Nightflying: The Entertainment Guide

    What a pleasure it is to present, for the first time in 2010, the entertainment news of Eureka Springs, an artistic oasis in the Ozarks! By now, resolutions have been forgotten along with those holiday cards never posted, but hopefully sweet memories of friendly greetings linger like cinnamon spice. Peter Read calls this issue of Nightflying, “Winter Daze,” perhaps for way the cold and the post-holiday happy hangover usually slows down the entertainment scene. However, here in Eureka, folks just can’t seem to follow Bear Spirit into full hibernation mode. Sure, some of the shops close, but the music scene around town is plowing along snowballs to the wall!
Eureka Gras Extravaganza
    Umbrellas of purple, green, and gold a twirling, jazz trumpeting, masks, feathers, hankies flying; the Krewe of Krazo shakes the Mardi Gras glitter all over town this year with Eureka Gras. Eureka Gras brings a taste of authentic Southern Louisiana Mardi Gras hoopla and hospitality at a time of year when previously nothing much was going on, and thoughtfully spreads the events to several different venues.
    Although many parties of preparation have led up to the big events, the Coronation Royalty Ball on Thursday, February 4, kicks things off in style at the beautiful historic Crescent Hotel’s Crystal Ballroom with music by the “All That Jazz Quartet.”
    Friday, February 5, the party moves over to the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center with the costumed fun of the Hookers & Jokers Ball. The fabulous Jazz Mafia band made up of Richard Bruton, Jack Martin, Clare Starr, Ken Everts, and Cal Jackson will keep the joint jumping.
    Saturday’s official Eureka Gras parade rolls through downtown Eureka Springs at 2 pm on February 6, followed by a Krazo Kostume Kontest at 3:30 at the New Delhi Café with music by Miles Ralston.   All ages are welcome. Music and partying continue at all the bars in town! Then, wake up Sunday to the Eureka Gras Jazz Brunch back up at the Crescent Hotel served in traditional New Orleans style.
    New to the Eureka Gras festivities is ArtiGras, an art show and artist’s reception to be held at the Rowdy Beaver featuring “tastefully risqué” creations by 15 local artists produced by King Krazo IV, Zeek Taylor. The spirit of New Orleans flows through the veins of some of Eureka Springs’ most treasured artists, and Eureka Gras allows them to reconnect with that special part of their personal heritage. The show will be on display at the Rowdy Beaver February 14-16, however the Roi Regency, comprised of past Krewe of Krazo monarchs will be decked out their royal finery for an artists reception on Monday, February 15th from 6 to 8 pm.
    Fat Tuesday is the day of the big Krazo “Second Line” Krawl commencing at the Pied Piper’s Cathouse Lounge at 4pm, culminating in a celebration with music by the Josh Bramhall Band at Chelsea’s, and covering Eureka’s downtown watering holes in between (Tiki Torch, Firehouse Pub, Eureka Live, New Delhi, Henri’s, the Squid & Whale, Jack’s Place). Flaunt your feathered masks and wave your umbrellas in what the Krewe of Krazo hopes to be the “longest 2nd line in history” worthy of mention in the Guinness Book of World Records.
    See pictures of past events and find out about hotel packages and ticket prices at www.krazo.ureeka.org. Let the good times roll!

