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Pardi-Gras
2009
January 15-18, 2009
"Trop-Rockin' the Quarter"
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Pardi-Gras 2009 is history !
Visit the "Photos" page to see what it was like!
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Registration for Pardi-Gras 2009 is a two part process: First, fill out the information about yourself on the form to the right. Next, choose payment method (PayPal or mail a check to us) If you choose PayPal, click on the PayPal button, and you'll be directed to a page to pay for your registration over our secure link.
Registration is $62 per person. Pay by mail, and receive a $2 per person discount.
That's all there is to it! You'll receive an e-mail confirmation from us within 96 hours (usually sooner than that actually). Then you'll receive regular updates on Pardi-Gras 2009 activities and information. LADIES, PLEASE NOTE: Our event t-shirts are men's sizes. Please take that into account when designating your desired t-shirt size
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Mail your check for $60 per person, to:
Sail Away Promotions
P.O. Box 1641, Nederland, TX., 77627
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Click here to pay------>
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Single Day Registration
Beginning on Jan. 8, 2009, Pardi-Gras does accept "Single Day Registration". This is another option for folks who plan to attend our event for one or two days, but not for the entire event. You can register and pay for a single day wrist band here, and check in on the day that you arrive in New Orleans. pricing is as follows:
Thursday - $15
Friday - $20
Saturday - $25
You can register for more than one day with single day registration. Please note that single day registration does not include a t-shirt. However, if you would like to purchase a t-shirt SEPARATELY from your single day registration, you may be able to, as long as we have them in stock. They are available on a first come, first serve basis.
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T- SHIRTS - $20
order here ------>
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PARDI-GRAS 2009 HANDBOOK
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especially handy for folks who are attending Pardi-Gras for the first time!
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Pardi-Gras 2009 Handbook |
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Host Hotel Information:
The host hotel for Pardi-Gras 2009 is The Bourbon Orleans. They are SOLD OUT of the original Pardi-Gras block of rooms. However, if you'd still like to stay there, call 504-523-2222 for regular room rate reservations.
Host Sponsors
Pardi-Gras asks everyone to please be aware of and support our sponsors. We couldn't present Pardi-Gras without them!
1. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Cafe
2. Tropical Isle #1 - Bourbon @ Toulouse St.
3. Tropical Isle #2 - Bourbon @ Orleans St.
4. Funky Pirate - next to Tropical Isle #2
5. Orleans Grapevine - 700 block of Orleans St.
6. Landshark Lager - available everywhere!
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Pardi-Gras 2009 – “Trop-Rockin’ the Quarter”
SCHEDULE
( "+" denotes events that require credentials )
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Day
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Date
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Time
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Event / Entertainers
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Location / Venue
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THU
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Jan. 15
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1:00p-3:00p
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Goodie Bag Stuffing
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Bourbon Orleans – St. Ann room
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3:00p – 6:00p
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RADIO MARGARITAVILLE
Happy Hour Recording
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JB’s Margaritaville (DOWNstairs)
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6:15p – 9:00p
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+ Registration
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Bourbon Orleans – St. Ann Room
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630p – 7:00p
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+ JERRY DIAZ / Opening Toast
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Bourbon Orleans – St. Ann Room
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7:15p –8:45p
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+ KELLY MCGUIRE
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Bourbon Orleans – St. Ann Room
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9:00p – 11:00p
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+ JOHN RENO
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Tropical Isle #2
Orleans/Bourbon
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11:00p – 1:00a
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LATE AS USUAL
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Tropical Isle #1
Toulouse/Bourbon
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FRI
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Jan. 16
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12:00p – 3:00p
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+ Registration
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Bourbon Orleans – St. Ann room
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12:00p – 1:30p
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+ DENNIS DAVIS
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Bourbon Orleans – St. Ann room
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1:30p – 3:00p
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+ TROY ALLAN
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Bourbon Orleans – St. Ann room
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3:00p – 4:30p
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+ BRENT BURNS
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Tropical Isle #1
Toulouse/Bourbon
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4:30p – 6:00p
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+ JIM HOEHN
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Tropical Isle #1
Toulouse/Bourbon
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4:00p –6:00p
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+ BOURBON STREET PUB CRAWL
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various Bourbon Street locations
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6:00p – 7:45p
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+ LATITUDE
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Tropical Isle #2
Orleans/Bourbon
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8:00p
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+ Crowning of Pardi-Gras King & Queen
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Tropical Isle #2
Orleans/Bourbon
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8:15p -9:00p
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+ Pardi-Gras 2007 Parade!
