| Pardi-Gras(R)
2013
"Hand Grenades and
Grand Parades"
Jan. 17-20, 2013
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Registration is now open!
Scroll down and follow instructions below
to register
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Pardi-Gras is a registered trademark of Sail Away Entertainment
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Pardi-Gras(R) 2013 will be limited to the first 500 registrants!
First come, first serve, so get your registration in early!
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Single Day Registration Now Open!
Want to attend Pardi-Gras but won't be in town for th entire weekend?
We offer a LIMITED number (30) of single day passes for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday's activities. Click HERE for more info, and to purchase yours!
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Register by PayPal, for INSTANT registration
Follow instructions below
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(or, if you prefer to pay by mailing a check, click HERE for printable form.
If mailing a check, do NOT Use the form below)
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Registration for Pardi-Gras 2013 is a TWO PART process:
FIRST, fill out the information about yourself on the form to the right (please be sure to fill it out for EACH registrant).
NEXT, click on the PayPal button below, and you'll be directed to a page to pay for your registration over our secure link.
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Registration is $77 per person.
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That's all there is to it!
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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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Click here to pay------>
That's it! You're registered
You will receive an e-mail confirmation from us within 7 days (usually sooner than that actually). Then you'll receive regular updates on Pardi-Gras 2013 activities and information.
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The next thing you want to do is book a hotel room. We HIGHLY recommend that you consider the host hotel, THE BOURBON ORLEANS HOTEL. Our original block of 100 rooms is already sold out, but there are other rooms available at the hotel at the "rack" rate. Another option is our "spillover" hotel, The Hotel Provincial (see info below). We had a 50 room block there, but THEY are also sold out. Regardless, be sure to reserve a room somewhere early, because New Orleans will be very, very busy in January!
(The Super Bowl is in New Orleans two weeks after Pardi-Gras)
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Host Hotel Information:
The host hotel for Pardi-Gras 2013 is The Bourbon Orleans.
The special "Pardi-Gras" rate of $159 is sold out, but there are still rooms available there at the rack rate. Call 504-523-2222, or go online at( www.bourbonorleans.com ) to make your room reservations.
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The Hotel Provincial is conveniently located between Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Cafe, and the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. To make your reservations at the Hotel Provincial, call 800-535-7922, or book on-line at www.hotelprovincial.com . If you are unable to make a reservation at either of these hotels, please consult www.hotels.com or whatever service or travel agent you use.
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After you've registered and made your hotel arrangements, be sure to stay up-to-date on all of the Pardi-Gras announcements.
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Join the Pardi-Gras e-mail list here!
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Pardi-Gras(R) 2013
"Hand Grenades Grand Parades"
Schedule of events
+ denotes events that require credentials
| Day |
Date |
Time |
Event / Entertainers |
Location / Venue |
| WED |
Jan. 16 |
5:00pm-9:00pm |
CAPTAIN LEO SINGLETON |
Tropical Isle
(Bourbon / Orleans)
|
| |
|
6:30PM-10:30PM |
JOE BENNETT |
JB's Margaritaville
Storyville Tavern |
| THU |
Jan. 17 |
3:00p – 6:00p |
RADIO MARGARITAVILLE Happy Hour Recording |
JB’s Margaritaville
(DOWNstairs)
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|
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6:15p – 9:00p |
+ REGISTRATION |
Bourbon Orleans–
St. Joseph Room
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| |
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6:00p – 7:15p |
+ JOE BENNETT
|
The Funky Pirate |
| |
|
6:45p -
7:45p
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+ MATT HOGGATT
|
Bourbon "O" Bar |
| |
|
7:30p –9:00p |
+ JOHN FRIDAY
|
The Funky Pirate |
| |
|
9:00p – 11:00p |
+ JOHN RENO DUO |
Tropical Isle
(Bourbon/Orleans)
|
| |
|
11:00p – 1:00a |
LATE AS USUAL
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Tropical Isle
(Bourbon/Toulouse)
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| FRI |
Jan. 18 |
12:00p – 2:00p |
+ REGISTRATION |
Bourbon Orleans –
St. Joseph room
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| |
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11:30a -12:00p |
+ KELLY BROWN |
Bourbon O! |
