The Big Easy in Buffalo is celebrating Mardi Gras season with 3 shows

Mon, 01/30/2023 10:10 a.m

NOLA’s John Papa Gros Band joins WNY’s top bands

The Big Easy in Buffalo has announced three shows to celebrate Mardi Gras season:

• February 18 – Mardi Graski with LeeRon Zydeco & The Buffalo Touch Polka Band – Sportsmen’s Tavern – Organizers said, “Two of the best Buffalos reunite after last year’s sold out show to celebrate separately and together for a special ‘Mardi Graski ‘ concert that continues The Big Easy in Buffalo’s ‘Cultural Connections’ series.”

•Feb. 24 – The Jay#Tet & Folkfaces, The 16th Annual Mardi Gras Jam – DHU Strand Theater – A press release states, “Another ‘Cultural Connections’ show, modern jazz meets Americana, with each band playing their own set and then adds up to a bunch of Mardi Gras favorites.”

• March 4 – John Papa Gros Band with Randle & The Late Night Scandals – The Cave – Organizers noted, “Gros, founder of Papa Grows Funk and a favorite of Buffalo’s Big Easy, brings his mix of New Orleans classics and Original material that includes R&B, funk, rock and jam band music. The show will open with Buffalo’s own blues powerhouse Randle & The Late Night Scandals.”

“Three weeks, three shows, six bands, one great celebration,” said Artistic/Executive Director Tod A. Kniazuk. “We’re excited to showcase the music and spirit of New Orleans and Mardi Gras through so many different styles of music.”

For more information, including ticket links, visit www.thebigeasyinbuffalo.org and www.facebook.com/TheBigEasyInBuffalo.

Several times a year since 2007, The Big Easy in Buffalo has brought music and culture from New Orleans and Louisiana to the West New York area for free and low-cost live performances, as well as music education and mentoring for local musicians, students and the community. Buffalo’s The Big Easy introduced thousands of students, dozens of local bands and countless spectators across western New York to this uniquely American culture.

The Big Easy in Buffalo is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with support from Gov. Hochul and the NYS Legislature, Erie County, buffalo.fm, Buffalo Iron Works, Sportsmen’s Tavern, National Fuel Gas Co. , and Dick & Jenny’s.