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Tropical Isle to Margaritaville
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9:00p – 11:30p
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+ PHINS
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JB’s Margaritaville– Main Stage
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12:00a
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MONTE TOLAR’S Pirate Toast
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Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shoppe
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SAT
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Jan. 17
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12:00p–2:00p
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+ Registration
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700 block of Bourbon St.
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12:00p – 2:00p
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+ JIM ASBELL
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Tropical Isle #2
Orleans/Bourbon
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12:00p – 5:00p
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+ Bourbon Street Pardi !
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700 block of Bourbon St.
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2J0p–3:15p
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+ JERRY DIAZ & HANNA'S REEF
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700 block of Bourbon Street
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3:15p-3:45p
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+ RAFFLE DRAWINGS, AUCTIONS
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700 block of Bourbon Street
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3:45p–5:00p
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+ JERRY DIAZ & HANNA'S REEF
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700 block of Bourbon Street
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5:30p-7:30p
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+ NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS THOM SHEPHERD, JAMES SLATER, & LESLIE SATCHER
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Tropical Isle #2
Orleans/Bourbon
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8:00p – 11:00p
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+ BOAT DRUNKS
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JB’s Margaritaville- Main Stage
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11:00p – 1:00p
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LATE AS USUAL
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Tropical Isle #1
Toulouse/Bourbon
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SUN
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Jan. 18
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10:00a – 12:00p
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Sunday Brunch
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JB’s Margaritaville
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10:00a –12:00p
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+ LARRY JOE TAYLOR
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JIMMY B’s Margaritaville -
Main Stage
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12:30p – 2:00p
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+ GENE MITCHELL
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Tropical Isle #2
Orleans/Bourbon
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2:30p -
4:00p
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+ COCONUT DAVE
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Tropical Isle #2
Orleans/Bourbon
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Fundraising
Pardi-Gras conducts a number of different fund-raising activities during the event. We have a silent auction (set up in the St. Ann Room at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel), a live auction of a few very special items, and several raffle items that we will sell tickets for throughout the weekend.
Funds collected are donated to two of our favorite charities:
1. COPS 8 - a non-profit organization that provides services and needed supplies to police officers of the 8th District of New Orleans. The 8th District includes the French Quarter area, where all activities of Pardi-Gras take place. Click HERE for more information
2. New Orleans Musician's Clinic - a non-profit organization that provides needed health services to musicians in the Greater New Orleans area, who are otherwise unable to access these services on their own. Click HERE for more information
If you or your organization would like to donate an item or two to our raffle, or silent or live auctions, please contact Pam Nelson, at ParrotHeadPamN@aol.com
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| Raffle Tickets
Want to get your raffle tickets in advance, AND have the convenience of putting them on your credit card? Here's a great way to do that! Click the PayPal button to the left, and for $20 you'll receive 25 raffle tickets when you come in for registration. That way, you can hang on to more of your cash while you're at Pardi-Gras, but still have a chance at the great prizes we are going to have there. And most importantly, you'll be helping out our charities. 100% of raffle ticket sales go to our two charities.
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Want to ride in the Pardi-Gras Parade with the Radio Margaritaville?
The current HIGH bid for the opportunity is $110, from Mary Dronet. If you'd like to make a bid for this, please e-mail Jerry at jerry@jerrydiaz.com
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Artist Profiles
We add a different "Pardi-Gras" artist profile every week until the event.
