Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Dallas Black Dance Theatre II Premieres Two New Works

Works of Mel A. Tomlinson and Bruce Wood to be Featured

At The Latino Culture Center

Dallas Black Dance Theatre II (DBDT II), the second performing company of Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) will take the stage of the Latino Cultural Center March 2-3, 2012 to present Spring Fiesta! Sponsored by Macy’s, the series spotlights new works performed by DBDT II, a fourteen member troupe of some of the country’s best trained dancers.

“The second company always presents the excellent dance artistry that represents the mission and vision of Dallas Black Dance Theatre.” said Ann Williams, Founder/Artistic Director of DBDT. In its 12th season, DBDT II has traveled nationally and internationally performing a diverse repertoire of works by emerging and internationally recognized choreographers.

The engaging dancers of DBDT II will continue their trademark versatility and style. Premiering for the series will be Ain’t Dat Good News, an original work of Dr. Mel A. Tomlinson, former principal dancer for American Ballet Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem and Director of the DBDT Dance Academy. In addition, Smoke an original work of choreographer Bruce Wood set to the music of Ray Charles has been restaged. Also featured in the performance will be Love Songs a passionate duet by DBDT II Artistic Director Nycole Ray along with Agony, a full company work choreographed by DBDT Dance Company Member Richard Freeman Jr.

Area K-12 students will have the privilege of previewing the series in a sold-out matinee performance specifically designed for them on Friday, March 2. Sponsored by Chase and RBC Wealth Management, students will enjoy excerpts from dance works featured on the evening program.

Performances will take place on Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3 at 7:30pm. For information about tickets call (214) 880-0202 or visit www.dbdt.com. For group discounts call (214) 871-2390 or contact f.anderson@dbdt.com. Located at 2600 Live Oak, Dallas, the Latino Cultural Center is a noted host and venue for various expressions of the visual, musical, and performing arts.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Pumpkin Face



By Madelyn Miller

When I think of a pumpkin face I think of a silly face or a scary face. But recently I learned that pumpkin face can be beautiful.

The below at-home pumpkin face mask recipe or a pumpkin scrub recipe, created by beauty expert and author Erika Katz (bondingoverbeauty.com).

Pumpkin Face Mask

2 tsp canned pureed pumpkin
1/2 tsp honey
1/4 tsp heavy whipping cream
Mix all ingredients and apply to
face. Leave on for 10 min and rinse.

Warning! Do not lick your fingers. Or this delicious mask will never make it to your face.

If you do have some left over, pour over ice cream or oatmeal.

This delicious recipe came from Bonding Over Beauty: A Mother-Daughter Beauty Guide to Foster Self-Esteem, Confidence and Trust. Created by beauty guru and author of Bonding
Over Beauty Erika Katz (www.bondingoverbeauty.com), this mask is full of exfoliating enzymes that brighten the skin so it won’t look too “scary”.

Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, which is very healing to the skin and is essential to maintain and repair skin tissue. It also helps reduce lines and wrinkles. Honey is a humectant. The cream moisturizes and helps flaky skin.

About Erika Katz

A beauty writer and blogger as well as a former child model and actress, Erika Katz has been a beauty junkie nearly all her life. Using her experience from her days working in the beauty department at Seventeen, cosmetology classes and lessons learned through her extensive work in television and modeling, Erika created a beauty guide that served as the foundation for Bonding Over Beauty, A Mother-Daughter Guide to Self-Esteem, Confidence and Trust.

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who loves pumpkin. Read her stories on http://www.travellady.com/, http://www.carladynews.com/, http://www.yogayaya.com/, http://www.chocolateatlas.com/, http://www.coffeeatlas.com/, http://www.teaatlas.com/ and www.coffeeAtlas.com

Friday, February 10, 2012

BRING IT ON to DALLAS


FEBRUARY 14-26
PRESENTED BY DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS

Assembling this extraordinary company has been an incredibly exciting – and thorough –endeavor,” said Tony® Award-winning director/choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler. “We found an amazing group that sings, dances, stunts and cheers. They are a talented group of newcomers, led by two dynamic leading ladies. I can't wait for audiences to see them.”

