Clubs you can start out at, ride the bus to or end up at will have music from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. These clubs include Knucklehead's Saloon at 2715 Rochester in KC, MO. Once there you can dance to (dare ya to try to keep still!) the hoppin' beat of Zydeco's Sweetheart, Rosie Ledet and the Zydeco Playboys. Hailing from Louisiana and playing around the world for nearly 15 years, this family band (with hubby Morris on bass, father- in -law Lanice on washboard and nephew Lukey on drums) is a favorite on Mardi Gras. They have 8 cds out; the latest entitled “Pick It Up". The title cut is a little tune about Viagra (go figure).

Save some dancing moves for when the bus takes you over to The Grand Emporium at 38th and Main in KC, MO. One of Kansas City's hottest bands, Trampled Under Foot, or TUF, will be rockin' the GE like never before! Born into a musical family, this amazing trio of look-alike siblings will be sure to keep the party going with their incredible talents. The dynamic drumming of Kris Schnebelen accompanied by Nick’s fiery guitar moves and smooth vocals are always a treat to witness. But wait- there's more! Their sister, Danielle, has one of those voices that is so powerful and soulful, so moving; this writer has goosebumps just trying to describe it. And she even plays bass! This is one band you do not want to miss.

On the south side of the city, there is a little juke joint famous for their excellent bbq and lively music scene - BB's Lawnside BBQ . Located at 85th and Holmes (don't worry, the bus driver knows the detour) BB's will be filled to the gills with "crawlers" gettin' down to the funky "barbed wire and vaseline guitar" sounds of none other than Mem Shannon. It's been almost two years since Mem has graced our fine city so it's about time we got him back! With 5 cds under his belt, this New Orleans Bluesman has toured the world. He's played with such greats as Gregg Allman, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, Taj Mahal and others when they did a tribute to Muddy Waters. Having driven a cab in his hometown for 15 years, this singer songwriter, with his rich voice, has some interesting stories to tell and has a great band, 'The Membership' to help him tell them.

Remember where you leave your car so you can take the bus back to it. The low price of $15 ($12 in advance-get them at the club) gets you into all three clubs and a mere $5 gets you on the party bus. Bring your spare nickels and dimes so you can pick out some souvenirs from the Blues Society's vast array of beads! Fat Tuesday falls on February 20th this year, so mark your calendars and join us for a long night of fun!