VINCENNES —
First Families, the heritage education outreach of Grouseland Foundation, is teaming up with the Vincennes Historical and Antiquarian Society to expand the 6th annual Vincennes Festival du Mardi Gras to a two-night event on Feb. 17-18. Both evening events will be hosted at the Fortnightly Club at 421 S. Sixth St. in Vincennes.
Vincennes Mardi Gras begins at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 with a presentation sponsored by First Families featuring Dennis Stroughmatt and his ensemble, L’Esprit Creole. Stroughmatt, a traditional fiddler and folklorist, preserves the French Creole songs and culture of “Upper Louisiana,” or the Pays des Illinois, which is a unique cultural and linguistic group spanning from Vincennes and the Wabash Valley through southern Illinois and southeastern Missouri.
Stroughmatt’s presentation is designed to re-introduce new generations of Vincennes to festive traditions and music that are integral to Vincennes’ historically French Creole heritage, where many descendants still live. The evening will also include traditional dance demonstrations. Light refreshments will be served.
The festival continues Feb. 18 with featured performers Paul Gregoire and Roux du Bayou, playing the best in Cajun, Zydeco and Swamp Pop music. Mary Laue will also sing selections from French folk songs of old Vincennes. Authentic cuisine and desserts will be served starting at 5 p.m. Dance lessons in Cajun swing, two-step and waltz will also be offered prior to the band performance, which will run from 6-10 p.m. Beer and wine will be available for sale.
Tickets are $10 per event or $15 for both events, and children under 12 are free. Tickets can be purchased at the following locations: Knox County Public Library, 502 N. Seventh St.; Knox County Chamber of Commerce, 316 Main St.; Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 779 S. Sixth St.; Something Special, 423 Main St.; Valley Cash and Carry, 310 S. Fourth St.; and at Grouseland, 3 W. Scott St. Tickets can be purchased by phone during normal business hours at (812) 882-2096; 1-800-886-6443; or by email at Grouseland@sbcglobal.net. Tickets can also be purchased at the door of each event.
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Vincennes’ Festival du Mardi Gras keeps traditions alive
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