More about that Snowballs to the Wall action…
MISS OLD STYLE 2010
    Back by popular demand, Chelsea’s Corner Café and Bar hosts Miss Old Style on Sunday, February 28th. This is not Bob Barker’s kind of pageant by a long shot! According to the show’s producer, Kendra Manley, a former Miss Old Style crown-bearer, the 2010 theme is “Studio 54 revisited.” Guests will wait behind the red velvet rope before entering the elite Chelsea’s 54 where they will find disco balls and caged dancers. Judges (I hear Truman Capote, Andy Warhol, and David Bowie have been asked) assisted by audience approval will chose the contestant who shines brightest in the categories of Talent, Costume, and Interview. Originally, contestants modeled homemade “gowns” accessorized by Miss Old Style Beer labels, boxes, bottle caps, etc. With each passing year a new theme arises to keep the competition sizzling. Interested in vying for the 2010 title of Miss Old Style? Well, if you are at least 21 years of age, you can call Chelsea’s at 479-253-6723 to sign up! Catch hot music at Chelsea’s each weekend no matter the season. Some shows coming up include Kory Montgomery, Jack Douglas Trio, The Josh Bramhall Band, MSG, Dash Riprock, Big Smith, and 1 oz. Jig.
    Perhaps you missed your High School Prom because you thought it was uncool, or were left dateless when your cousin came down with the measles, or you passed out before you got to the school gym. Well, Chelsea’s Prom Night gives you the opportunity to make up for it on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14.
    Last year, Chelsea’s bartender, Todd Huber, surprised many who had only ever seen him dressed in black T-shirt and jeans, when he showed up for his shift looking dazzlingly dapper in a sky blue suit! His shiny ebony curls resting on baby blue shoulders shocked a few promsters, but Todd’s devilish grin reminded them of the fact that the clothes don’t make the man. Sadly, we lost our dear friend on Thursday, January 21st to illness. Todd lived a lot of life in his 46 years; paddling rivers, riding his motorcycle, planting trees, pouring drinks, hugging women, going to concerts, and loving his lady. Todd took good care of the musicians who played at Chelsea’s. He tended the bar for countless Tuesday Open Mic Nights! Lord only knows how many times he endured “Me & Bobby MaGee” being sung off key, but he would serve the singer a drink and thank them for sharing anyway. Todd will be missed at this year’s Prom and everyday after, but will live on in our fond memories. Cheers to you, Todd!
    The Squid & Whale crew keeps a full calendar of great music and lively nightly events. The week offers a Monday Ladies Night, Tuesday Salsa Music, Wednesday Wii Bowling Tournament, Thursday is Open Mic Musical Smack-Down with Bloody Buddy & Friends, and each weekend welcomes bands playing a variety of genres. In February: Dayton Waters, The Crumbs, R.J. Mischo (CD Release Party!!!), Black Water, Silver Stone with special guest Thunder Knuckle, and rounding out the month is a Winter Beach Party on the 27th with music by the Jah Kings! I had a great time listening to the original tunes of a young group from Oklahoma, the David Castro Band. This was their first and surely not last appearance in Eureka Springs.
    The New Delhi Café brings the music inside mostly in this chilly time, providing a cozy exchange between audience and performer. BrickFields (Rachel & Larry) play on most Friday evenings and for the Sunday Gospel Brunch. Opal Fly makes the Eureka scene there on the 11th. We don’t know whom she is leaving in charge at her new place, Opal Fly’s Feel Good Lounge in downtown Fayetteville for the night, but we are glad to have her! Also this month, experience Adam Johnston, Sinclair (from Amsterdam), and Mountain Sprout live at the Delhi.
    Jack’s Place hasn’t forgotten how many love birds flock to Eureka Springs for Valentine’s Day and invited Fatz 59 to play for a special weekend concert the 12th and 13th. During the rest of the month, you can be a star with Kick Stand Karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights.
    The Lumberyard Saloon sports a spicy list of upcoming events such as a visit from The Men of Las Vegas, Gera & The Black & Blues Band, and 2 Live Crew with special guest JP Money. Who can forget the outrageously raunchy booty shaking hits of 2 Live Crew? I blushed when I remembered them myself! 2 Live Crew will be in Eureka Springs at the Lumberyard on Saturday, March 6. Tickets are just $10, and if you want more info on that show call the Lumberyard at 479-253-0400. Also, the bar has extended Free Texas Holdem Poker to Saturday evenings as well as Sunday and Wednesday.
    A happy crowd turned out for Red Ambition, despite the January rain, and I discovered I could dance pretty good in my Wellington rain boots. Red Ambition is a fantastic cover band playing favorite dance tunes with impressive togetherness, expert vocals, and winning harmonies. They put on a show, and had real talent shining through.
    The Eureka House Concert Series brings Hu Dost to the Unitarian Church at 17 Elk Street on Wednesday, February 17th for an intimate smoke-free performance. Tickets are $12 at the door. On Wednesday, March 3rd The Burns Sisters are the headlining act. Visit www.eurekahouseconcerts.com for more information on these friendly events.
    So you see, Friends and Neighbors, February doesn’t have to be a cabin-fever month for anyone. Come on and see us for Eureka Gras, Valentine’s Day, or just a random treat to yourself. This is a good time of year to get great deals on overnight stays and spa packages, plus the bald eagles are prolific this year! Next month I will be encouraging you to come to Eureka Springs for our St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and relaying some upcoming Festival highlights! Stay tuned!
Karen FitzPatrick

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