Categories: Cathy Breslaw, THE BUZZ

Gator By The Bay Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival

Joe McDonald1 Mardi Gras Parade

Gator By The Bay Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival

May 5–8, 2016

Article by Cathy Breslaw

“It’s like a Mardi Gras party in May!” This four day Louisiana-style festival has a 15 year tradition in San Diego. It has its roots in founder, Peter Oliver’s love of Cajun and zydeco music which he first heard at the 1988 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Presented by San Diego’s Bon Temps Social Club, this festival features live music with over 90 musical acts and special performances on seven stages, along with 10,000 pounds of crawfish trucked in from Louisiana, non-stop dancing, shopping, playing and eating at Spanish Landing Park by San Diego Bay. Also included are musical instrument workshops where participants can learn to play the ukulele or corrugated metal boards – or learn to play a harmonica that learners can take home.

The musical talent has expanded to include not only the top names in Cajun and zydeco music, but also star-studded blues, rockabilly, and Latin and swing talent. There will also be a cultural workshop provided by authentic Mardi Gras Indian, Tyrone Bell. Mardi Gras Indians are a New Orleans tradition dating back to the 1800s and are African American or black Creole revelers who dress in elaborate, hand made beaded and feathered costumes to resemble Native American Indians. Whether you want to dance, listen to music, play music, eat or participate in daily brass band parades, this event will transport you to an unforgettable New Orleans style Mardi Gras party.

For tickets and complete information about this festival, go to: www.gatorbythebay.com

Vanguard Culture

Vanguard Culture is an online media entity designed for culturally savvy, socially conscious individuals. We provide original interviews and reviews of the people, places, and events that make up San Diego’s thriving arts and culture community, as well as curated snapshots of the week’s best, most inspiring and unique cultural and culinary events. We believe in making a difference in the world, supporting San Diego’s vibrant visual and performing arts community and bringing awareness to important social and community causes.