Tuesday, Feb. 17, marks this year’s Mardi Gras celebration, the day of carnival fun and costumed revelry. While the event is obviously tied to New Orleans history, the North Bay is no slacker when it comes to Fat Tuesday. Here are three festive spots to hit up.
In Sebastopol, the North Bay Hootenanny is throwing a Mardi Gras party when they host T-Luke & the Tight Suits at 775 After Dark. Guitarist and vocalist Lucas Domingue, son of Gator Beat founder Richie Domingue, started the Tight Suits a few years back, carrying on his family’s legacy for red-hot zydeco fun. T-Luke (pictured) always brings a good time with his soulful vibe and Cajun groove. (775 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. 8pm. $8–$12. 707.829.2722.)
In Petaluma, Rhythmtown Jive, the local masters of Mardi Gras, continue their own tradition of leading the annual parade through downtown, kicking off at 5:30pm at Putnum Plaza on Petaluma Boulevard and winding their way up to Zodiacs, where popular Bay Area singer Keta Bill and New Orleans blues rockers Tri Tip Trio join in on the festivities. (256 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. 5pm. $7–$10. 707.773.7751.)
In San Rafael, Fenix chef Glenn “Gator” Thompson creates a fabulous Fat Tuesday spread with Cajun sausage jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, New Orleans–style bread pudding and more, while local favorites the Pulsators create their own spices when they play a set of upbeat and funky blues. (919 Fourth St., San Rafael. 8pm. $10. 415.813.5600.)