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12:00p - 12:30p |
+ BEN REYNA |
Bourbon O! |
| |
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12:30p-1:30p |
+ STEVE JOHNSON |
Bourbon O! |
| |
|
1:30p – 3:00p |
+ RICK LAMB
|
Bourbon O! |
| |
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3:00p – 4:30p |
+ JIM HOEHN
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Tropical Isle
(Bourbon/Toulouse)
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4:30p – 6:00p |
+ DENNIS McCAUGHEY
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Tropical Isle
(Bourbon/Toulouse)
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4:00p –6:00p |
+ BOURBON STREET PUB CRAWL
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various Bourbon
Street locations
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6:00p – 7:30p |
+ JIMMY MARAVENTANO & MICHAEL CRAWLEY
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Tropical Isle
(Bourbon/Orleans)
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7:45p |
+ Crowning of Pardi-Gras King & Queen |
Tropical Isle
(Bourbon/Orleans)
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8:00p -9:00p |
+ PARDI-GRAS PARADE |
Tropical Isle to
Margaritaville
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9:00p – 11:30p |
+ THE BOAT DRUNKS
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JB’s Margaritaville–
Main Stage
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12:00a |
MONTE TOLAR’S Pirate Toast |
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shoppe |
| SAT |
Jan. 19 |
11:30A–1:00p |
+ DON MIDDLEBROOK |
Tropical Isle
(Bourbon/Orleans)
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12:00p – 2:00p |
+ REGISTRATION |
700 block of Bourbon St. |
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12:00p – 5:00p |
+ Bourbon Street Pardi ! |
700 block of Bourbon St. |
|
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1:00p - 1:45p |
+ LATE AS USUAL |
700 block of Bourbon
Street
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2:00p–3:30p |
+ JERRY DIAZ & HANNA’S REEF |
700 block of Bourbon
Street
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3:30p-4:00p |
+ RAFFLE DRAWINGS, AUCTIONS |
700 block of Bourbon
Street
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4:00p–5:30p |
+ JERRY DIAZ & HANNA’S REEF |
700 block of Bourbon
Street
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6:00p-8:00p |
+ DENNIS DAVIS |
Gazebo Cafe |
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8:30p – 11:00p |
+ STILL CRUISIN'
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JB’s Margaritaville-
Main Stage
|
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11:00p – 1:00p |
LATE AS USUAL |
Tropical Isle (Bourbon/Toulouse) |
| SUN |
Jan. 20 |
9:00a – 11:00p |
SUNDAY BRUNCH |
JB’s Margaritaville |
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9:00a –11:00a |
+ ROB MEHL |
JB’s Margaritaville -
Main Stage
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11:30a – 1:00p |
+ PAUL ROUSH |
Gazebo Cafe |
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1:30p-4:30p |
+ IN THE ROUND:
SUNNY JIM/ BRENT BURNS / JERRY DIAZ
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Tropical Isle
(Bourbon/Orleans)
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5:00p-6:30p |
+ CAPTAIN LEO |
Tropical Isle
(Bourbon/Orleans)
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| BRENT BURNS |
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| BRENT BURNS Gulf Shores, Alabama Pardi-Gras 2013 welcomes back this very successful singer/songwriter, whose music has become a fixture at our event. And it's easy to see why, since his last two CDs have been voted "Trop Rock CD of the Year" by members of the Margarita Mafia. In addition to making great CDs, Brent is an excellent live performer (and a helluva guy) He's raised more money for charity than just about any other musician in the Trop-Rock genre. Don't miss his show! For more info about Brent, please visit his website, at www.brentburns.com
Brent Burns will perform Sunday afternoon, Jan. 20, at the Tropical Isle (Bourbon / Orleans) upstairs, from 1:30pm-4:30pm
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DENNIS McCAUGHEY
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Pardi-Gras is pleased to welcome Dennis McCaughey back for his second ever appearance at our event this year. Along with the trio TROPICAL SOUL, Dennis performs 150 plus shows per year, and another 150 or so as a solo artist. These appearances include openings for national artists such as Jimmy Buffett, Scott Kirby, Peter Mayer, Mac McAnally, Club Trini, and Bill "The Sauce Boss" Wharton, St. Somewhere, and have performed with John Frinzi, Doyle Grisham, James "Sunny Jim" White, Tall Paul and Crawdaddy, the Calypso Nuts and Jimmy and the Parrots, among many other Trop Rock artists. Musical collaborations include R. Scott Bryan, who spent five years with the Sheryl Crow Band and who played percussion and produced the Tropical Soul, No Plans At All and We're All Here CDs, and Tina Gullickson, of Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band. In addition, both Peter Mayer and Doyle Grisham of the Coral Reefer band played on the No Plans At All CD.
For more info about Dennis and his music, please visit his website, at www.tropicalsoul.net
Dennis McCaughey will perform Friday afternoon, Jan. 18, at the Tropical Isle (Bourbon / Toulouse) , from 4:30pm-6:00pm
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| DENNIS MCCAUGHEY |
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| SUNNY JIM |
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| JAMES "SUNNY JIM" WHITE
Osprey, Florida James "Sunny Jim" White is coming to Pardi-Gras! And we welcome him back! James is one of the most well known, and most easily recognized members of the "Trop-Rock" music scene. His music has inspired us all over the past ten to 15 years, and he is truly one of the icons of Trop Rock music. James' latest CD is entitled "K.I.S.S." It's an acronym, and I'm sure you can figure out what it is short for. For more info about James, and his entire selection of CDs, please visit his website, at www.sunnyjim.com
James White will perform Sunday afternoon, Jan. 20, at the Tropical Isle (Bourbon / Orlans) upstairs, from 1:30pm-4:30pm
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JOHN RENO
Fairhope, Alabama
Pardi-Gras 2013 is pleased to welcome back "Mr. Pardi-Gras" himself, John Reno, for his record-breaking 15th appearance at our event. A native of New Orleans, John has performed at Pardi-Gras more than any other act in our brief history of 16 editions. A superb singer-songwriter, John is also the consummate "live" performer. John weaves his original tunes with covers of your favorite old and new tunes, including songs by many of your favorite "other" Trop-Rockers. He's travelled and played from coast to coast, and is in high demand for events all over the country. Currently residing in Fairhope, Alabama, John is a regular on the SW Florida scene as well. For more info about John and his music, please visit his website, at www.johnreno.com
John Reno will perform Thursday night at The Tropical Isle (Bourbon / Orleans, upstairs) from 9:00pm-11:00pm
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| JOHN RENO |
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| JIN HOEHN |
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| JIM HOEHN
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Returning to Pardi-Gras 2013 is one of our favorite singer-sngwriters, Jim Hoehn. Hailing from the frozen tundra of Wisconsin, Jim's wit and storytelling always warms the crowds at every event he performs at. A veteran of at least twelve Pardi-Gras editions, Jim has become a fixture on the Friday afternoon schedule. His songs are a part of the fabric of Trop-Rock music, including "Calling in Gone", "Kings of Black Velvet", and "Humanity Night at the Redneck Riviera". Jim has peformed from coast to coast, and frequently opens for nationally-recognized performers in the Milwaukee market. For more informatio about Jim and his music, please visit his website, at www.jimhoehn.com
Jim Hoehn will perform Friday afternoon at The Tropical Isle (Bourbon / Toulouse) from 3:00pm-4:30pm
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JERRY DIAZ
Beaumont, Texas
In addition to being your host for Pardi-Gras weekend, singer-songwriter Jerry Diaz will be performing solo on during our event. On Sunday afternoon, Jerry will join Brent Burns, and James "Sunny Jim" White, for a songwriters-in-the-round show at the Tropical Isle's "Top of the Trop". Jerry's songwriting career started in the 90's with a band called "Key West - the Band", and continues today with the band "Jerry Diaz & Hanna's Reef". Jerry has performed from coast to coast, but is happy to call that area of the Gulf Coast from Corpus Chrisiti to New Orleans, "home". For more info about Jerry, please visit his website at www.jerrydiaz.com
Jerry Diaz will perform Sunday afternoon at the Tropical Isle (Bourbon/Orleans upstairs) from 1:30pm-4:30pm
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| JERRY DIAZ |
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| The Boat Drunks |
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| THE BOAT DRUNKS
Champaign, Illinois