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| Larry Joe Taylor |
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| LARRY JOE TAYLOR
Pardi-Gras is pleased to welcome Texas singer/songwriter LARRY JOE TAYLOR to our festivities this year. Larry Joe's signature story-telling style and quick wit have made him a crowd favorite from coast to coast. Much of his music is based on real life experiences from the Texas coast, including his beloved Port Aransas. In fact, he descibes his music as "Coastal and Western".
Larry Joe currently has 9 CDs available, including his latest, "Times". In addition to his recordings, and extensive touring schedule, Larry Joe hosts and promotes several well-known musical events of his own. Most notable amongst them is his annual "Texas Music Festival" in April. For more info on Larry Joe Taylor, please visit his website, at www.larryjoetaylor.com
Larry Joe Taylor will perform at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Cafe on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, from 10am-noon.
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LATITUDE
Pardi-Gras is pleased to welcome the dynamic duo from Myrtle Beach, SC, known as "LATITUDE". Their high energy show has been entertaining audiences throughout the country for several years, and they have made previous appearances at Pardi-Gras. Tom and Michelle Becker are true professionals, and are also know for "giving back" to the music community with their well-known organization, "Margarita Mafia", and the "Trop-Rock" music awards. ( http://www.margaritamafia.com )
Latitude currently has 5 CDs available, including their latest, "Just Add Water". Their recordings feature great original music, and the superb songwriting of Michelle Becker, (and occasionally Tom Becker). For more info on Latitude, please visit their website, at www.latitudemusic.net
LATITUDE will perform upstairs at The Tropical Isle (Orleans and Bourbon St.) on Friday, Jan. 16, 2009, from 6pm-8pm.
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| Michelle and Tom Becker, aka "Latitude" |
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| Jim Hoehn |
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JIM HOEHN
Pardi-Gras is pleased to welcome the wittiest man in Wisconsin, singer/songwriter JIM HOEHN. "The King of Black Velvet" himself, will be in town for a raucous Friday afternoon crowd at the Tropical Isle on Toulouse and Bourbon Streets.
A veteran of several past Pardi-Gras editions, Jim is familiar to a lot of you who have been coming to Pardi-Gras for the past few years. His great story-telling songs, and dry sense of humor have made him a favorite at events from coast to coast, and especially in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin. Jim is a writer's writer, and his prowess is not confined to songwriting alone. He has recently fixed his sights on the literary world, and published a primer for fathers and fathers to be. He's got four CDs of his own material out, and is the force behind the "Thongs in the Key of Life" CD series. Oh, and by the way, he's written songs recorded by The Boat Drunks, John Reno, and Kevin Mulvenna. For more info on Jim Hoehn, please visit his website, at www.JIMHOEHN.com
Jim Hoehn will perform at The Tropical Isle #1 ( Toulouse and Bourbon St.) on Friday, Jan. 16, 2009, from 430pm-6pm.
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PHINS
Pardi-Gras is pleased to welcome back PHINS, the Midwestʼs premier trop-rock band, and winner of the 2008 Horizon Award at the first annual Trop-Rock Music Awards. PHINS, a 6-piece band from St. Louis, MO, has entertained folks from Minnesota to Key West, and from the Midwest to the Atlantic coast. They are currently in the studio finishing up work on their second CD, "Welcome To The Beach". Discounted pre-orders for the new CD will be available at PHINS show on Friday. For more info on PHINS, go to www.phinsband.com
PHINS will perform at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Cafe on Friday, Jan. 16, 2009, from 9pm-1130pm.
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| PHINS |
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| Gene Mitchell |
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| GENE MITCHELL
Pardi-Gras is pleased to welcome a great singer/songwriter to Sunday afternoon's schedule, Mr. GENE MITCHELLl
Gene is making a return appearance to Pardi-Gras. In addition, Gene has entertained folks from coast to coast, including a very exciting feature halftime performance at the nationally televised 2007 Capital One Bowl! Gene currently has nine CD's available, including his latest "Dancing on the Beach". For more info on Gene Mitchell, please visit his website, at www.genemitchell.com
Gene Mitchell will perform at The Tropical Isle #2 (Bourbon/Orleans) on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, from 12:30pm-2pm.
