“As you’ve seen with our programming this year, we’ve tried to change up our Jazz & Cabaret series. We’ve tried to make it a little more interactive, with more audience participation, and a bit more fun, but still keeping the high quality musical and entertainment elements that we’ve developed over the past few years,” said MacKenzie-Thurley.
“It’s going to be more of a party atmosphere. So, there will still be an opportunity for people to watch the band and enjoy a drink, but there will also be opportunities to be hop on the dance floor and get your Mardi Gras party on,” he said.
Rooted in a New Orleans Cajun/Creole sound, The Hot Magnolias are an eight-piece New Orleans Cajun/Creole jazz band that formed in Cincinnati. The group’s music showcases vocals, horns, banjo, saxophones, electric guitar, drums, bass and keyboards. The band performs a range of musical styles from 1920s traditional jazz music to 1970s funky dance songs.
“We love The Hot Magnolias. They are the hottest Creole, New Orleans party band in the area. They are fantastic musicians and entertainers. So, we thought, what better way to have a Mardi Gras party than to have them right at the center of it all. We are excited about having them back to the Fitton Center,” MacKenzie-Thurley said.
Since the evening will have a Mardi Gras theme, guests are encouraged to dress up or wear costumes and Mardi Gras masks. The ballroom will also be decorated in a Mardi Gras style. There will tables where guests can sit, watch the band and have a drink, and a dance floor as well as high-top tables where guests can stand.
“We’ll bring a little bit of New Orleans here to downtown Hamilton,” MacKenzie-Thurley said, “There’s a way to engage for every member of the audience. We want them to come, have fun and enjoy the party.”
Other upcoming shows in the Fitton’s Jazz & Cabaret series include Two Sketchy Dames on Saturday, March 28 and Drag Show 2 on Saturday, May 2. For the complete line-up of this season’s events, performances and educational opportunities, go to www.fittoncenter.org.
HOW TO GO
What: The Hot Magnolias Mardi Gras Night
When: Saturday, Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton.
Cost: Members $29; non-members $37
More info: www.fittoncenter.org or call (513) 863-8873. Also visit, www.facebook.com/FittonCenter. A cash bar will be available.
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