A La Boheme Mardi Gras: Dance Group Brings Mardi Gras Magic to Alhecama

If you think Mardi Gras magic is reserved solely for Bourbon Street, think again! Earlier in the month, Santa Barbara’s own La Boheme Productions brought the electrifying energy of New Orleans to the Alhecama Theatre for their fourth annual Mardi Gras bash. Let me tell you, it was a night to remember!

Dressed head-to-toe in the traditional hues of green, gold, and purple, I joined a sea of revelers who embraced the spirit of the season with dazzling costumes, feathered masks, and enough sparkle to rival the French Quarter. The historic Alhecama Theatre, nestled in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, was transformed into a vibrant carnival scene, complete with lively entertainment, food, soulful music, and a contagious energy that had everyone dancing the night away.

Produced by Teresa Kuskey and Rick Oshay, the evening was a true feast for the senses. La Boheme’s talented dancers and aerialists commanded the stage, delivering mesmerizing performances that embodied the playfulness and grandeur of Mardi Gras. Every twirl, flip, and high kick radiated joy, making it impossible not to cheer them on.

Of course, no Mardi Gras celebration is complete without a lively soundtrack to get everyone moving! Our very own newscaster John Palminteri took on emcee duties, keeping the crowd engaged and setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable night of revelry. Kicking off the evening with a vibrant mix of Charleston and classic New Orleans tunes, musician Michael Gutin welcomed guests with the soulful sounds of his accordion, instantly transporting everyone to the heart of the Big Easy.

One of the evening’s highlights was the grand crowning of this year’s Mardi Gras Court. While Rick Oshay was named Mardi Gras King, I had the honor of passing my Queen Bacchus crown to Jenna Jobst. (Though let’s be honest, once a Santa Barbara Wine Queen, always a Santa Barbara Wine Queen!) Joining the court was Avi Reichental, who was named King Bacchus.

Adding to the night’s excitement, guests were treated to a special unveiling of this year’s Solstice Poster – an iconic piece of Santa Barbara culture. In a heartfelt tribute, the newly named Queen Bacchus Crown was introduced in honor of the beloved Erin Graffy, celebrating her enduring legacy in
our community.

Between performances, guests indulged in delectable New Orleans-inspired cuisine and sipped on festive beverages, immersing themselves in the full Mardi Gras experience. And just when we thought the night couldn’t get any better, DJ Joseph Souza kept the dance floor packed with beats that had us grooving well into the night.

Special shoutouts go to BellaDonna and Mignonne Profant for their sensational performances, including Mignonne’s breathtaking rendition of Pink Martini’s “Sympathique.” And let’s not forget the top-tier production quality – thanks to Islay Events, the night was filled with professional lighting and sound that made every moment feel larger than life.

By the time the evening came to a close, it was clear that La Boheme had once again succeeded in bringing the magic of Mardi Gras to Santa Barbara. The event wasn’t just a dazzling spectacle; it was a celebration of community, creativity, and the joy of coming together, and for one unforgettable night, Santa Barbara was awash in the spirit of New Orleans.

So, mark your calendars for next year, until then… Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll!