Lagniappe Productions presents the 18th Annual Cajun & Zydeco Mardi Gras Ball on Feb 13, 2010 at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston, RI from 6;00 pm to midnight. The lineup features Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Donna the Buffalo with Preston Frank, and Corey Ledet & his Zydeco Band. In addition to authentic Lousiana bands, a huge dance floor, and Cajun and Creole food for sale, there is a costume contest with cash prizes in a variety of categories such as best group, best couple, best individual, and most creative ? and an overall grand prize of $250. The event is costume optional and non-costumed attendees are welcome as well. The Hot Tamale Brass Band will be on hand between performances to add to the festive atmosphere. The ball has grown in reputation as a premiere event and draws attendees from all over New England. Arrangements have been made with an area hotel for a special discount for Mardi Gras Ball attendees. Details can be found on the website (www.mardigrasri.com). About the featured bands: STEVE RILEY & THE MAMOU PLAYBOYS have won countless awards and have garnered several Grammy nominations. Their last two CD's included a live performance at the New Orleans Jazz Fest and a double disc 20 year retrospective collection to which they added 3 previously unrecorded tracks. A perennial favorite at Rhode Island's Rhythm & Roots Festival, they always keep the dance floor filled with their hybrid sound of Cajun, zydeco and swamp pop. DONNA THE BUFFALO hails from upstate NY and has gathered a fervent following all over the country and New England is no exception. They hit their 20 year mark in 2008 and celebrated the success of their CD, Silverlined, which went to #8 on the Americana chart. Their eclectic and often socially conscious music has it's base in traditional mountain music and is infused with elements of Cajun/zydeco, rock, folk, reggae, and country. At the Rhodes they will set the stage and dance floor on fire with their dance set. Whether he is playing his single row or piano key accordion, COREY LEDET sets zydeco and Cajun dancehalls and festival stages ablaze. Ledet's music ranges in style from old-time Creole and zydeco to music done his own way. He shows off his own accordion style and songwriting on his 2007 CD, Don?t Shut Me Out and has brought the zydeco sound to Moscow where he played for a crowd of 70,000, many of whom started playing ?air? rubboard. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door and $325 for a table of ten (advance only). Advance tickets may be purchased by sending a self addressed stamped envelope to Lagniappe Productions, 255 Holly Rd, Wakefield, RI 02879. For more information see www.mardigrasri.com or call 401-783-3926.