With New Orleans 1,200 miles away from Buffalo (and Buffalo weather generally a few degrees away from New Orleans’) it can be tricky to get into full Mardi Gras mode when Fat Tuesday rolls around. Helping to bring this year’s celebration to life is the Big Easy in Buffalo’s Mardi Gras Jam. Get into the spirit with over six hours of music featuring a variety of New Orleans funk. The artists include the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, a modern New Orleans brass band whose music is infused with everything from R&B to hip-hop to reggae, and Papa Grows Funk, who, though not from New Orleans might as well be, since they are a funky band that takes their styling directly from Mardi Gras tradition. Joe Krown, who was featured at the beginning of the Big Easy in Buffalo series, returns as a performer who “wowed” the crowd back in April with his solo piano performance. He’s sure to stun the crowd with a set featuring jazz, funk and swing. Respected New Orleans musicians Cyril Neville, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and Papa Mali will play with Terence Higgins and Julius McKee in what is sure to be a blast straight out of Louisiana. Also on the bill is Buffalo’s own Great Train Robbery, as well the winner of the Big Easy series’ virtual battle of the bands, the Kenmore East High School Jazz Band. Proceeds help buy instruments for Buffalo and Niagara Falls public schools, and if the music and the help to the students of the region isn’t enough of a draw, authentic Louisiana food specials by Chef Dale Holt—who trained in New Orleans—should make this event the best way to prep yourself for the beads and beer of the upcoming Mardi Gras mayhem.

Friday, Feb 1 at 5:30pm (doors). The Town Ballroom, 681 Main St. (852-3900/townballroom.com) $25 presale

(852-3900/tickets.com/bigeasybuffalo.com) or $27 day of show.