Description

  The Second Annual Portland Mardi Gras Ball
Saturday February 18, 2012
Bossanova Ballroom
722 East Burnside • Portland, OR 97214
Contact: Steve Kerin, 503-442-6602, portlandmardigras@gmail.com
Web: www.portlandmardigras.com
www.mystikrewe.com

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, January 4th for the second annual Portland Mardi Gras
Ball, sponsored by the Mysti Krewe of Nimbus. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at
the door for this 21-and-over party, and doors will open at 7 p.m. Saturday, February 18,
2012 at the Bossanova Ballroom, 722 E. Burnside.

This year’s theme, “They All Ask’d For You,” will surely bring out the zoo animals
and sea creatures in all the revelers. This classic New Orleans tune made famous by
The Meters, celebrates the inhabitants of the city’s Audubon Zoo (and beyond) and will
provide the ball’s decor and costume inspiration.

The zoological evening will include live music from the Too Loose Cajun/Zydeco Band,
Atomic Gumbo, the Transcendental Brass Band, and special guests; delicious home-style
Louisiana food provided by The Swamp Shack; a costume contest; the crowning of the
2012 Mardi Gras King and Queen; the search for the “baby” in the king cake; and a no-
host bar.

Said Krewe co-captain Steve Kerin, “After moving from Louisiana seven years ago, we
saw a love of life and joy of celebration in Portland. But Mardi Gras seemed to be just
a night with themed drink specials. Creating a Louisiana-authentic Mardi Gras Ball was
our chance to not just throw another great Portland party, but help connect folks here to
the deeper traditions that are unique to the festivities. Last year we were blown away by
the creativity of the costumes and the enthusiastic attendance. If you’re from Louisiana,
or have a love for the music and culture, or maybe just curious about how Mardi Gras is
traditionally celebrated, you really have to come out and join us!”

Last year, over 250 Portlanders celebrated Mardi Gras with the Mysti Krewe at the first
annual ball, and sponsors expect to draw 500 people this year.

To buy tickets or for more information on the party of 2012, visit
www.portlandmardigras.com or email portlandmardigras@gmail.com.

Mysti Krewe of Nimbus Fact Sheet

Who are The Mysti Krewe of Nimbus?
A collection of local folks with ties to Louisiana, a passion for Louisiana culture, or just a
joie de vivre and a commitment to make Mardi Gras happen each year in Portland.

Where did the name come from?
“Nimbus” in Greek Mythology means a cloudy radiance said to surround a deity when
visiting earth. The traditional “Mystic Krewe” was changed to “Mysti Krewe” to reflect
our roots here in rainy Oregon. Mardi Gras falls during the rainiest time of the year, a
great time to bring together family and friends and celebrate as if it were the middle of
the summer.

How did it start?
The Mysti Krewe of Nimbus was formed under the inspiration, support, and direction of
Lousiana natives Steve and Jane-Clair Kerin during the winter of 2010. In January 2011,
a call went out to friends and ex-pats of Louisiana and New Orleans to come together
and help plan a Mardi Gras event. In February 2011, and just eight weeks following the
first official Krewe meeting, a group of 33 dedicated individuals became Oregon’s first
official social club with the primary purpose of bringing the spirit of Louisiana and New
Orleans and its festive Mardi Gras carnival to Portland.

On March 5, 2011, these members sponsored and hosted Portland’s first true Mardi Gras
Ball. It was a fabulous success. The official theme song for the 2011 Ball was “You Are
My Sunshine,” the state song of Louisiana, and is also the official Krewe theme song.