mARTi Gras at The Erie Art Museum

Start looking into the deep, old history of that beautiful thing called Cajun music, and toward the modern end of the line – around the late 1980s, in fact – you'll almost surely come across Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys.

In the stretch of time between then and now, Riley and the Playboys have put forth a bounty of real music, all perfectly authentic to its Louisiana roots, and most sung and performed in true-blue Cajun French.

They've even garnered two Grammy nominations – one for 1993's Trace of Time, another for 2003's Bon Réve – in the awards' Best Traditional Folk Album category.

Now, that's the kinda band you'd want at any Mardi Gras party.

And guess what? The Erie Art Museum's got 'em.

The museum's bringing the band – and plenty of other touches of New Orleans – to the Gem City for one sure-to-be-awesome party (for a good cause, of course) as it presents its mARTi Gras Masquerade on Saturday, Feb. 21.

Starting at 7 p.m. and rockin' through 11, the Masquerade also features a parade led by 'King and Queen' Dan and Kathy Dahlkemper; authentic Cajun hors d'oeuvres; a silent auction; and toasts with awesome brews from Erie Beer and Magic Hat Brewing Company.

The cost to attend this 21-and-over bash is $50 per person, and proceeds benefit the Erie Art Museum. – Ryan Smith

Saturday, Feb. 21, 7 to 11 p.m.  //  20 E. Fifth St.  //  erieartmuseum.org