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KELLY MCGUIRE
Pardi-Gras is pleased to welcome Texas singer/songwriter KELLY MCGUIRE to New Orleans this year!
Kelly is making a return appearance to Pardi-Gras. A very talented songwriter, Kelly's songs are heard on Radio Margaritaville and many other internet stations. Kelly's music is critically accalimed, including a recent award for "Album of the Year" at the Texas Music Awards for his latest effort, "Boat in Belize". For more information about Kelly, please visit his website, at www.redfishisland.com
Kelly McGuire will perform at The Bourbon Orleans Hotel (St. Ann Room) on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, from 7:15pm-8:45pm.
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| Kelly McGuire |
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| Jim Asbell |
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| JIM ASBELL
Pardi-Gras is pleased to welcome Atlanta, Georgia based singer/songwriter JIM ASBELL to New Orleans this year!
Jim is making his first appearance at Pardi-Gras. A favorite of the Atlanta and the surrounding area, Jim is highly energetic, and has performed several times at the Bull and Whistle in Key West, Florida during Meeting of the Minds. Jim has two CDs available for purchase, including his latest, "Tropiholics" For more information about Jim, please visit his website, at www.JIMASBELL.com
Jim Asbell will perform at The Tropical Isle #2 (Bourbon / Orleans St.) on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, from 12:00pm-2:00pm.
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JOHN RENO
Pardi-Gras is pleased to welcome our good friend, and New Orleans native JOHN RENO back for his 11th consecutive appearance at our event. A well-known singer/songwriter who now lives in Fairhope, Alabama, John has been entertaining folks at events across the country for the past several years. When he's not on his sailboat, John spends a good amount of time every summer playing for the many tourists who flock to Coastal Alabama's beaches . John has three CDs available for purchase, including his latest one, "Magic Chair ". For more info about John, please visit his website, at www.JOHNRENO.com
John Reno will perform at The Tropical Isle #2 (Bourbon / Orleans) on Thursday, Jan. 15, from 9pm-11pm
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| John Reno |
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| Brent Burns |
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| BRENT BURNS
Pardi-Gras is pleased to welcome BRENT BURNS back to our party this year!
A crowd favorite from coast to coast, Brent is making his 10th appearance at Pardi-Gras. Living in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama, Brent spends a great deal of his time entertaining tourists from all over the country there. But Brent travels also, playing at several events the past few years, as well as house concerts. Brent's music can be heard on Radio Margaritaville, as well as many other "over the air" radio stations throughout the country. Brent has 6 CD's available for sale, including his current one, "Ragtops and Flip Flops" . In addition to his many musical accomplishments, Brent has donated several thousands of dollars from his CD sales to "Habitat for Humanity". For more information about Brent, please visit his website, at www.BRENTBURNS.com
Brent Burns will perform at The Tropical Isle #1 (Bourbon / Toulouse) on Friday, Jan. 16, from 3pm-4:30pm
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THE BOATDRUNKS
Pardi-Gras is pleased to welcome our friends from Central Illinois, the very talented band called The BOAT DRUNKS!
The "Drunks" are well known throughout the country, playing at many events coast to coast the past few years. They were also recently named the Band of the Year at the Margarita Mafia's 1st Annual Trop Rock awards. Their music is heard on Radio Margaritaville and other popular internet radio stations. They have two CDs available for purchase, including their latest one, "Wahine Man ". For more info about The Boat Drunks, please visit their website, at www.boatdrunks.com
The Boat Drunks will perform at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Cafe on Saturday, Jan. 17, from 8:30pm-11pm
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| Boat Drunks |
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| Troy Allan |
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| TROY ALLAN
Pardi-Gras is pleased to welcome TROY ALLAN to our event this year!
