Large tropical centerpieces and cabanas greeted those attending the Krewe of Justinian Grand Bal XXIV on Jan. 26 at Horseshoe Riverdome. Cabana sponsors were treated to their own bartender. The theme was “Tropicana Night Club: A Paradise Under the Sun,” and cigars also appeared on table centerpieces. Salsa dancers were part of the festivities. Marty Johnson served as master of ceremonies, with Billy Kelly as king, Tracey Cox as queen and Larry Pettiette as captain. Monsignor Earl Provenza gave the invocation, and Limelight provided the entertainment. – Mary Ann Van Osdell

Krewe of Justinian

1) Craig Seal, Gary Laborde, Barbara Seal, Debbie and Jim Thomas

2) Duke Jimmy Franklin and Queen Tracey Cox

3) Garrett Hill, Maggie Pressly, Sarah Giglio, Jimmy Franklin

4) Steve and Berry Glassell

5) Sharla and Jim McMichael

6) King Bill Kelly, Captain Larry Petiette, Queen Tracey Cox

7) Moise Sinitiere, Trudy Daniel, Tutu Baker

8) Judge Katherine Clark Dorroh, Ken and Linda Wright

On Jan. 20 at the Shreveport Convention Center, more than 1,200 guests attended the Krewe of Centaur Grand Ball XXVII: A Night at the Library. The tableau introduced this year’s royalty to the crowd. The Duke and Duchess of Fun were Trey Auld and Toni Gardner, Duke and Duchess of Frolic were Danny Procell and Marie Harlan, Duke and Duchess of Food were Tommy and Cathy Williams, and the Duke and Duchess of Fantasy were Alan and Lisa Bass. Queen Centaur XXVII was Page Porter, and King Centaur XXVII was Randy Long. Brian Hammons served as Captain XVI. Centaur is the largest Mardi Gras krewe in the Ark-La-Tex with more than 750 float riders on more than 35 fl oats. – Mark Crawford

Krewe of Centaur

9) Dave David, Casey Ryan

10) Jean Cooper, Anita Williams

11) Matt Chiasson, Caroline Randolph

12) Sadie McCallister, Cary Beebe

13) Ryan and Ashley Peters

14) Pam and David Griffith

15) Sonja Bailes, Sarah McKinney

The Krewe of Atlas

“Going Deep” theme featured royalty as a coral angelfish, green horned eel, jellyfish, clownfish, bubble anemone, octopus, tiger shark and lionfish. The tableau was held on Jan. 27 at the Shreveport Convention Center. The king and queen were from the lost kingdom of Atlatis. Dancing music was provided by SideFX. Chris Druckenmiller of Pennsylvania, the brother of King Atlas X, gave the invocation. The coronation was held last summer at Cross Lake to keep with the water theme. The krewe found its way to the lost kingdom of Atlatis when the king opened a treasure chest that revealed a diamond-jeweled hat which he presented to the captain and told him it was magic. It provided the portal through which guests traveled to reach the kingdom beneath the sea. – Mary Ann Van Osdell

Krewe of Atlas

1) Captain Brent Lavergne, King Harry Druckenmiller, Queen Leslie Hankins

2) John Petros, Ruth Grafton, Gardine Froman

3) Daniel Bowman

4) Ruth Grafton and Tracy Mendels

5) Lea Ann Breen

On Jan. 27 at the Shreveport Convention Center, the Krewe of Gemini Grand Bal and Tableau XXIX was themed “For Those About to Rock, Gemini Salutes You.” Tracy Myers Herrin is captain. Colorful and elaborate costumes were used to take guests down rock ‘n’ roll memory lane. Herb Doughty reigned as king, and queen was Sue Moses Cooksey. –Mary Ann Van Osdell

Krewe of Gemini

6) Elaine and Rich Baki

7) Richea and Mike Corbin 

8) Jerry and Candy Welch

9) Courtney Batts and Michael Acurio

10) Wayne and Diane Branton, Martial and Jeneal Broussard, and Gail and Dickie McElhatten

Norton Art Gallery was a banquet for the senses on Jan. 26. Great chefs have always known that the best dishes are a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Chef Blake Jackson from Drake Catering and Whisk Dessert Bar chose works from five galleries throughout the museum and devised specific dishes to evoke the senses. In the Origins of Western Art Gallery, the chef conjured up the spirit of ancient Egyptian pieces with a dish of Cumin Spiced Sous Vide Pheasant, seared and glazed with fig and currant preserves and served on Baladi Pita. Remington and Russell’s cowboys and Indians in the Icon and Iconographer Gallery would salivate alike over the chef’s Tanka-me-a-lo, a buffalo stew made with pasilla chilis and cilantro. These and the chef’s other three dishes were joined by a cash bar from Wine Country Bistro. Jazziana provided music. – Mary Ann Van Osdell

Norton Art Gallery

11) Ellen and Mike Middleton

12) Michael Gennaro and Alana Lord

13) Sue Wyche, Rebecca Miller, Vicki Franks