Leading the cast are Taylor Louderman and Adrienne Warren. Louderman, playing the role of Campbell, is a 20 year-old newcomer from the University of Michigan. Warren, previously seen in the National Tour of Dreamgirls at the Ahmanson Theatre, portrays Danielle, a role she originated in Bring It On: The Musical’s developmental production at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta.

Ryann Redmond, a 2011 graduate of NYU, recreates the role of Bridget that she originated in the Alliance Theatre Production. Elle McLemore (Disney’s “Suite Life on Deck”) plays Eva and Jason Gotay (Broadway’s Rising Stars and Rent) stars as Randall.

Also starring are Ariana DeBose (Hairspray, “So You Think You Can Dance”) as Nitika,Gregory Haney (Memphis) as La Cienega, Neil Haskell (“So You Think You Can Dance”) as Steven, Janet Krupin as Kylar, Kate Rockwell (Legally Blonde) as Skylar and Nick Womackas Twig. Additional cast members include Calli Alden, Nikki Bohne, Dexter Carr, Shonica Gooden, Haley Hannah, Rod Harrelson, Casey Jamerson, Dominique Johnson, Michael Mindlin, Adrianna Parson, and Bettis Richardson.

The ensemble also features some of the nation’s most skilled competitive cheerleaders. Their combined achievements include over 25 national and 50 team titles in gymnastics and choreography. They were selected in collaboration with Varsity, the global leader in competitive cheerleading. Those members include Antwan Bethea, Danielle Carlacci, Michael Naone-Carter, Courtney Corbeille, Dahlston Delgado, Brooklyn Freitag, Melody Mills, David Ranck, Billie Sue Roe, Sheldon Tucker and Lauren Whitt.

Bring It On: The Musical is the explosive new musical comedy that raises the stakes on over-the-top high school rivalries. Set against the world of competitive cheerleading, this powerhouse new show hilariously proves that winning isn’t everything when it means losing something - or someone - you really care about. Bring It On: The Musical combines an exciting fresh sound, gravity-defying choreography, and a thrilling story to create a total theatrical event worth cheering for.
BEHIND THE SCENES

Bring It On: The Musical unites some of the freshest and funniest creative minds on Broadway with libretto by Tony® Award-winner Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), music and lyrics by Tony® Award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights), music by Pulitzer and Tony® Award-winning composer Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), lyrics by Broadway lyricist Amanda Green (High Fidelity) and music supervision by Tony® and Grammy®Award-winner Alex Lacamoire (Wicked).

The production is directed and choreographed byTony® Award-winner Andy Blankenbuehler (In the Heights).Bring It On: The Musical is produced by Universal Pictures Stage Productions / GlennRoss; Beacon Communications /Armyan Bernstein and Charlie Lyons; and Kristin Caskeyand Mike Isaacson, Executive Producers.

Members of the artistic design team that help bring this production to life are David Korins, Set Designer; Andrea Lauer, Costume Designer; Jason Lyons, Lighting Designer; Brian Ronan, Sound Designer; Charles G. LaPointe, Hair Designer; and Jeff Sugg, Video Designer. When the musical comedy premiered in its developmental production at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta earlier this year, Wendell Brock of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution called Bring It On: The Musical “one high-energy drink with fiercely funny writing, catchy hip-hop tunes and an explosively original mix of singing, acting, dancing and cheer.”

Audrey S. Belle of AOL.com raved that Bring It On: The Musical “is guaranteed to be everything you wished for, nothing like you expected, but exactly what you will love!” To learn more about the cast of Bring It On: The Musical, visit Facebook page at facebook.com/BringItOnTheMusical.

