Mardi Gras!

Well, I was only able to go to one day (Saturday) of the 15th Port Arthur Mardi Gras, but it was enough fun to make me want to attend the whole weekend next year. Well worth the $10 admission even though the nighttime temps in the 30s were quite chilly for us Gulf Coasters.

In addition to Satisfaction (a Rolling Stones tribute band) and an Elvis impersonator, neither of whom were as cheesy as you might think, we enjoyed some harmonica-driven blues from PAT native son Paul Orta & The Kingpins, some kickass zydeco from Rosie Ledet and her supertight band, and straight-ahead Texas country by Robert Earl Keen.

I'd planned to see the The Neville Brothers Sunday night as part of the inaugural "Mardi Gras on the Neches" events in Beaumont, but unfortunately that gig was cancelled. When Baz received some passes to ride on a float on Sunday in Beaumont, I opted to go see my niece & nephews throwing beads rather than attend "Cajun Invasion" day in Port Arthur . . . there's always next year. :)


Al in front of Madeline's near where we parked.


Procter Street residents were taking advantage of their location by setting up grills and selling food, drink and parking. Looks like this house still has its FEMA tarp.


This juggler was pretty impressive.


When asked where his horse was, he said his feet kept dragging the ground. :P


Elvis has left the building . . .


The abandoned Hotel Sabine was a depressing reminder that downtown PA is pretty empty most of the year.


We set up our chairs and buttoned our jackets against the cold.


First band we saw was Satisfaction, a Rolling Stones tribute band. Check out the guy in purple sequins.


Drink token.








Paul Orta & The Kingpins

OK, that covers the first couple of hours. More pics coming soon . . .