A touch of New Orleans Mardi Gras in downtown Arlington Heights
It may not be New Orleans, but Hey Nonny in downtown Arlington Heights will set the Mardi Gras scene Tuesday with jazz, gumbo and shrimp po'boys.
The music venue and bistro at 10 S. Vail Ave. is opening its doors for a free show by Bruce Blanck and Friends from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., while patrons can order off a special Mardi Gras-themed menu.
"After this latest COVID wave, I think everyone is ready to come out and have a good time, so we're really doing it up this year," co-owner Chip Brooks said in an announcement of the free show.
"Chef Tony is going to be serving up some great Fat Tuesday eats, and we're excited to hear the sweet New Orleans sounds of Bruce and his band. Jazz is a Hey Nonny staple, and no one does New Orleans jazz like Bruce Blanck."
The free show is sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, where Blanck is a member. No tickets are needed, but dinner reservations can be made at heynonny.com/shows/free-mardi-gras-show-with-bruce-blanck-friends-630pm-930pm.
The Fat Tuesday food specials include gumbo for $12 and po'boys for $17, and drinks - including the hurricane and sazerac - for $13 each.
Blanck, who has performed at Hey Nonny's jazz brunches, will be on piano and joined by an array of his jazz mates playing traditional tunes.
"Bruce Blanck is a Chicago jazz stalwart, and his swinging style was the perfect fit for a traditional Mardi Gras party," Brooks said.