Cape Girardeau gets ready to party on Mardi Gras

As Mardi Gras approaches, most people are looking for that perfect party to celebrate the grand carnival. Cape Girardeau presents several options to get your feet moving and satisfy your palate.

On Fat Tuesday several of the area's top artists will be entertaining revelers in downtown Cape Girardeau. Broussard's Cajun Cuisine, a staple for Mardi Gras entertainment, will host The Intention. Just across the street at the Rude Dog, the Mike Renick Band will be cranking out the tunes.

On the corner of Broadway and Main Street, Buckner Brewing Co. will feature Bob Camp on Tuesday night, as well as its Fat Tuesday food and drink specials. Manager Marcellus Jones said the night "should be a great time to enjoy some laid-back music and celebrate with friends."

On Feb. 20, the Cape Girardeau VFW offers a Mardi Gras dance with local music legend Bruce Zimmerman from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

These events offer something for everyone, but the big Mardi Gras story this year is the return of storied St. Louis band Dr. Zhivegas to Cape Girardeau on Friday.

"It's been quite a long time since we played Cape," said Paul Chickey, drummer for the band. "I believe our last visit was for the City of Roses Music Festival, when Rufus Thomas was in town, so it's been a bit. We're excited about coming back and partying with everyone."

Dr. Zhivegas tours throughout the Midwest and to Las Vegas, bringing a mix of rock and dance music to crowds of every generation.

"Our music is rock 'n' roll meets dance floor," Chickey said. "We have sort of a fusion of both worlds -- the club world of dance and pop and the punch of rock. We come to entertain people, to get them dancing. We put our own spin on everything we do."

Local favorites Mid-Life Crisis will be opening for the group.

Dr. Zhivegas' performance is part of a grander Mardi Gras party being held at The Venue, in the Town Plaza in Cape Girardeau. The evening will feature authentic Cajun food and two themed drinks, as well as the entertainment.

Tickets for the night are $50 per person, $90 per couple and $320 per table of eight. For more information, call 651-6681.

"We hope to see some fans who already know us, but we're really looking forward to entertaining a whole new group of fans," Chickey said. "Our shows are all about the good time, and seeing people dance and sing along and smile makes it all worth it."

The lineup of Dr. Zhivegas is Frankie Muriel, vocals; D.D. James, guitar; Cubby Smith, bass guitar; Paul Chickey, drums; Chris Deusinger, saxophone; and backup vocals from Taynka and Erminie.