You may recognize Troy as the bass player for the band HANNA's REEF. In fact, Troy was recently selected as the co-winner of the Margarita Mafia's Trop-Rock award for musician of the year, for his bass playing. But in addition to being a first rate bass player, Troy is also a very talented singer and songwriter as well. Hailing from Beaumont, Texas, Troy taps into his East Texas roots and new found love of the beach for musical inspiration. Troy currently has 1 CD available for sale "Just South of Corpus", with a second one about to release anytime. For more information about Troy, please visit his website, at www.TROYALLAN.com
Troy Allan will perform at The St. Ann Room (Bourbon Orleans Hotel) on Friday, Jan. 16, from 1:30pm-3:00pm
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COCONUT DAVE
Pardi-Gras is pleased to welcome our good friend from coastal Mississippi, the very talented COCONUT DAVE WAUGH!
Playing steel drums and accompanying with his vocals, Coconut Dave performs extensively throughout Southern Mississippi, including all of the casinos around Biloxi, and Ocean Springs. He has performed at Pardi-Gras several times, and occasionally plays steel drums with the bands Hanna's Reef, Kelly McGuire, and the Sunny Jim Band. In fact, he recently completed an album project with Sunny Jim entitled "Garden by the Bay" Dave has a total of four CDs available for purchase. For more info about Coconut Dave, please visit his website, at www.coconutdave.com
Coconut Dave will perform at The Tropical Isle #2 (Bourbon / Orleans) on Sunday, Jan. 18, from 2:30pm-4pm
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| Coconut Dave |
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| "Docta Phlocka" |
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| "DOCTA PHLOCKA"
Making his Pardi Gras debut is DOCTA PHLOCKA, the renowned free-lance 'Bush' doctor (aka 'Voodoo Gynecologist?), part-time beach bum, occasional witch-doctor, and always outrageous!
On loan from the Lake Charles, La. Pelican Coast Parrot Head Club, Phlocka's antics range from bestowing island names to raucous chants and even an occasional virgin sacrifice. If that's not enough for you, Docta Phlocka's entourage includes his scantilly-clad lovelies, The Phlockettes, along with his buffed-up personal escorts, The Restless Na'ives. What he will actually do at Pardi Gras is anybody's guess, but trust us, if he gets out on bail and actually shows up, this is one cameo act you don't want to miss.
"Docta Phlocka" will perform at The Tropical Isle #2 (Bourbon / Orleans St.) on Friday, Jan. 16, sometime between 6pm- 8pm
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DENNIS DAVIS
Pardi-Gras is pleased to welcome a very talented Texas singer/songwriter, DENNIS DAVIS.
Though he's making his very first Pardi-Gras feature appearance, Dennis has been singing and performing throughout coastal Texas for the past few years. His influences are vast, including everything from Elvis, to Gordon Lightfoot, to Jimmy Buffett. Dennis recently completed his first CD entitled "Barefoot on the Beach". For more info about Dennis, please visit his website (click HERE )
Dennis Davis will perform at The St. Ann Room @ The Bourbon Orleans Hotel on Friday, Jan. 16, from 12pm-1:30pm
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| Dennis Davis |
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| Jerry Diaz & Hanna's Reef |
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| JERRY DIAZ & HANNA'S REEF
Making their 7th appearance at Pardi-Gras, we are pleased to welcome the Texas band JERRY DIAZ & HANNA'S REEF.
Playing their self-described "Texas Beach Music" Hanna's Reef mixes a variety of original tunes with tropical covers. Hanna's Reef has played throughout the country, and tours extensively in Texas. They currently have two CDs available for ourchase, and plan a 2009 release of their third CD. For more info about the band, visit their website at www.hannasreef.com
Jerry Diaz & Hanna's Reef will perform at The Bourbon Street Block Party ( corner of Bourbon / Orleans St.) on Saturday, Jan. 17, from 2pm- 5pm
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THE MASTER GATOR
Pardi-Gras would like to introduce you to the creative force behind the event, "The Master Gator".
