NEW ORLEANS – A new celebration is coming to New Orleans to officially ring in Carnival season, and it promises music, dancing, king cake and a little history behind the revelry. New Orleans–born, NYC-based jazz vocalist Kayla “Kay” Lewis and her family are announced the King Cake Soirée, a public celebration welcoming the start of Mardi Gras on Jan. 10 from 7–10 p.m. at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center.
Inspired by traditional King’s Day gatherings, organizers share the evening will feature three live jazz sets performed by Kay Lewis and the Sugar Cane Krewe, along with Creole cuisine from New Orleans caterer Myra J and a tasting of king cakes from multiple local bakeries. In addition, special guest and Mardi Gras historian Peggy Scott Laborde will share insights on the tradition and enduring legacy of Carnival, and a panel of New Orleans food and culture personalities, and a lucky audience member will choose their favorite king cake.
Known for a soulful, old-school cabaret sound that channels the great jazz vocalists of the early 20th century, Lewis has been praised for transporting audiences into the nostalgic, storytelling era of New Orleans nightlife. Her recent local immersive production, Belle Noire, received acclaim for honoring Black women’s contributions to jazz and blues.
“As a New Orleanian, Mardi Gras holds a special place in my heart. We wanted to create a space where people can kick off Carnival safely, joyfully, and in true New Orleans spirit, with music, dancing, culture, and a walk down memory lane,” said Lewis. “Whether you’ve celebrated Mardi Gras your whole life or are experiencing it for the first time, this event honors the traditions we grew up with while reminding people why they fell in love with this season in the first place.”
The King Cake Soirée especially welcomes swing dancers and social dancers, encouraging guests to bring their dancing shoes to enjoy an evening rooted in music, movement, and community connection. For those new to swing dancing, a brief live demo by two respected swing dance instructors, Samuel Coleman and Breonna Jordan, will kick off the night. Guests are also encouraged to dress up in festive attire and costumes.
Tickets for the King Cake Soirée are $38.50 with fees, which includes live music, Creole cuisine by Myra Jay, a king cake tasting featuring multiple bakeries, and access to the evening’s cultural programming. The event will take place at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center at 1724 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite here. A limited number of tickets are being set aside for guests experiencing financial hardship who would like to attend. Those interested may email or send a direct message to Kayla for more information.