Loose Leaf Notes

The following is a selection of Floyd Mardi Gras photos and captions, most of which were published in The Floyd Press on February 23, 2012.

Blue Mountain School (BMS) English teacher John Vandergrift, BMS administrator Carol Volker and BMS parent Elisha Reygle (who later won “best costume” of the night) sold tickets and beads at the door of the 3rd annual Mardi Gras Costume Ball, held at the Dogtown Sun Music Hall. The ball is a fundraiser benefit for Blue Mountain School, Floyd’s independent contemplative progressive school, soon to celebrate its 30th year anniversary.

BMS supporter Jessica Talley (left) strikes an upbeat pose.

BMS contemplative program teacher Sarah McCarthy enjoyed a plate of Cajun food prepared by Chef Natasha Shishkevish of Natasha’s Café. Hari Berzins, a recent BMS teacher, is also pictured.

Jamie Reygle, developmental coordinator and service learning teacher at BMS was the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. Here, Reygle introduces the band Spoon Fight, an alternative Floyd rock/blues band whose members are BMS alumni. Luke Thomas, the band’s lead guitarist and vocalist is pictured with Reygle. Other members of the band are drummer Jake Thomas and bass guitarist Isaac Wright.  Listen to a clip of the band performing with a light show HERE.

A masked Andrea Goodrum, BMS parent and board president, stands next to the original Mardi Gras III poster, done by BMS art teacher Lore Deighan. The poster went to highest bidders and Floyd newcomers Missy and Everett Sizemore. Other silent auction items donated to benefit BMS were Floydfest tickets, a gift basket from Republic of Floyd, a Riverstone CSA farm share, a Quantum-Biofeedback Stress Reduction Session with Christina Beherens, a Starrroot print, a tutu, jewelry and more. Alicia Fisher’s set of hand-made dragon wings was the auction item that received the most bids.

Featured band, Lagniappe, played two sets with a special focus on New Orleans related material. The five-piece all- star band featured Kerry Hurley (vocals), Janiah Allen (drums), Chris Blankenship (guitar), Christopher Mondot (keyboard) and Jake Dempsey (bass). Pictured from left to right are Blankenship, Hurley, Dempsey and special guest Joel Vendetti, a past Blue Mountain School parent.  Watch the band sing Iko Iko HERE.

The dance floor was filled with dancers during band performances, which included opening band Attakk and Spoon Fight, along with Lagniappe. The name Lagniappe was coined for the occasion by past New Orleans resident and BMS Mardi Gras King, Tom Ryan. It means “unexpected gift” in Creole.

The color red was an unexpected theme donned by many costumed attendees. Pictured is Virginia Tech graduate Crystal Founds (center) with friends.

The Evolatica Dance Company entertained the enthusiastic crowd between Lagniappe’s first and second set with a variety of dance routines and theatrical period-piece re-enactments. Local dancers featured were Leah Jones (pictured left to right), Reda Brown and Emily Williamson.  See a video HERE.

Siobhan Shamama Lowe, pictured (center) in the “15 pound” Cinderella ball dress that she purchased at Angels in the Attic, won a gift certificate at Oddfellas Cantina for the dance-off contest. Lowe is pictured with the winners of the couple dance-off. Dance-off video HERE.

Joe Klein and Colleen Redman’s (this blogger) first dance after being crowned this year’s Mardi Gras King and Queen. Klein is a past BMS teacher and Redman is a past BMS parent/creative writing teacher. Their feathered crowns were created by Gabriele Hilger.

 Note: See a post from the BMS Mardi Gras II HERE and Mardi Gras I HERE.