DSM 2012 SEASON CONTINUES AT THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, March 6-18, 2012. The night Rock ‘n’ Roll began, the smash hit Broadway musical is inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians we regathered together by Sam Phillips, the “father of rock ‘n’ roll,” at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. This thrilling musical brings you inside the recording studio with four major talents who came together as a red-hotrock ‘n’ roll band for one unforgettable night.

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, April 10-22, 2012. Winner of three 2010 Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival, this hilarious new production was the biggest hit of the 2010Broadway season, leaving audiences in stitches night after night. LA CAGE, starring George Hamilton, tells the story of Georges, owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely Saint-Tropez, and his partner Albin, who moonlights as the glamorous chanteuse Zaza. When Georges’ son brings the conservative parents of his fiancée home to meet the flashy pair, the bonds of family are put to the test as the feather boas fly. LA CAGE is a tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together….stay fabulous…and above all else, stay true to themselves.

RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES, April 24-29, 2012. Direct from Broadway, theinternationally-acclaimed Beatles concert returns by popular demand as a subscriber’s special. RAIN performs the full range of The Beatles’ discography live on stage, including the most complex and challenging songs the Fab Four recorded in the studio but never performed for an audience. Together longer than The Beatles, RAIN has mastered every song, gesture and nuance of the legendary foursome, delivering a totally live, note-for-note performance as infectious as it is transporting. From the early hits to later classics, this adoring tribute will take you back to a time when all you needed was love, and a little help from your friends.

MEMPHIS, THE MUSICAL, May 15-27, 2012. From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs, and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love.Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves, filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical.

MAMMA MIA!, May 29-June 3, 2012. The subscriber’s special features a mother, a daughter, 3 possible dads and a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. Over 50 million people around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story, and the music based on the songs of ABBA that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel good show. Writer Catherine Johnson’s sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings 3 men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone’s having the time of their lives. With more productions playing internationally than any other musical, MAMMA MIA is the world’s #1 show.

PETER PAN, STARRING CATHY RIGBY, July 10-22, 2012. Tony Award® nominee CathyRigby takes flight in an all new production of PETER PAN. Discover the magic all over again of this two-time Emmy® Award winning and two-time Tony Award® nominated production. The New York Times says, “Rigby still carries off the flights, fights and acrobatics that make Peter Pan audiences mesmerized.” Filled with timeless magical moments and a captivating hook, the legend you thought you knew is now the adventure you never dreamed possible.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY, October 2-21, 2012. THE ADDAMS FAMILY is a smash-hit musical comedy that brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez,Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley, and of course, Lurch to spooky and spectacular life. Direct from Broadway, this magnificently macabre new musical comedy is created by Jersey Boys’ authors Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, Drama Desk-winningcomposer/lyricist Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party), choreographer Sergio Trujillo (JerseyBoys) and Olivier Award-winning director/designers Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch(Shockheaded Peter), with creative consultation by four-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Zaks. THE ADDAMS FAMILY is also the 2012 State Fair of Texas musical. Mini-packs of any three or more season shows are on sale now at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, #542 in Dallas.

Subscribers may also order tickets to the season specials RAIN and MAMMA MIA! ($12-$70 each), and may order by mail or in person at The Box Office, by phoning 214-346-3300, by faxing 214-691-7386, or online atwww.dallassummermusicals.org. For groups, please call 214-426-GROUP.

In 2013, DSM will continue its 72-year tradition of bringing the Best of Broadway to North Texas, setting the standard in musical theatre entertainment with such terrific straight-from-Broadway musicals as DISNEY’S THE LION KING, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, WICKED, and MARY POPPINS. Season sponsors for Dallas Summer Musicals are The Dallas Morning News, Metro PCS, WFAA TV Channel 8, American Airlines, and Texas Instruments.Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the preeminent nonprofit presenter of Broadwaytheatre in North Texas.