Born in the bayous near Houma. LA., the Master Gator (that's his island name, by the way) migrated to the French Quarter in the mid-80's, to pursue his culinary degree. Living below the streets of the Quarter by day, at night he bartended, did odd jobs, and even played bass guitar in a band to make ends meet. One morning, while peering up through the sewer grate near the corner of Bourbon and Orleans Streets, he came face to face with Pardi-Gras founder Jerry Diaz. After a brief brain-storming/storm-draining session, the idea for Pardi-Gras was hatched. As a gesture to his friend the Master Gator, Diaz has made his likeness the "face" of Pardi-Gras, and you can see him every year on the front of the event's t-shirt.
The Master Gator doesn't actually perform anymore. He prefers to watch the revelry from below now, so you might actually see him if you happen to get your eyes very close to the street or sidewalk. There you might see him watching one of his favorite movies, such as "No Mercy" (he was a consultant on that) or lampooning the flagrant stereotyping of "Lake Placid". He still stays in touch with the entertainment business, as he has a cousin who works closely with the University of Florida's marketing department, and an up and coming family friend who has been featured in the Geico Insurance commercials. So raise a toast to the Master Gator sometime during the weekend, and if you hear Jerry Reed's tune "Amos Moses" coming from somewhere you can't quite figure out, he's probably nearby.
The Master Gator will be under the streets of the French Quarter all weekend. Say hello if you see him, or throw him a bone...er, Lucky Dog.
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| The Master Gator |
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| Jerry Diaz |
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| JERRY DIAZ
Pardi-Gras "entertainment" officially begins on Thursday evening, with the traditional toast by Texas singer/songwriter JERRY DIAZ.
As always, it will be a light-hearted 30 minute set, and more of a "welcome to New Orleans" greeting than a typical Diaz solo show. If you are in town already, please come out, because I'd like to see and meet everyone at least once during the weekend, before things get too hectic to make that possible. Besides, someone has to make sure that the PA system is working correctly...that's me!
Jerry Diaz will perform at The St. Ann Room @ The Bourbon Orleans Hotel on Thursday, Jan. 15, from 630pm-7pm
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Event Profiles
We add a different "Pardi-Gras" event profile every week until the event.
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| Mary Diaz with David and Susan Barnes, King and Queen of Pardi-Gras 2008 |
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| CROWNING OF THE PARDI-GRAS KING AND QUEEN
The Crowning of the King and Queen of Pardi-Gras occurs at the Tropical Isle #2 (Bourbon and Orleans Streets) on Friday night, Jan. 16. It has ALWAYS been done on Friday night, as long as there has been a Pardi-Gras. It has ALWAYS happened at the Tropical Isle (upstairs). Now that's tradition! At the crowning, the King and Queen of Pardi-Gras are announced for the first time. Believe it or not, the choice for King and Queen is a closely guarded secret, until the crowning occurs. Our current King and Queen are David and the late Susan Barnes (shown here).
Besides presiding over all of the ceremonies pertaining to Pardi-Gras, the King and Queen also are the Grand Marshals of the Pardi-Gras Parade.
The Crowning of the King and Queen of Pardi-Gras happens at the Tropical Isle #2 (Bourbon and Orleans) on Friday, Jan. 16, at 8pm.
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THE BOURBON STREET BLOCK PARTY
The Bourbon Street Block Party is a relatively new addition to Pardi-Gras. It was started in 2006, at the suggestion of Earl Bernhardt, to help folks in New Orleans recover from Hurricane Katrina with a much needed community party. It has become a very popular part of the weekend. On Saturday morning, we block off the street in front of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, set up a huge stage, and have a party!
About midway through the musical performances, we have a few announcements, proclaimations, and raffle drawings. Musical entertainment this year will be provided by Jerry Diaz & Hanna's Reef.
The Bourbon Street Block Party happens at the 700 block of Bourbon Street on Saturday, Jan. 17, from 2pm - 5pm.
