On February 24, 1994 Club Bohemia initiated the first Boston-area Mardi Gras Ball at the Kirkland Café in Somerville. The event was a rather modest affair, but as the years progressed, the annual Club Bohemia Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball and Zulu Parade of the Golden Blade evolved into a full-blown Spring ritual worthy of the carnival festivals of Mardi Gras’ American home, New Orleans.

As everyone knows, the Kirkland Café closed its doors this past May and Mickey Bliss has moved Club Bohemia to the Cantab Lounge in Cambridge with great success. But for an event such as the Mardi Gras, the Cantab simply would not afford sufficient space for the licentious dancing, riotous parading, flamboyant masquerading and spectacular pageantry the Mardi Gras always attracts. And so, it's been decided that this year's Mardi Gras will be held at Ryles in Inman Square, Cambridge. Ryles, with its jazzy decor and sumptuous southern BBQ menu, will prove to be an ideal forum for the 15th Annual Mardi Gras Ball.

In addition to the Zulu Parade – in which members of the troupe, patrons and guest musicians all join in - this year’s ball will include the coronation of the Mardi Gras King and Queen – a rite that ensures the fertility of men and women, crops and cattle. Live music will be provided by the Chicken Slacks Soul Revue (Stax-style soul and funk), The Confederacy of Dumpsters (New Orleans R&B) and the Second Line Social Aid and Pleasure Band (Carnival street music). The "Great Mardi Gras Maggid" Mickey Bliss will emcee and free beads, masks, and doubloons will be provided for the guests. Costumes are highly recommended, but not required. Musicians are encouraged to bring along their instruments and join the parade.

What: Club Bohemia’s 15th Annual Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball and Zulu Parade of the Golden Blade
Where: Ryles, 212 Hampshire St, Cambridge www.ryles.com
When: Friday, February 1st, 2008. Doors at 8pm
Admission: $15
Lineup:

• Chicken Slacks Soul Revue
• The Confederacy of Dumpsters
• Second Line Social Aid and Pleasure Band
• MC Mickey Bliss
• Other: free beads, masks, doubloons. Costumes encouraged. Musicians are encouraged to bring their parade instruments.