Celebrating their 10th anniversary during last year’s 2013 Mardi Gras season, the Camel Toe Lady Steppers krewe are marching straight on into their second decade in the all-female Mardi Gras krewe game this year. Not only has the 50-member-strong ladies’ krewe kept things witty and lively on the parade pavement with their, ahem, female anatomy-honoring theme, but they have consistently supported one of New Orleans’ most important community education programs, the Roots of Music. And this Friday, January 10, the pink ladies offer you the chance to boogie and support the Roots of Music at their annual 12th Night fundraiser party at 619 Frenchmen Street beginning at 8 p.m.
The Camel Toe Lady Steppers
The annual 12th Night “Toe-Down” has in years past included burlesque, aerialists, extravagant costumes and some of the city’s most popular bands, plus of course, the Camel Toes themselves, live and in action. As the proceeds from the krewe’s Mardi Gras season “opener” benefit the Roots of Music program; usually you can expect the youth marching band to be in the house making music as well. As 12th Night fundraisers go, the Camel Toes throw one heck of a party.
This year however, the ladies will bump the soiree up a notch. Out-growing previous venues like One Eyed Jacks, the 2014 Toe-Down takes place inside the 619 Frenchmen warehouse space. Capable of hosting more than 2,000 people, the raw building has only seen a few select events, its entrance situated discreetly in the back of the Frenchmen Arts Market lot, nestled between the Apple Barrel and the Spotted Cat. One legendary party that took place at 619 Frenchmen was a Jazz Fest week afterparty several years ago featuring artist M.I.A. and DJ Questlove of The Roots with the New Orleans Bingo Show, the Preservation Hall All-Stars, plus DJs King Britt and Soul Sister. Ever since, the transformative possibilities inside this seemingly dull warehouse have been endless.
The "Toe-Down" is a benefit for the Roots of Music.
A giant open space is perfect for the Camel Toes’ 12th Night experience. After all, you need room for flying trapeze acts, burlesque aerialists, entire krewes of marching dancers, food trucks and of course, several bands. Morning 40 Federation and the Stooges Brass Band are set to rock you out at Friday’s event, while bounce DJ Rusty Lazer keeps the dance floor shaking all night. Costumes are more than encouraged, prizes will be awarded, and everyone, male and female alike, is invited to “rock your camel toe all night.”
Food trucks and raffles will also be on-site, as will silent auctions and carnival games. Even the bartenders double as aerialists at 619 this Friday. Tickets are $15 advance or $20 at the door, and again, proceeds will benefit the Roots of Music after-school music education program for middle school age youth in New Orleans. For more information on the Roots of Music, please visit www.therootsofmusic.org.
The 10th Annual Camel Toe Lady Steppers 12th Night “Toe-Down” Fundraiser Party for the Roots of Music takes place Friday, January 10 from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. at 619 Frenchmen Street (map). Tickets available online here.