This talented band from The Midwest has been one of Trop-Rock's best known, and best loved acts for several years. They have been voted Trop-Rock's "Band of the Year" more than once, and have performed extensively from coast to coast. The Boat Drunks return to Pardi-Gras for their third appearance in the past 5 years, and we are thrilled to have them! They'll be playing original songs from their three albums, as well as many of your favorite Jimmy Buffett covers. Get ready for a party when the Boat Dunks are in town! For more information about the Boat Drunks, please visit their website at www.boatdrunks.com
The Boat Drunks perform Friday night, from 9:00pm-11:30pm at Jimmy BUffett's Margaritaville Cafe
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JIMMY MARAVENTANO
Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Jimmy Maraventano joins us at Pardi-Gras for his second performance in the past three years. You know Jimmy as the leader, singer, and heartbeat of the very popular band "Jimmy and the Parrots". That New Jersey-based band has been voted Trop-Rock's "Entertainers of the Year" again this year, and continue to thrill crowds from Key West to Seattle. This year, Jimmy will be joined by extraordinary harmonica player Michael Crawley from Tennessee for his performance at the King and Queen's Ball on Friday night. Be prepared for a rowdy and fun show upstairs at the Parrot Perch! For more information about Jimmy Maraventano, please visit his website, at www.jimmyandtheparrots.com
Jimmy Maraventano perfroms Friday night, Jan. 18, from 6:00pm-7:30pm, at the Tropical isle (Bourbon / Orleans) upstairs
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| JIMMY MARAVENTANO |
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| DENNIS DAVIS |
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| DENNIS DAVIS
Angleton, Texas
Dennis Davis is a very talented singer/songwriter from the Houston suburb of Angleton, Texas. Dennis weaves lyrics about life on the Texas coast throughout his folk sound, with a little Caribbean thrown in for good measure. Dennis has been nominated multiple times for Trop-Rock's awards, and has performed all over the country. He'll be playing songs from his two current CDs, as well as very tasty covers from all genres of music. We know you are going to enjoy his show! (The Gazebo Cafe offers a full menu of dinner options, and has a full bar). For more information about DEnnis and his music, please visit his website, at www.dennisdavismusic.org
Dennis Davis performs on Saturday evening, from 6:00pm-8:00pm, at The Gazebo Cafe (on Decatur, less than a block from the Margaritaville Cafe)
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JOHN FRIDAY
Fort Myers, Florida
John Friday is making his very first appearance at Pardi-Gras. John is a singer/songwriter originally from Maryland, now living in Florida. After a back-breaking (literally) Army career, John settled in the Sunshine State where he pursues his musical dreams every night in the locals pubs and bars. John is touring this year in support of his latest CD, "Coastal Cowboy". The CD is his third, and continues John's fascination with stories from the Caribbean. John lists his influences as Jimmy Buffett, Jerry Jeff Walker, Bob Marley, Jim Morris, The Eagles, and John Denver. Let's give John a big Pardi-Gras "welcome" this year! For more information about John and his music, please visit his website, at www.johnfriday.com
John Friday performs on Thursday, Jan. 17, from 7:30pm-9:00pm, at the Funky Pirate
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| JOHN FRIDAY |
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| MATT HOGGATT
Gautier, Mississippi
Matt Hoggatt makes his very first appearance at Pardi-Gras this year. A talented singer/songwriter from Southern Mississippi, Matt shot to fame in 2012 when he won a songwriting contest with a song entitled, "Dear Jimmy Buffett". Buffett heard about Matt and his song, and very soon afterwards had Matt performing it at several of the Buffett concerts throughout the south last year. Matt is currently touring in support of his debut album, "Hotter Than Fishgrease". For more information about Matt and his music, please visit his website, at www.matthoggatt.com
Matt Hoggatt performs at the Bourbon O! Bar on Thursday evening, from 6:45pm-7:45pm
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RICK LAMB
Springfield, Missouri
