The 2nd Annual Mardi Gras Ball

Fun and Floyd may be synonymous, but nobody’s ever had quite so much fun as they did at last year’s inaugural Mardi Gras Ball, when 300 people came on a cold winter night to burn up the dance floor and reignite the fire in their souls.

The good news is that it’s back! The second annual Mardi Gras Ball is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 5, at The Sun Music Hall in downtown Floyd. 8pm to late.

This FUNdraiser for Floyd’s independent Blue Mountain School, raised $6,000 last year, and is expected to be at least as big a success this year.

The Floyd FunkStars return, after infecting the crowd with dance fever last year. Featuring Hoppie Vaughan (Ministers of Soul, Fat Daddy Band), Jamiel Allen (Alliens, Blue Ridge Dub Alliance), Jake Dempsey (Sol Creech Band), and King George Penn (Yams From Outer Space, Jah Works), the band was a huge hit, and the crowd’s calls for, “More, more, more,” that have echoed around Floyd for the past year are being honored with this return performance.

Opening for the FunkStars are two bands that have very close ties to Blue Mountain School. The Wild Life features current BMS parent Richie Ursomarso, and BMS alumni Jake and Luke Thomas. Jake and Luke are also in the first act of the night, Spoon Fight, with Isaac Wright rounding out the band as yet another BMS alumni.

Not only are three bands performing on the night, but there are also several special guests, plus a big jam to finish off what promises to once again be the biggest party on Floyd’s calendar. In addition to a range of Cajun numbers scattered through the FunkStars set, Dogtown Roadhouse are adding plenty of Mardi Gras flavor to the show, with a range of delectable Cajun treats, including their very own Blue Ridge Hokie Gumbo.

Once again, expert auctioneer Tom O’Neill is calling the auction, which features items from Emily Williamson, Across the Way Productions, Republic of Floyd, Dorian Dugger, Putali Herbal, Quantum Enterprises, Wenona Scott, Living Light, Still Spirit Community, Nico Woodruff, Jeanie O’Neill Gallery / Boutique, Lora Leigh Giessler, Waterbear Organic Mountain Farm, and more generous local donors.

You have four ticketing options:
• Barons & Baronnes (standing room): $10
• Ducs & Duchesses (reserved seating): $20
• Archiducs & Archiduchesses (reserved seating at raised table, with complimentary bottle of champagne and dinner included): $320 for table of 8
• Grand Ducs & Grande Duchesses (reserved seating at raised table, with two complimentary bottles of champagne and dinner included): $360 for table of 8

Tickets are available at Dogtown Roadhouse, Republic of Floyd, Blue Mountain School, and
online via http://www.sunmusichall.com