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| Bourbon Street Block Party |
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| Margaritaville Cafe - New Orleans |
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| THE SUNDAY BRUNCH
The Sunday Brunch is a mainstay of the Pardi-Gras tradition. We've been doing this since the year 2000, and it continues to be one of the favoriite events during Pardi-Gras. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Cafe will open up early just for us (they don't do breakfast) and we have live entertaiment from Texas singer/songwriter Larry Joe Taylor. Here's how it works: We sell only 100 brunch tickets ($10 each) UPDATE: The Brunch is SOLD OUT. That entitles you to a seat downstairs in the main room, plus the buffett/brunch. However (and this is important) if you are not able to get a brunch ticket, you are still able to come to the music event. It's part of Pardi-Gras, and as long as you have a PG badge, you can get in. You will be seated upstairs, and you can order off of the regular menu (lunch menu, that is). So it's all good!
The Sunday Brunch happens at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Cafe on Sunday (duh!), Jan. 18, from 10am - 12pm.
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THE PARDI-GRAS PARADE
The Pardi-Gras Parade is a popular ongoing tradition at our event. We've been doing this since the year 2004, and it is one of the highlights of Friday's many activities. We parade in a designated route from the Tropical Isle (Bourbon @ Orleans) down Bourbon Street. We encourage everyone to bring (or buy) beads to throw to the hundreds of people lining the sidewalks of Bourbon Street. We'll have walkers in costumes, in normal dress, and also vehicles from some of our sponsors. The newly crowned Pardi-Gras King and Queen guide the parade in the "official" lead car. If you'd like to have a vehicle of your own in the parade, please contact Parade Chairman Bud Byram, at gbyram@gt.rr.com If you'd like to walk in the parade, all you have to do is be ready to line up at the Tropical Isle at Orleans Street on Friday night at 8pm (right after the Crowning of the King and Queen). OR, you can bid on the opportunity to ride with the Radio Margaritaville crew!
The Pardi-Gras Parade happens on Bourbon Street on Friday , Jan. 16, from 8pm - 9pm.
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| Pardi-Gras Parade |
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| Radio Margaritaville Happy Hour |
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| RADIO MARGARITAVILLE HAPPY HOUR
Pardi-Gras kicks off every year with a very fun event known as the "Radio Margaritaville Happy Hour". Those of you who are regular listeners of Radio Margaritaville are well aware that they broadcast a program every Friday afternoon at 4pm CST called "Happy Hour from New Orleans". The show is actually pre-recorded, on Thursday afternoons inside the New Orleans Margaritaville Cafe, in front of diners and party-goers alike. On Thursday, Jan. 15, they'll have the microphones set up on the main stage at the Cafe, and we will be able to attend the taping of the show. We'll have several of our Pardi-Gras entertainers there to do on-air interviews, and also to sing a few songs in between the taping of the segments. You can also meet and greet the Radio Margaritaville on-air personalities Carson Cooper, Greg Dumas, and Sheila Chimento. And don't forget, you can bid on the opportunity to ride with the Radio Margaritaville crew in the Pardi-Gras Parade!
The Radio Margaritaville Happy Hour happens at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Cafe on Thursday , Jan. 15, from 3pm - 6pm
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WORLD FAMOUS PUB CRAWL
The longest running event at Pardi-Gras (and still the most popular) is the "World Famous Pub Crawl". Imagine 200 or so highly-motivated drinkers walking into your bar on Bourbon Street, all wanting a drink RIGHT NOW! Well that's the perspective of the 6 bars that we go into on Friday afternoon during Pardi-Gras. Led on this "mission" by Jon Boy, Wayne Williamson, and Dammit Earl (you'll know who they are) we follow one simple rule: you must have one drink at every bar we go into. It's an honor system kind of thing, so we need to know that we can count on you to hold up your end. We'll start at the Bourbon Cowboy, at 135 Bourbon Street (where they have 3 for 1's BTW) and eventually make our way down to the Tropical Isle at Orleans St. and Bourbon, for the show by Latitude. In case you haven't figured it out, it's really just an excuse for a bunch of otherwise responsible adults to act like the children they really are (and have fun doing it!)
