Daily Beat

Feb. 5: Fat Tuesday

It's Mardi Gras (French for "Fat Tuesday") and Super Tuesday (political-speak for "Decision Day") wrapped up into one today. Since we won't be voting in Ohio, Kentucky or Indiana, I say we focus on celebrating Mardi Gras.

If you want some carnival music today, check out WNKU (89.7 FM), which is playing some, or WWOZ down in New Orleans.

Learn more about the day in music here, as Mike Breen fills you in on his crazy connections between music and politics, including a Grateful Dead reunion in support of Barack Obama.

Elsewhere in blogland, Margo Pierce discusses the Ohio Energy Bill being considered in Columbus, Kevin Osborne reports on Mayor Mark Mallory's unusual choice as speech partner, Dana Bradley doesn't like high heels and Brandy Edwards has another bad date.

Enjoy your Superfat Tuesday, and stay dry. Look for Daily Beat over at the Porkopolis blog starting tomorrow.

— John Fox

Feb. 4: Welcome to the Working Week

I'm traveling back today from being out of town, so check out CityBeat's music show recommendations at the Spill It blog and events recommendations at the A&E blog.

Try to get your Monday going on the right track.

— John Fox

Feb. 3: Easy Does It

Check out today's music show recommendations at the Spill It blog and events recommendations at the A&E blog and enjoy your Sunday.

— John Fox

Feb. 2: Bring to a Boil and Simmer

Area Mardi Gras celebrations continue today, with Findlay Market hosting its annual free shindig during the day. Live music and other festivities kick off at 10 a.m., with performances by Lagniappe, Robin Lacy & DeZydeco and The Medicine Men as well as the famous crawfish boil in the capable hands of Cynthia Brown. Covington's MainStrasse district hosts a parade, live music and lots of spicy Louisiana food starting at 8 p.m. See previews of both events here.

I'm in New Orleans for a long weekend, and my parade rolls at 4 p.m. I can't wait!

Check out today's music show recommendations at the Spill It blog and events recommendations at the A&E blog.

Enjoy your Saturday.

— John Fox

Feb. 1: Start of a Mardi Gras Weekend

Tonight kicks off the annual Mardi Gras hoopla in these parts, such as it is. Covington's MainStrasse district continues its parade-and-entertainment tradition, kicking off tonight at 8 p.m. with the Big Head Parade and food booths under the big top at Fifth and Main. Robin Lacy & DeZydeco host their annual party at the Madison Theater, with 25 percent of the proceeds going to the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity chapter. See previews of both events here.

I'm headed down to New Orleans this morning for a long weekend and another chance to ride in a parade there. Here's my krewe.

As a result, there will be minimal Daily Beat posts this weekend. Look for all the music show recommendations at the Spill It blog and the events recommendations in the A&E blog. They'll be handing daily recommendations from here on out.

Starting next week I'll be folding Daily Beat into our Porkopolis blog to offer daily news highlights and links. Look for that change on Wednesday.

As they say in New Orleans this time of year, let the good times roll!

— John Fox