Mardi Gras Carnaval 2010 is Feb. 16 in Honolulu Arts District
Advertiser staff
On Feb. 16, also known as “Fat Tuesday,” the Arts District Merchants Association will present Mardi Gras Carnaval 2010, the 10th anniversary downtown celebration of Mardi Gras.
The event, billed as “An International Celebration of Indulgence,” will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., showcasing Mardi Gras and Carnaval culture. Food, music and dance from New Orleans, Brazil and Cuba will be included.
Brasserie Du Vin, Soul De Cuba, Epic, Indigo, Café Joy, Tea at 1024 and Murphy’s Bar & Grill will be providing food. New additions this year are Jose’s Cantina and India Café. An updated menu is available online at http://www.artsdistricthonolulu.com.
Bands featured on five performance stages spread out along Nuuanu Avenue, Pauahi Street and Hotel Street will include Delta Skeltah N’awlins Rock Funk, headed by John Canizarro, featuring DeShannon Higa and Zanuck Lindsey; Quadrophonix (featuring Taimane Gardner on the ukulele); and the Family Dinner Band.
This year, the Brazilian Float will be parked at the Rio Sambadrome, Nuuanu Avenue at Chaplain Lane, animated with live Samba dancers, next to a movie screen beaming Rio Carnaval video footage, a foam cannon and a separate stage featuring Tropikalia Batucada, 2doBem Samba Trio, DJ Trigo and DJ Mr. Nick.
Brazilian Cultural Center of Hawaii Sambistas & Batucada (a drum ensemble), Espiritu Libre and fire dancers will also participate.
Music will be scheduled from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m.
There will be two Samba Parades with live batucadas (Brazilian percussion ensembles) at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The first parade will conclude with a costume contest. A $500 cash prize will be awarded to The 2010 King or Queen of Mardi Gras. Entrants must register at Festival Information Tent (on Nuuanu Ave across from Epic) by 7 p.m.
The second parade will also include specially commissioned Mardi Gras Floats by artists from the district.
“Mardi Gras Carnaval 2010” is free. For those over 21, $3 wristbands will be required for purchasing alcoholic beverages. A $10 wristband option will enable entrance to three nightclubs after the street festival, playing live music till 2 a.m.
The event is produced by Mark Tarone and Tim Bostock Productions, in collaboration with Honolulu Culture and Arts District and the Arts District Merchants Association.
Funding support was provided through The ARTS at Marks Garage from The Hawaii Tourism Authority, and from sponsors The Honolulu Weekly, Yelp, Bacardi, Jack Daniels, Southern Comfort, Blue Moon, Miller Lite, KPOI and KUMU.
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