Backroom Boys to play for dancing Feb. 12, 13

The Backroom Boys will play traditional jazz and more for dancing on Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Feb. 12, at the Michigan House in Calumet. They will also play at other venues next week. Pictured here, from left, are John Munson (clarinet, sax, and keyboard); Oren Tikkanen (guitar, banjo, mandolin and vocals); Bob Hiltunen (guitar and percussion); Belinda Mattfolk (bass); and, inset, Bob Norden (trombone and vocals). (Poster courtesy Backroom Boys)

CALUMET -- Next week, Fat Tuesday -- Mardi Gras -- Feb. 12, the Backroom Boys -- Keweenaw's best, and only, traditional-style jazz band -- will make their annual appearance at the Michigan House in Calumet! Tim and Sue are making sweet potato cakes and gumbo to warm you, the music goes from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and you are expected.

The next day, Wed, Feb. 13, is the Keweenaw Co-op's Owner Appreciation Day, with music from 12 noon on into the evening. The Backroom Boys' set will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. so come on down, dance in the aisles, get your 10 percent off if you are an owner, get your regular Wednesday 5 percent off if you are a "senior" and join in the merrymaking.

"Furthermore," says Oren Tikkanen, "There are secret negotiations in process at this time to arrange a special Backroom Boys Valentine's appearance at an undisclosed venue with the initials of CIBC for either Thursday, Feb. 14, or Friday, Feb. 15, probably from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m." (Watch for more details soon.)

Backroom Boys to play music for Mardi Gras at Michigan House Feb. 21

Poster courtesy Backroom Boys.

CALUMET -- Call it Mardi Gras, or Laskiainen, or Carnivale -- February 21 is FAT TUESDAY, celebrated all around the world as a day for merry-making and feasting. The venerable Michigan House in Calumet will have a distinctly New Orleans feel, and the Backroom Boys will bring their "Creole-Yooper" mix of traditional jazz, street blues, polkas, waltzes, etc., for your dancing and listening pleasure.

The poster says 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., but don't be surprised if the music starts as early as 6.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!!!

Celebrate Mardi Gras at NOSOTROS Carnival dance Feb. 18

NOSOTROS will host a Mardi Gras Carnival Latin dance this Saturday, Feb. 18. (Poster courtesy NOSOTROS)

HOUGHTON -- NOSOTROS invites you to a Latin dance celebrating Carnival and Mardi Gras! Following free salsa lessons from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., dancing will be open floor from 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Feb. 18, in Michigan Tech's MUB Ballroom A.

The event is a colorful and unique celebration and the apparel is half the fun! Colorful costumes are worn, so dig out your hat, tiara, crown, boa, mask, costume or beads and be festive!

Come and dance salsa, merengue, bachata and much more! No partner needed! Family friendly! All levels! Free entrance!

King cakes and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. Please, bring dancing or comfortable clean shoes.

This event is organized by NOSOTROS Latin Student Organization at Michigan Tech and supported by the USG.

For information contact Alessia Uboni at auboni@mtu.edu.