It's Mardi Gras Mayhem at the Schwartz Center Feb. 18
The Schwartz Center for the Arts celebrates the season with its Mardi Gras Mayhem show, featuring music by the popular Cajun band Zydeco-A-Go-Go, food from Cajun Queen and the debut of the Capitol Lounge.
Stepping off from its sold out Lip Sync Battle the weekend before, Dover's Schwartz Center for the Arts keeps the fun going Saturday, Feb. 18, starting at 7 p.m., by celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans style. Beyond the complimentary beads and masks, the evening features authentic music by a sought-after Zydeco band, authentic Cajun food and specialty drinks. Those looking for the real Mardi Gras experience should look no further.
Founded in 1992, this all-star group boasts colorful personnel with decades of experience. They get the dance floor crowded and busy, with smiling faces everywhere.
Crowds have enjoyed the band's performances at some of the most popular locations, such as the legendary Rock & Bowl in New Orleans, Philadelphia's The Kimmell Center and World Café, Musikfest in Bethlehem, Pa., the Philadelphia Folk Fest, and many popular Delaware and Maryland beach venues.
KBON, a popular radio station in the heart of Louisiana's Cajun country, put the group's debut CD "Zydeco Dance Party!" into its daily rotation and has been played on dozens of radio stations across the USA and overseas, receiving rave reviews.
The six-piece band features heavy hitters in their own right, many of whom have toured with famed artists such as Otis Rush, Bo Diddley, Sonny Rhodes, Lonnie Shields, Robert Hazzard, Pinetop Perkins, Bill Haley, Jr and the Comets, the Delfonics, the Soul Survivors, among an impressive list of others.
Bandleader Pete Gumbo, on accordion, piano, and vocals, has played with well-known bands and was a founding member of underground cult legend "Philly Gumbo," Guitarist Billy Baltera studied at Boston's Berklee School of Music and has fronted many popular bands.
As an added benefit to ticket holders the night of the show, the Schwartz Center will debut its Capitol Lounge. From 6 to 7 p.m., patrons will enjoy a complimentary specialty drink and lite fare, with full bar available. For each show where the Capitol Lounge is offered, a different menu and drink will be offered. For this show, the drink will be The Hurricane and food will be prepared by Cajun Queens. A limited number of $10 tickets will be offered beginning at 5:30 p.m. the day of the show. For those unable to experience the Capitol Lounge, doors open at 6 p.m. with full concessions.
