Join the Fort Lauderdale Woman’s Club third annual celebration of Women’s History Month on Friday, March 1st, 2024 for a festive Mardi Gras themed event: “Mardi Gras Women and Blues”! Dressing up in Mardi Gras attire is encouraged and we will have a costume contest and raffle prizes. Guests will experience New Orleans inspired fare by Tom’s  Louisana’s Kitchen including a drink and additional cash bar.

Historically, women have been particularly underrepresented in the blues genre. Participating in the event are some of South Florida’s top female blues vocalists, Mary Washington Brooks, Betty Padgett, Dottie Kelly, Liz Sharp, Cheryl Arena, and Sabrina Rich. Accompanying the vocalists are Joey Gilmore on guitar and two time winner of the International Blues Challenge; and his Allstar Band, including , Maurice Dukes on drums, Stuart Abramson on saxophone, George Caldwell on bass and Keeneu Reeves on keyboard will be accompanying the vocalists.

Mary Washington Brooks is the program coordinator. Mary Washington Brooks has performed in the “National Women in Blues Showcase” in Memphis. Mary also won the South Florida Indies Blues Award. Betty Padgett won the South Florida Blues Society band spot, Dottie Kelly, was a finalist in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis and winner of the Treasure Coast Regional Band Challenge. Also performing will be Liz Sharp, vocalist and booking agent for Blue Jean Blues, Sabrina Rich, and Cheryl Arena of the Good Bread band.

Advance tickets are $50 each. Ticket prices will be $60 at the door. We encourage you to buy tickets in advance!

The event is also acting as a fundraiser for our historically designated clubhouse which was built in 1917. Due to both age and weather the clubhouse requires a new ceiling and a new air conditioning unit.

The mission of the Fort Lauderdale Woman’s Club (FLWC) is to engage the women of Fort Lauderdale as volunteers who make a recognizable difference in addressing civic, educational, cultural and humanitarian needs in our community and beyond.

The FLWC promotes charitable and educational activities through volunteerism and was incorporated before the City of Fort Lauderdale. The Club is a [501(c)(3)] not-for-profit with Federal Tax ID number 59-0673290.