DSM produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through community outreach and education, and enriching the cultural landscape of Dallas/Fort Worth, North Texas and the Southwest Region.

DSM isthe largest producer and presenter of live theatrical entertainment in the Southwest, the second oldest summer theatre organization in the United States, and the fourth largest nonprofit theatre company. In addition to presenting national Broadway tours, DSM also produces shows on Broadway, presents and tours local productions, and is involved indeveloping new works. Dallas Summer Musicals’ affiliates include DSM Management Group, Inc. (DSMMGI), which manages the Music Hall at Fair Park.As a nonprofit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to bring the Best of Broadway to Dallas at affordable ticket prices, as well as to preserve the beautiful historic theater, educate young audiences and create important community programs.

DSM’s Seatsfor Kids program provides a meaningful arts education experience to thousands of low income, at-risk and special needs children. DSM provides positive incentives for youth that are at risk for gang membership through the Stage Right program.In addition, the Dallas Summer Musicals Academy of Performing Arts offers professional theatre arts training and scholarships to talented students in need. Ticket sales alone do not sustain these endeavors. Only support from committed businesses, foundations and individuals make these programs possible.

For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, please visit their website www.dallassummermusicals.org or call (214) 421-5678

Thursday, February 09, 2012

Dallas Black Ballet Cultural Awareness Series


Announced this week, mega church pastor, the Rev. Rickie G.Rush, of the Inspiring Body of Christ Church will serve as the Honorary Chairperson for Dallas BlackDance Theatre’s 35th Anniversary celebration and Cultural Awareness Series to be held February 23rdthrough February 26th at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre.

With a membership of over 10,000, Rev. Rush’s ministry at IBOC includes educational programs thatencourage greater engagement in cultural activities and forge shared connections through the arts.“I am proud to serve as Honorary Chair for these performances and I invite the community to joinme at the AT&T Performing Arts Center to celebrate Dallas Black Dance Theatre and theaccomplishments of Ann Williams during Black History month,” said Rev. Rush.

Friday, February 24has been designated as a special IBOC Celebration with Dallas Black Dance Theatre and churchmembers will receive a special discount.Performances for the general public are scheduled for February 23 through February 26 - Thursday at2:00pm and 7:30pm; Friday at 7:30pm; Saturday at 2:00pm and 7:30pm; and Sunday at 2:30pm.

During the series, Dallas Black Dance Theatre will perform audience favorites, Nina Simone Projectby Dianne McIntyre (New York), Pacing by Julliard professor and former Alvin Ailey dancer, MiltonMyers (New York), and Angelitos Negros, an Afro-European compilation featuring the music ofRoberta Flack by dance legend Donald McKayle (California).

In addition to the evening performances, two sold out morning matinee programs will be held for 1,000+school children fromarea public and private schools.To purchase tickets and group discounts call 214-871-2390 or visit the website at www.dbdt.com.

Soup is good for you and does good


TEXAS FOOD BANK ANNOUNCES 13TH ANNUAL EMPTY BOWLS “Enjoy Lunch, Feed A Bunch” March 9, at the Meyerson Symphony Center

WHAT: NTFB’s 13th Annual Empty Bowls Presented by Tom Thumb <http://www.ntfb.org/d_empty_bowls_info.cfm>

Dine out with friends or colleagues and enjoy the best lunch deal in town! Select a handmade bowl created by a local artisan, sample a variety of delicious soups, breads and desserts from popular area restaurants and food purveyors*, and enjoy classical music by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Young Strings. All proceeds benefit the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) and its efforts to “ReThink Hunger,” so be the first to get your bowl

!NTFB distributes 92,000 meals a day, yet the community need is closer to 300,000 meals a day. Every $1 donated provides three meals for hungry North Texans.