Rick Lamb is a singer–songwriter from the heart of “The Ozarks” in Missouri. A former U.S. Navy Veteran of ten years, he had the luxury of sailing to all parts of the world and has been sharing those tales of the sea as a “Modern Day Sailor” through his songs as the leader of the high energy, “Trop Rock” band, Cruize Control. Cruize Control has been labeled the “true rockers” of the trop rock genre as they bring a diverse mix of rock and reggae along with just about any cover artist you want to hear. He has performed as a solo artist for the past 15 years and formed Cruize Control in 2006, where he has traveled the country from New York to Wyoming and all the way South to Florida and all points in between. Cruize Control is about to release their second CD as a follow up to their 2009, debut CD, “Red Sky At Night”. For more information about Rick, please visit the website www.cruizecontrolband.com
Rick will perform at the Bourbon "O" Bar on Friday, Jan. 18, from 1:30pm-3:00pm
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| RICK LAMB |
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| STEVE JOHNSON |
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| STEVE JOHNSON
League City, Texas
Steve Johnson is the lead singer and songwriter for the high powered duo Southbound and hails from League City, TX. They have played Parrot Head events and gulf coast venues in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and for their Parrot Head phriends in St Louis. Steve has written original music for three albums, one solo and two with Southbound. Southbound’s second album, which is about to be released, was recorded live in Cozumel, MX during the guys first ever band event “Headin South With Southbound”! Steve’s music is a mix of gulf coast rock and party music that we are sure you will enjoy.
Steve Johnson will perform Friday, Jan. 18, at the Bourbon "O" Bar, from 12:30pm-1:30pm
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DON MIDDLEBROOK
Flint, Michigan
Please welcome Don Middlebrook for his first ever appearance at Pardi-Gras! This nationally-acclaimed singer-songwriter is touring in support of his latest CD, "Talespin". Don is well-known throughout the country, and not just in Trop-Rock circles. He has received national attention for many of his songs, including his ode to baseball, entitled "April in the D". Don is one of the pioneers of Trop-Rock, beginning his songwriting and singing career in 1991. He is a mainstay on the Michigan coastal circuit, but perfroms at many events coast to coast every year. We are thrilled to have him at Pardi-Gras this year! For more information about Don and his music, please visit his website at www.donmiddlebrook.net
Don Middlebrook performs at The Tropical Isle (Bourbon / Orleans) on Saturday morning, from 11:30am-1:00pm
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| DON MIDDLEBROOK |
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| JERRY DIAZ & HANNA'S REEF |
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| JERRY DIAZ & HANNA'S REEF
Beaumont, Texas
Pardi-Gras is pleased to welcome Jerry Diaz & Hanna's Reef back to our stage again this year. Hailing from the Texas coast, this high energy band has been playing at events and venues from coast to coast for several years. Their live show includes a mix of their original Trop-Rock, and Texas music, old and new. They were recently voted Trop-Rock's "Band of the Year", in Key West, Florida. The band is touring in support of their latest album, "On a Beach in Mexico". For more info about Jerry Diaz & Hanna's Reef, please visit their website, at www.jerrydiaz.com
Jerry Diaz & Hanna's Reef will perform Saturday afternoon at The Street Party (700 block of Bourbon) from 2:00pm-5:30pm
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LATE AS USUAL
New Orleans, Louisiana
The hometown boys, Late as Usual performs in New Orleans 52 weeks a year. They have been a mainstay at the Tropical Isle since it first opened, back in 1985. The players have changed over the years, but the concept has not. LAU has always played those songs that everyone knows and loves! Covering everything from Jimmy Buffett to Pink Floyd, they are consummate professionals. They will bring their polish to the big stage on Bourbon Street this year, for the first time. Two members (Dwight Breland and Allen Hebert) will then join Jerry Diaz & the boys for their show as well.
