Krewe of Carnivale en Rio

Lafayette's most dazzling party  kicked off this Mardi Gras season in Brazilian style on SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2010.

It was the Krewe of Carnivale en Rio's 5th Annual Brazilian Ball....

                       

"The Rio Ball has grown in popularity in just a few short years because of its crowd participation, heart-pounding music and extraordinary costumes," said Rebecca Landry, the krewe's 'capita'. Most of our guests hardly sit in their seats the entire night!

 

           An audience of over 1,300 welcomed the Krewe of Carnivale en Rio's 5th Annual Brazilian Carnival Ball at the Cajundome Convention Center.  Festividades started at 8:00 p.m. with Rio's Ball theme, "Motown in Rio".  The Krewe celebrated the wonderful music of Motown in its glory with a Latin flavor!!

 

          Reigning over the Rio Ball were King Dom Pedro V, Mr. Wallace Granger, and  Queen Isabel V, Mrs. Danielle Chauvin Hidalgo. 

          The Krewe opened up the tableau with "Macumba" and his Brazilian drummers and slaves.  Each year, this mystical figure leads the mini parade, together with Rio's Placa de Directores, Rio's Floor Committee, Float Captains and Float Lieutenants and the Samba Dancers of the Krewe.  With pyro, confetti, and heart pounding Samba and Motown music, the Royalty portrayed the Motown Stars of the 60's and 70's to a standing room only audience.

          The Krewe's Captain (capita), Rebecca Landry, introduced Diana Ross and the Supremes...portrayed by Monica Onebane, Denise Kitchens, and Tara Becnel, Chuck Berry....portrayed by Bob Pastor, James Brown....portrayed by Elmo Lasseigne, Patty LaBelle and Stevie Wonder....portrayed by Melanie Martin and Dr. Maurice Bercier, and last, but not least, the Jackson 5....portrayed by Ed Buttross, Sarah Delahoussaye, Jade Gauthreaux, Doug Spisak, and City/Parish President...Mayor Joey Durel.

          Representing the "Surprise Royalty" for the evening were....Dee Stanley and Gina Babineaux.  Rio celebrates the "Girl and Guy from Ipanema" each year in choosing two membros that are true "Rio Revelers"!!

          After the full Court was assembled, members and their guest were entertained by Jazz Extensions Dance Company and were toasted "Latino Style", by City/Parish President, Mayor Joey Durel along with Mrs. Louisiana America of 2009, Mrs. Jennifer Armond and Rio Presidente, Cindy Comeaux.

          The Distractions of New Orleans played "Motown and Samba" music till 1:00 a.m. for Rio's 660 members and their guest and set the stage for the Krewe of Carnivale en Rio's 5th Annual Brazilian Parada on Saturday, February 6, 2010 thru downtown Lafayette and ending at the UL Stadium. 

 Please view Ball 2009 photos on our home page to see last years' "Grand Partido" !!!