04
Jun
2002
Even though it's the second-oldest festival in The District of Rock Island - it's now in its 10th year - Gumbo Ya Ya is still serving up new things as it brings a belated Mardi Gras to the Quad Cities.
The most notable addition this year will be a lot more food. Jennifer Fowler, executive director of The District, said that Gumbo Ya Ya will feature 20 food vendors, more than at any previous festival in downtown Rock Island. And because each vendor must offer one unique dish (in addition to gumbo and jambalaya), there should be enough variety to satisfy any taste.
Also new this year is a contest in which one lucky winner will leave the local version of Mardi Gras with a free trip to the real festival next year in New Orleans.
Fowler also said she has a fondness for the Barkus Dog Parade, now in its fourth year in The District and kicking off at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The parade of costumed dogs starts at 20th Street and 3rd Avenue. "It is taken straight from Mardi Gras," Fowler said.
In addition to importing traditions and food from Louisiana, Mardi Gras in The District is also a celebration of Cajun and zydeco music, and the schedule this year is packed. The festival features nine musical acts, most performing two sets. (Workhorse Roddie Romero is performing three times.) Dikki Du & The Zydeco Crew and the Creole Zydeco Farmers will be making their Quad Cities debuts at the festival.
And local artists get their due, also. At 1 p.m. on Saturday, 30 local and regional artists will begin creating street banners as "spectator art."
Gumbo Ya Ya performance schedule:
Roddie Romero & The Rockin' Cajuns: 5 p.m. Friday (West Stage), 2 p.m. Saturday (West Stage), 11 p.m. Saturday (East Stage).
We're Late & Smell Like Beer: 5 p.m. Friday (East Stage), 4 p.m. Saturday (West Stage).
Rosie Ledet: 7 p.m. Friday (East Stage), 7 p.m. Saturday (West Stage).
Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas: 8 p.m. Friday (West Stage), 8 p.m Saturday (East Stage).
Dikki Du & The Zydeco Crew: 10 p.m. Friday (West Stage), 3 p.m. Saturday (East Stage).
Zydeco Bone Shakers: 10 p.m. Friday (East Stage), 5 p.m. Saturday (East Stage).
Dennis Stroughmatt with Bon Temps Roulez: noon Saturday (West Stage).
Creole Zydeco Farmers: noon Saturday (East Stage).
Donna Angelle & The Zydeco Posse: 10 p.m. Saturday (West Stage).
Also new this year is a contest in which one lucky winner will leave the local version of Mardi Gras with a free trip to the real festival next year in New Orleans.
Fowler also said she has a fondness for the Barkus Dog Parade, now in its fourth year in The District and kicking off at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The parade of costumed dogs starts at 20th Street and 3rd Avenue. "It is taken straight from Mardi Gras," Fowler said.
In addition to importing traditions and food from Louisiana, Mardi Gras in The District is also a celebration of Cajun and zydeco music, and the schedule this year is packed. The festival features nine musical acts, most performing two sets. (Workhorse Roddie Romero is performing three times.) Dikki Du & The Zydeco Crew and the Creole Zydeco Farmers will be making their Quad Cities debuts at the festival.
And local artists get their due, also. At 1 p.m. on Saturday, 30 local and regional artists will begin creating street banners as "spectator art."
Gumbo Ya Ya performance schedule:
Roddie Romero & The Rockin' Cajuns: 5 p.m. Friday (West Stage), 2 p.m. Saturday (West Stage), 11 p.m. Saturday (East Stage).
We're Late & Smell Like Beer: 5 p.m. Friday (East Stage), 4 p.m. Saturday (West Stage).
Rosie Ledet: 7 p.m. Friday (East Stage), 7 p.m. Saturday (West Stage).
Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas: 8 p.m. Friday (West Stage), 8 p.m Saturday (East Stage).
Dikki Du & The Zydeco Crew: 10 p.m. Friday (West Stage), 3 p.m. Saturday (East Stage).
Zydeco Bone Shakers: 10 p.m. Friday (East Stage), 5 p.m. Saturday (East Stage).
Dennis Stroughmatt with Bon Temps Roulez: noon Saturday (West Stage).
Creole Zydeco Farmers: noon Saturday (East Stage).
Donna Angelle & The Zydeco Posse: 10 p.m. Saturday (West Stage).