The "World Famous Pub Crawl" happens at various locations on Bourbon Street on Friday , Jan. 16, from 4pm - 6pm.
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| Pardi-Gras Pub Crawl |
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| Monte Tolar's Pirate Toast |
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| MONTE TOLAR'S PIRATE TOAST
Aaargh Mateys! Calling all pirates, wenches, (and landlubbers) to join our good friend Monte Tolar for his 4th annual "Pirate Toast" at midnight! A master of both pillaging and plundering, Captain Tolar cleans up once a year to lead a group of respectable people (that's us) in a traditional pirate toast. It is the followed immediately by pirate chantys (that's one in the photo, with John Reno). The costumes, the place, the alcohol all make for a true "pirate" experience in the city where pirates STILL roam the streets! (Costumes are encouraged, but not mandatory)
"Monte Tolar's Pirate Toast" happens at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shoppe, at 941 Bourbon Street on Friday , Jan. 16, at MIDNIGHT.
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NASHVILLE SONGWRITER'S SHOWCASE
For the third straight year, Pardi-Gras is pleased to host a very special musical event that we call "The Nashville Songwriters' Show" Hosted by our good friend Thom Shepherd (pictured here) the event features a true "songwriters in the round" format. This year, Thom's guests include two very talented Nashville songwriters, James Slater, and Leslie Satcher. Between the three of them, you'll get to hear many, many current and recent radio hits that they've written. The show takes place upstairs at the Tropical Isle #2, but there are a few subtle differences with this show from our other events on Bourbon Street. Foremost, this is a "listening" event, so please treat it as such. There will be auditorium seating in front of the stage. But...it is a very fun show! This is a true "must see" event at Pardi-Gras!
The Nashville Songwriter's Showcase happens at The Tropical Isle #2 (Bourbon / Orleans St. ) on Saturday , Jan. 17, from 5:30-7:30pm.
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| Thom Shepherd |
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| Dave & Carolyn McBride |
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| REGISTRATION
While it's not what you'd typically think of as an event, registration at Pardi-Gras is a lot of fun, and with a quick explanation, can go smoothly for you (and us). First of all, it's not actually "registration". You did that on-line, or by mail, when you paid your fee. This is more like "check-in". It takes place in the St. Ann Room, at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. Go there during the designated registration time windows, and you'll be able to pick up your badge, t-shirt, goodie bag, brunch tickets, and/or raffle tickets. Also, if you have not paid yet, and do want to register on-site, this is where you do it.
Another important aspect of the registration area is the Silent Auction room. This is where we'll have the items for the silent auction displayed We'll also have the live auction items on display for your convenience. You can make a bid on any of the silent auction items, when you register, or any time during the weekend that the area is open.
Don't forget that we also have live music, and adult beverages (a limited amount...and you can BYOB, 'cuz there's no bar) at registration. There will also be an artist's table of CD's set up in registration, for your shopping pleasure.
The smiling couple to your left are David and Carolyn McBride, and they are in charge of registration.
Registration happens at The St. Ann Room at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel on Thursday (6:15pm-9pm) Friday (noon-3pm) and Saturday (noon-2pm)
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Pub Crawl Schedule / Friday, Jan. 16
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Time
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Bar
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Address
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Specials?
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Live Music?
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| 4:00 |
Bourbon Cowboy |
135 Bourbon |
3 for 1 drinks |
No |
| 4:20 |
Famous Door |
339 Bourbon |
3 for 1 drinks |
Yes |
| 4:40 |
Fat Katz |
440 Bourbon |
3 for 1 drinks |
No |
| 5:00 |
Razzoo's |
511 Bourbon |
3 for 1 drinks |
No |
| 5:20 |
Tropical Isle Beach Club |
611 Bourbon |
3 for 1 drinks |
Yes |
| 5:40 |
Tropical Isle #2 |
727 Bourbon |
3 for 1 drinks |
Yes |
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