The revelries of Mardi Gras in New Orleans have many facets, including spectacular costumes, balls and pageants within the LGBTQ community. On Monday, February 13 at 6 p.m., the BK House will host a lecture on Gay carnival krewes in New Orleans by Wayne Phillips, curator of costumes and textiles and curator of carnival collections at the Louisiana State Museum. Phillips will provide an overview of the birth and growth of Gay krewes from the 1950s to today as well as traditions that laid the groundwork for the formation of these krewes.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the presentation beginning at 6 p.m. Free for museum members, $5 for nonmembers. Pre-purchase is recommended due to space limitations. Visit the BK House website for tickets and more information.

On Sunday, February 26 at 6 p.m., John Boutté will bring music from the American Songbook to the BK House in a concert featuring guitarist Caleb Tokarska and bassist Nobumasa Ozaki. In this performance, the trio will explore the diversity of the American Songbook, ranging from New Orleans jazz, blues, gospel, R&B, and Americana. Boutté is a renowned New Orleans musician who became known worldwide when his song became the theme song for the very popular post-Katrina, HBO TV show Treme.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served however, this is a bring-your-own-beverage event. Guests are encouraged to bring extra cups with their beverage of choice. Tickets are $30 for BK House members and $40 for non-members and should be pre-purchased at the BK House website.