Fat Tuesday in the Fillmore February 12, 2013

Keeping with the tradition of celebrating with great music, creative costumes, good food and colorful beads, The Village Project, The Fillmore Center and the Mayor's Office of Economic & Workforce Development are proud to present the Seventh Annual Mardi Gras San Francisco Style - Fat Tuesday in the Fillmore on Tuesday, Feb. 12.

This year's festival once again will bring San Francisco's historic Fillmore District to life with colorful events that include a masquerade ball, street artists and performers. The celebration will commence with a free kick-off blues concert from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Fillmore Plaza, 1475 Fillmore. It will feature the legendary Bobbie "Spider" Webb & the Smooth Blues Band and be followed by a festive New Orleans processional down the Fillmore Corridor, led by Henry Clement & The Gumbo Band and culminating at the Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball.

Guests will be able to enjoy food, drink and other specials at numerous Fillmore restaurants, clubs and businesses. A plethora of eclectic delectable eats will be available to satisfy every palate - American soul at 1300 on Fillmore restaurant; homemade cookies and ice cream at Bumzy's Cookies and Miyako Ice Cream; chicken and waffles at Gussie's; Yoshi's Japanese; or Ethiopian cuisine and live jazz at Rasselas and Sheba Lounge, just to mention a few.

Following the outdoor festivities, the Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball will take place at the West Bay Conference Center, 1290 Fillmore. The crown jewel of San Francisco's Fat Tuesday celebration will feature Adrian Costa & The Blues Persuasion Band as guests enjoy an evening of New Orleans style food, dancing, a costume contest, raffles and plenty of partying.

Advance purchase tickets for the Masquerade Ball are $35 per person or $60 for couples. At the door, tickets are $45/$70. Ticket includes admission to the ball, dinner and a beverage.

Official Website: http://thevillageprojectsf.org