Late as Usual performs at the Bourbon Street Pardi on Saturday, Jan. 19, from 1:00pm-1:45pm.
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| LATE AS USUAL |
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| PAUL ROUSH |
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| PAUL ROUSH
Port Charlotte, Florida
Paul Roush is returning to Pardi-Gras for his 2nd solo appearance, and 5th appearance overall. You may recognize Paul's name as the lead singer (and principal songwriter) for the band PHINS. PHINS called it quits last year, but Paul has begun a journey as a solo, singer/songwriter. Last year was Paul's first solo appearance at Pardi-Gras . While the band PHINS was based out of the St. Louis, MO. area, Paul recently relocated to Southwest Florida. Paul has played at several events throughout the country, and is currently touring in support of his first solo CD, "Today's the Day". For more information about Paul and his music, please visit his website, at www.paulroush.com
Paul Roush performs at The Gazebo Cafe, on Sunday morning, from 11:30am-1:00pm.
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ROB MEHL
San Diego, California
Rob Mehl is making his first appearance at Pardi-Gras. This critically acclaimed, and talented songwriter brings his acoustic beach ballads to us from sunny Southern California. He has won multiple Trop-Rock awards over the years, including Best Male Vocalist, and Album of the Year. He has performed at many events from coast to coast, and we are thrilled to finally have Rob and his ukelele (and guitar) play at Pardi-Gras! For more information about Rob and his music, please visit his website at www.robmehl.com
Rob Mehl performs at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Cafe on Sunday morning from 9am-11am.
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| ROB MEHL |
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| STILL CRUISIN' |
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| STILL CRUISIN'
Beaumont, Texas
Still Cruisin' makes an encore performance on Saturday night at this year's Pardi-Gras. This ten-piece band from Beaumot, Texas rocked the house last year! Featuring horns, multiple vocalists (including female singers) and a power-packed playlist, this talented band knows how to keep the dance floor full. They blend Motown, with rock, rhythym and blues, and funk, for a groove that makes yuo want to get up out of your seat!
Still Crusin' performs at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Cafe on Saturday night, Jan. 19, from 8:30pm-11:00pm
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BEN REYNA
Houston, Texas
A native of Houston, Texas, this surf-loving, rum-drinking singer has been entertaining folks around Galveston Bay for the past several years. Ben plays the "songs you know by heart". Get your party started early, and join Ben at the Bourbon Orleans hotel on Friday morning!
Ben Reyna performs at The Bourbon O! Bar on Friday morning, Jan. 19, from noon until 12:30pm
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| BEN REYNA |
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| Joe Bennett |
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| JOE BENNETT
New Orleans, Louisiana
Pardi-Gras is pleased to welcome Joe Bennett back to our event for another great "pre-party" performance, AND a show on Thursday evening. This native of Dothan, Alabama has been entertaining folks in the French Quarter for almost twenty years. And though you can almost always count on seeing him in the Quarter on your vacation, he also tours throughout the country, playing shows from coast to coast. Joe has two excellent CD's out, which you can purchase at his live shows, as well as at his website, www.headpirate.net
Joe Bennett will perform Thursday evening at The Funky Pirate, from 6:00pm-7:15pm
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| KELLY BROWN |
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| KELLY BROWN
Dallas, Texas
Kelly Brown makes a return appearance at Pardi-Gras this year. You may recall that Kelly debuted his first solo album, "Flip Flop Therapy" at last year's Pardi-Gras event. Kelly is also the leader of the party band The Bad Monkeys, based out of Dallas, Texas. Kelly will perform songs from his debut album, as well as some choice covers. For more info on Kelly and his music, please visit his website at www.thebadmonkeys.com
Kelly Brown performs on at the Bourbon O! Bar, on Friday morning, Jan. 19 from 11:30am until noon
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Event Profiles
(we feature a different event periodically)
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| "The Pardi Gras Pub Crawl"
(on Bourbon Street)
The world famous (yes, it is!) Pardi-Gras Pub Crawl is the longest running event within the Pardi-Gras weekend. We've been doing it since the first Pardi-Gras, back in 1998. Imagine 200 or more 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 Curry. 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. 18, from 4pm - 6pm.
