After a week in New Orleans working on a play, I’m happy to be home, but I have to admit that as I saw the shop windows fill with the purple, gold and green Mardi Gras decorations and watched market shelves fill up with sugary King Cake, I was a little sad that I wouldn’t be there for the celebration.

Luckily, ARTworks in Beaufort is bringing the celebration to me.

On Saturday, Jan. 28, the Shed on Paris Avenue in Old Village Port Royal will be filled with music, beads and revelry for ARTworks’ Mardi Gras gala.

The event will include a silent auction, a cash bar and an array of traditional treats from the Big Easy like jambalaya and white chocolate bread pudding, courtesy of Berry Island Café.

But the highlight of the evening is sure to be a performance by Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers. Zydeco’s signature instruments are the washboard and the accordion, but if you think that makes this music old-fashioned, boy are you in for a surprise. Like Dopsie and his Hellraisers, zydeco music is native to Louisiana. The Creole-born music is like Cajun cuisine: hot, spicy and homegrown. In true New Orleans style, this is one event that’s sure to turn into a dance party.

Proceeds from the event will go to support ARTworks’ mission to “strengthen artists and to enrich audiences” with art classes for kids and adults, gallery shows, theater, concerts and more.

So grab your Krewe and click here to buy your tickets. Tickets are $75 each or $600 for a table of eight.

For more information on Mardi Gras in Beaufort or to learn more about ARTworks, click here.