy movement and pending Mayan apocalypse. This year marks the 26th anniversary of New Orleans' favorite unofficial Mardi Gras parade, and its 1,000+ members will march through the streets outfitted with brass bands, custom throws and hand-pulled floats.
Details: Free 6:30 p.m. Saturday, February 4. Parade starts at Frenchman and Royal Street in the Marigny and loops through the French Quarter. Click here for full route map.
Krewedelusion
The Krewedelusion parade follows Krewe du Vieux on Saturday night, and the after-parade party is held at the four bars on the corners of Marigny and St. Claude, including the Hi-Ho Lounge and the Allways Lounge. Now in it's third year, Krewedelusion will feature some of the city's most dynamic dance squads and newest sub-krewes. Although their theme and royalty are kept a secret until the day of the parade, count on a similar brand of satire as Krewe du Vieux. Look for old-school stunners the Camel Toe Lady Steppers, the Pussy-footers, the Bearded Oysters, and the Pony Girls, alongside Krewe du Jieux, Noisician Coalition, Krewe du Muu Muu and the Cosmic Cosmo-naughties.
Details: Saturday, January 3, tickets $15 for after party at bars on the corners of Marigny and St. Claude
Blue Man Group
With the costumed masses swarming the French Quarter this weekend, the Blue Man Group should be right at home performing at nearby Mahalia Jackson Theater. The wacky blue humanoids take the stage by storm with drums, an incredible light show and explosive antics that, even without vocals, speak volumes about life, technology, and the failure to communicate. It's a kid-friendly experience – patrons near the stage are given ponchos to protect clothing from whatever substances might be flying around. Think: technicolor food fight.
Details: Tickets $35-$95 plus fees. Now through Sunday February 5, 2012, matinees Saturday and Sunday at Mahalia Jackson Theater (1419 Basin St. (504) 287-0351)
The New Orleans Boat Show
The New Orleans Boat Show – the biggest boat show in the region – opens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and "Cajun Lady Gator Hunter" Liz Choate (a.k.a. "Choot-em Elizabeth") from Swamp People will be on hand to sign autographs and take pictures with fans. The 'Dome will be filled with every type of jet ski, sail, in-board or outboard craft you can dream of to ply the waters of South Louisiana.
Details: Tickets $8, kids under 12 free. Thursday, February 2, 3 p.m. - 9 p.m., Friday, February 3, 2 p.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday, February 4 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Ike Stubblefield at d.b.a.
Ike Stubblefield is known as the "master of the Hammond B-3 organ" – a title he earned playing with such luminaries as The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, BB King, Eric Clapton and Jerry Garcia. In his 44-year career, Stubblefield has learned a few tricks and he brings them to d.b.a. for a rare appearance on Saturday with able backing from Papa Mali and Johnny Vidacovich.
Details: Tickets $10, Friday, January 3, d.b.a (618 Frenchmen St. (504) 942-3731)
Johnny Winter
When it comes to the blues, Johnny Winter has a pedigree. Winter battled the requisite heroin addiction early in his career and was ripped off countless times and denied royalties from songs he wrote and recorded. His collaboration with Muddy Waters in the late 70s led to three Grammys and forever put him in the top ranks of great blues guitarists. He plays House of Blues on Saturday and will dig deep into his catalog of more than 25 albums while also featuring tunes from his 2011 release, Roots.
Details: Tickets $25, 9 p.m. Saturday, January 3, House of Blues (225 Decatur St., (504) 310-4999)