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"Monte Tolar's Pirate Toast"
Monte Tolar's Pirate Toast first started back in 2004. as a way to summon the spirit of the pirate Jean Lafitte. We appointed our own pirate Monte Tolar to head up this daunting project, and named the event after him in the process. The event has continued ever since, even in the year 2007, when Monte was away in Iraq, serving our country. In his absence, fellow privateers Earl Sanders, Don Walker, Frank McInvale, John Reno, and Brian Watson stepped up to carry on the tradition. Monte has once again asked his fellow pirates to carry on the tradition, while he watches over us from Heaven. This year's toast will be the most special ever, as we summon the spirit of both Jean Lafitte, and Monte.
"Monte Tolar's Pirate Toast" happens at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shoppe on Bourbon Street on Friday, Jan. 18, at 12:00pm midnight
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| Radio Margaritaville |
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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". It's one of their most popular and longest-running shows on the station. Well, it might surprise you to know the show is actually pre-recorded, on Thursday afternoons. It is recorded inside the New Orleans Margaritaville Cafe, in front of diners and party-goers alike. On Thursday, Jan. 14, 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. It's a lot of fun, and a great way to kick off the weekend. 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. 17, from 3pm - 5:45pm.
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Crowning of the King and Queen
The Crowning of the King and Queen of Pardi-Gras occurs at the Top of the Trop (upstairs at the Tropical Isle #2) on Friday night, Jan. 14. 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.
Past King and Queens of Pardi-Gras are:
2012 - R.O. & Jo Smith
2011 - Keith Emmons & Connie Gray
2010 - The Arizona Flamingos
2009 - Monte & Andrea Tolar
2008 - David & Susan Barnes
2007 - Dan & Patty Kaley
2006 - Fred & Sara Guererro
2005 - Todd & Maureen Rule
2004 - Earl Bernhardt & Pam Fortner
2003 - Floyd & Patsy White
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. 18, at 7:45pm.
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| Fred & Sara Guererro |
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| Pardi-Gras Grand Parade
A tradition at Pardi-Gras, our Parade down Bourbon Street is one of the highlights of the weekend. On Friday night, immediately after the Crowning of the King and Queen, we commence an actual Parade on Bourbon Street. We will be police-escorted down several blocks of the French Quarter. The parade begins at the front door of the Tropical Isle on Bourbon and Orleans. We head down Orleans one block to Dauphine, then go down Dauphine 5 blocks to Conti. We make a left on Conti, then a quick left onto Bourbon Street, and voila!, there we are! Bring (or better yet, buy beads in New Orleans) to throw to the crowd. And most of all, be sure to wear something outrageous...hey, you're on Bourbon Street!
The Pardi-Gras Parade happens on Friday, Jan. 18, at 8:00pm till 9:00pm, on Bourbon Street.
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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, Live auctions, and raffle drawings. In keeping with tradition, musical entertainment 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. 19, from 12pm - 5:30pm.
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Sponsors
Pardi-Gras is pleased to recognize our sponsors. Without these fine businesses and organizations, we would not be able to put on our event.
The Tropical Isle (4 locations)
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Cafe & Store
The Funky Pirate & The Orleans Grapevine
The Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Miller Brewing Company
Please spend your money with these fine folks. They appreciate your business!
Pardi-Gras is a registered trademark of, and PRESENTED by Sail Away Promotions and Entertainment
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