Nanaimo can celebrate Mardi Gras festivities a few days early this year.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Nanaimo Blues Society, the Nanaimo International Jazz Festival and the Nanaimo Hospitality Association, a Mardi Gras dance party will be held at the Queen’s on Victoria Crescent this Friday, Feb. 17, from 7-9 p.m.

According to a release, not only will masks and beads be handed out at the door, but the celebration will also showcase the musical talents of Cannery Row.

The group will feature Gary Comeau on piano, fiddle, accordion, mandolin, guitar, banjo and vocals; Tim Hearsey on guitar, slide guitar, banjo, vocals; Chris Nordquist on drums, percussion, washboard, vocals and Jerry Cook on sax and percussion.

“With diverse musical backgrounds and a common love of roots, folk, Latin, jazz and blues music, Cannery Row has woven an eclectic mix of original tunes,” noted the release. “You will hear the influence of Mardi Gras from New Orleans, the blues from Memphis and the Mississippi.”

Tickets for members of the blues society and the jazz festival are priced at $25, $30 for general admission, and can be purchased online at https://nanaimoblues.tickit.ca/.

READ MORE: Youth talent will get a share of the stage at Nanaimo Summertime Blues Festival

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