NEW ORLEANS – Royal Sonesta New Orleans will host its annual “Greasing of the Poles” at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 5, 2016. This year's theme, “Let Them Eat King Cake” is inspired by the era of Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI. Local award-winning actor Bryan Batt will serve as master of ceremonies. The public is invited to gather at the main entrance of the newly renovated hotel at 300 Bourbon St. to view the free spectacle.
Now in its 46th year, “Greasing of the Poles” has earned its place in Crescent City history as a landmark experience, and is considered by many as the French Quarter’s official kickoff to Mardi Gras weekend. Royal Sonesta New Orleans, which recently completed a significant renovation, originated this carnival ritual of greasing the building’s support poles as a practical means to deter over-zealous revelers from shimmying up to the coveted balcony space. Nearly five decades later, the practice has evolved into a star-studded and music-filled event, even spawning its own international fan club that hails from Switzerland to participate each year.
This year’s festivities will include appearances by the Krewe of Zulu's King Zulu Jay H. Banks and Queen Mrs. Artelia Bennet-Banks, King of NOMTOC Dr. Phillip W. Lundy and Queen Miss Jada Monét Pierre, plus other special guests. Leroy Jones and the Original Hurricane Brass Band will perform Carnival classics during the show, while New Orleans' original all-female marching group The Pussyfooters will deliver a special performance. Representatives from the New Orleans Saints including NFL players, mascots Gumbo and Sir Saint, and members of the Saintsations, will also be in attendance.
Greasing the iconic hotel’s poles will be a cultural cross selection of contestants representing the unique character of New Orleans. Fleurty Girl founder Lauren Thom, Chelsea Murphy of The Merry Antoinettes Mardi Gras krewe, Yvonne Bryant of the Oui Dats de la Nouvelle-Orléans Mardi Gras krewe and burlesque performer Trixie Minx will go head to head for the namesake task, each vying for the winning title based on the judging panel’s scores. Contestants will also have the chance to win the coveted “People’s Choice” vote, based on crowd participation and applause.
Celebrity judges for this year’s event are Grammy-award winning musician Irvin Mayfield, local funk bandleader “Big” Sam Bolden of Big Sam’s Funky Nation, WDSU NBC 6 Chief Meteorologist Margaret Orr, Tales of the Cocktail Founder Ann Tuennerman and Restaurant R'evolution Executive Chef John Folse.
For prime viewing, revelers should plan to arrive early.
