The Dixieland Band with Bob Sakoi & Friends took the stage as part of a Mardi Gras celebration at the Merced Arts Center.
The Multicultural Arts Center (MAC) continued to celebrate Black History Month last Saturday with a lively Mardi Gras Celebration.
Guests, clad in fancy outfits and fun thematic masks (which were available for purchase), enjoyed a variety of musical acts as they dined on cultural treats. Notably, the last time the Merced County Arts Council held a Mardi Gras was the last event held at the MAC in 2020, just before everything was shut down because of COVID-19.
During this year’s event, many guests spent a good deal of time dancing and enjoying an array of music. On the main stage of the event was live Dixieland music by Bob Sakoi & Friends. Jazz standards by Gloria Corona & Steve Daily were performed on the second floor. Although it was a last-minute switch up, there were the musical stylings of Marcelle Griffin on the third floor.
The food available to guests, which was called “taste of New Orleans”, included muffaletta sandwiches, red beans & rice, and the ever popular freshly fried beignets.
“The Mardi Gras is an annual fundraiser that raises funds for Merced County Arts Council programming,” explained Colton Dennis, the MAC director. “The Arts Council board and I would like to thank all our volunteers, entertainers, patrons, sponsors and donors who help to make this lively event happen. The annual event is always the weekend before Fat Tuesday, so mark your calendars for 2024.”