Celebrate Mardi Gras north

Local residents can get into the spirit of New Orleans next Saturday when Arts After Hours presents its second annual Bourbon Street event from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Lynn Arts building, 25 Exchange St. The event is designed to bring the traditional New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration to Lynn. This year it will feature live music from Elephant Wrecking Ball, a band with members from the Berklee College of Music that is known for its brassy New Orleans-style sound and special trombone effects. There will also be creole-style food, beer and wine, and local artists selling their works. Tickets are $15, and proceeds from the event will help fund the remainder of Arts After Hours’ 2012 theater season. The nonprofit group was formed two years ago to bring music, theater, and visual arts events to the downtown. For tickets or more information on Bourbon Street, go to artsafterhours.com or call 781-205-4010.