Freehold fundraiser promises music and fun

  • 2025-01-12
An upcoming event will use music to raise funds to support Downtown Freehold.

Showcase @ The Hotel: Mardi Gras featuring The Gumbo Gumbas will take place at The American Hotel in Freehold, with the idea of raising money for the projects done by Downtown Freehold. These efforts include beautification efforts and free concerts for the community.

Dinner with a New Orleans theme will be served, the Gumbo Gumbas will entertain, and a best-dressed contest is planned, so guests should put on their best Mardi Gras outfits for the occasion.

Joe Grillo founded the Gumbo Gumbas to bring the magic of the City of New Orleans to other parts of the country. Grillo made numerous trips to New Orleans for events like French Quarter Fest and JazzFest, and fell in love with the people, art, music, food, and general vibe. His vision for the group was to combine elements of the music of Louisiana, including blues, funk, Dixieland, and Zydeco, into one sound he labeled Zydeland.

Influenced by Louis Prima, Louis Armstrong, and the fabulous swing bands of the 1930s and 1940s, the Gumbo Gumbas play traditional music as well as their own compositions. They also enjoy telling their audiences about life in New Orleans at the time the songs were written.

The Mardi Gras evening is February 28 at 7.00 pm. The American Hotel was selected because of its New Orleans-style architecture. Colorful advertising, created by event organizers using poster printing, can be used to publicize events like this.