Tickets: $35 in advance online <http://www.ntfb.org/d_empty_bowls_info.cfm>
$20 no-bowl ticket
$40 at the door
Reserved tables for 10 guests - $1,500 (main level) and $1,000 (upper level) Limited number of $100 VIP tickets for early 10:30am entrance

WHEN: Friday, March 9, 2012 - 11am – 1pm
WHERE: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center - 2301 Flora St. Dallas, TX

75201Empty Bowls began in 1990 as a small fundraising project among Michigan high school students that has now grown into a worldwide fundraising event to help end hunger. Diners are able to enjoy a simple meal of soup and bread served in a decorative ceramic bowl that guests keep as a reminder of those who suffer from hunger.

The Dallas chapter of Empty Bowls was started by John Williams, potter and former owner of Trinity Ceramic Supply Inc., and his wife Darlene. Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved, Dallas’ Empty Bowls benefiting the North Texas Food Bank has helped countless in need, providing nearly 2.5 million meals over the last 12 years!

*Participating restaurants and food purveyors of the North Texas Food Bank’s 13th Annual Empty Bowls event include: The Blue Goose Cantina, Blue Mesa Grill, Bolsa, Bread Winners Café & Bakery, Celebration Market & Restaurant, Empire Baking Co., Freeb!rds World Burrito, Hattie's, McAlister's Deli, Dining at the Meyerson, Milestone Culinary Arts Center, Nick & Sam's Grill, North Texas Food Bank Community Kitchen, Place at Perry's, ReMARKable Affairs Catering, Royal Cup Coffee, Tom Thumb, Truluck's Seafood Steak and Crab House, and Wolfgang Puck Catering.

Wednesday, February 08, 2012

My nearly nude week


Last night I went to the Gautier exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art. Rooms filled with boudoir-like costumes, erotic photos and extremely revealing garmets.
Friday night I am going to a performance by Uptown Players that has mostly nude men in a locker room.
Uptown Players opens its 2012 season with Richard Greenberg's Tony Award-winning Best Play, the revealing baseball comedy Take Me Out, at the Kalita Humphrey's Theater from February 3 - 19, 2012.
Greenberg's Broadway sensation, Take Me Out, throws a curveball at American's favorite pastime. Darren Lemming, a young, iconic baseball star, is at the top of his game both personally and professionally. When he calls a press conference that results in a shocking admission to the media, Lemming sends a ripple of effects through the team, the fans and the nation.
Both hilarious and hard-hitting, Take Me Out strips baseball bare. Playwright Richard Greenberg examines the dynamics of homophobia, isolation, racial tension and the cult of celebrity in this funny, moving love letter to America's favorite pastime.
The 12-member all-male cast features Lloyd Harvey, Kevin Moore, Art Kedzierski, Andrews W. Cope, Chester Maple, Travis Ponikiewski, Anthony A. Gonzalez, Antonio Garcia, Ryan Manalansan, Darius Warren, Tony Martin and Bronze Hill.
The production is under the direction of Michael Serrecchia. The Uptown Players all-star design team includes lighting design by Jason Foster, costume design by Suzi Cranford, sound design by Virgil Justice, set design by Andy Redmon, stage management by Cathy O'Neal, and hair and make up by Coy Covington.
Take Me Out runs February 3 through February 19, 2012, with performances Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. (no performance February 5).
A special Thursday night performance will take place on February 16 at 8 p.m.
Performances will take place at the Kalita Humphreys Theater, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd at Blackburn, Dallas TX 75219.
Tickets are $25-$35 and can be purchased online at www.uptownplayers.org or by phone at (214) 219-2718.
About This Production
Take Me Out
By: Richard Greenberg
Content Advisory: Mature Themes/Full Nudity - Ages 17 and up
Directed By: Michael Serrecchia
Dates: February 3, 4, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18 @ 8 p.m. February 12 & 19 @ 2 p.m
Tickets: $25-$35
Box Office Info -Online: www.uptownplayers.org
Phone: (214) 219-2718

Monday, February 06, 2012

Mardi Gras Madness


By Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady


Throw me Something Mista!
Painting the Town Purple, Green and Gold
January 6 – March 8, 2012

From Jan. 6 to March 8, “Throw me something, mister!” is a common phrase around Southwest Louisiana. Lake Charles, La. hosts the 2nd largest Mardi Gras, second only to New Orleans. Once 12th Night kicks the season into gear, the more than 55 Mardi Gras krewes in Southwest Louisiana make the area a magical place to be.

