Lent doesn’t put off ball for music scholarships
The Hot Springs Jazz Society held its fundraising Mardi Gras Costume Ball & Contest on Feb. 29 — a few days after Mardi Gras — this year. Luckily there were no “Lent police” around to frown on the evening of dancing, entertainment and all-around fun.
Taking place in the second-floor ballroom of The Hotel Hot Springs & Spa, the event began with music by the Spa City Stompers, then segued to equally danceable tunes from the Delta Brass Express. A belly dancer and mime entertained members of the crowd as they mingled and bid on a variety of silent-auction items. They also bought raffle tickets to win an aquamarine center-stone pendant, donated by Lara’s Jewelry and Design; a case of Tito’s Vodka; and a mixed case of wine. Gumbo, jambalaya, bread pudding and libations were sold and served by volunteers.
Peggy and John Holt, Queen and King Jazz of the event as well as its co-hosts, kicked off the traditional second-line parade/dance. Sharon Turrentine did double duty, serving as mistress of ceremonies and lending her vocals to a couple of tunes.
The costume contest, bearing cash prizes, was divided into Best Man, Best Woman, Best Couple and Crowd Favorite categories and judged via applause. The most notable winners were the four people capturing the Best Couple award: Lorraine and Brian Jackson and Beth and Richard Gipe, dressed as Alfred Hitchcock movie characters — the Jacksons as murderous Norman Bates and unfortunate shower victim Marion Crane (complete with shower) in Psycho; and the Gipes as a character in The Birds and Hitchcock himself.
Proceeds from the Mardi Gras event help pay for scholarships for Arkansas high school students to attend Summer Jazz Camp; free America’s Art Form concerts at the Garland County Library; and the JazzFest Block Party, a free, daylong outdoor concert during the annual JazzFest over Labor Day weekend.