From parades and galas for the whole family, to cook-offs and Children’s Day, rest assured there
is always a family-friendly activity for everyone to enjoy.

Mardi Gras kicks off on 12th Night, Thursday, Jan. 6 (12 days after Christmas). The 2011
Royal courts of the many krewes will take this opportunity for one last promenade at the Lake
Charles Civic Center at 7 p.m., making way for next year’s Royal court. This event is the official
opening of the 2012 Mardi Gras season and is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $6, children under the age of 12 are admitted for free.

Mardi Gras weekend begins with the Merchant’s Parade, Friday, March 4. Local merchants join in the spirit of the season to delight parade goers at this evening parade. The parade will roll through Lake Charles at 7 p.m.

The weekend rolls on with the Krewe of Omega parade at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, that
weaves around downtown, bringing festival-goers back to the Civic Center for a Zydeco Dance, from 3-5 p.m. There will also be a furry, four-legged parade at 3 p.m. with the Krewe of Barkus. Man’s Best Friend never looked so good in green, gold and purple!

And be sure to bring your spoon and appetite for the World-Famous Cajun Extravaganza and Gumbo Cook-off, being held at the Civic Center from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day.

Although most Mardi Gras balls are private, two krewes in the area open theirs up to the public on Saturday night. The Krewe of Illusions will hold its own ticketed gala at 7:30 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center. The Krewe of Cosmos will be strutting their stuff Saturday, March 5 at
the Sulphur High School Auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 6 will bring a day full of activities! For just $6, you can taste from every pot
at the Taste de la Louisiane, and bring the little ones to Children’s Day, from noon – 3 p.m. This is a free cultural event. They will participate in arts and crafts, music and a Mardi Gras celebration that is just their size. Afterward, head outside for the Children’s Parade, just for them and the whole family! Polish off Sunday night with a glittering spectacle of lights on the lake for the annual Lighted Boat Parade at 7:30 p.m.

Lundi Gras, or the Monday before Mardi Gras, March 7, has been coined the Cinderella Moment of the season with the Royal Gala, a night of glitz, glamour and royalty at the Lake Charles Civic Center. At 7 p.m. the 2012 courts will promenade in noble fashion, preparing for the big Krewe of Krewes parade on the final night of Carnival. This event is open to the public and the only of its kind in the state of Louisiana. Tickets are $6 at the door and children under the age of 12 are admitted for free.

On Mardi Gras Day, March 8, wake up and head to Downtown Lake Charles for the Krewe de
Charlie Sioux Block Party starting at noon. Food, music and fun will be going on all day. There will also be children’s activities, so it is an event for the whole family. The Hot Rods, Classics and Motorcycle Parade will roar through Lake Charles at 1 p.m.

Finally, that night, the streets of Lake Charles come alive for one final night of purple, green,
gold and all the magic and revelry that can be mustered. Be sure to bring a bag to carry home all of your treasures!

Hotel room packages are available for those wishing to experience Mardi Gras in Lake Charles. Packages can be viewed at www.visitlakecharles.org/mambo and include lodging and a pass to many of the events listed above.

For more details on the various Mardi Gras events, visit www.swlamardigras.com.


Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who experienced first Mardi Gras in Lake Charles, Louisiana this year. Read her stories on http://www.travellady.com/, http://www.carladynews.com/, http://www.coffeeatlas.com/, http://www.cocktailatlas.com/, http://www.chocolateatlas.com/, http://www.teaatlas.com/, and http://www.yogayaya.com/