LA GRANDE — For more than a decade, the Depot Street Syncopators have brought the energy of Mardi Gras to La Grande. This year marks the band’s 14th performance (with one year off due to COVID-19), featuring an ensemble of Eastern Oregon University faculty, alumni and local musicians.

The show is at HQ, 112 Depot St. on Tuesday, March 4. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 at lagrandehq.com.

The Depot Street Syncopators began as a casual collaboration at 10 Depot Street, its name a nod to the original venue. Over the years, the band has expanded, drawing in talented musicians such as Greg Johnson, EOU’s jazz studies professor, and Matt Cooper, professor emeritus of music.

The lineup typically ranges from 10-13 performers, depending on availability, with a core group that includes faculty, alumni and locals including trombonist Jeff Sizer, a retired music director from Baker School District, and vocalists Holly Sorenson and Renee Wells.

“Mardi Gras has become such a rich tradition for us,” said Sorenson, who fronts the band. “The music, rooted in cultural expression and resilience, is a yearly reminder of how art brings people together.”

The band’s repertoire is rooted in New Orleans jazz and funk, a genre that resonates deeply with Luke McKern, who spent a formative year in Louisiana doing post-Katrina relief work.

“New Orleans jazz is foundational to American music,” McKern said. “It’s joyful, communal, and improvisational, which fits perfectly with the spirit of Mardi Gras.”

A hallmark of the Depot Street Syncopators’ Mardi Gras celebration is the second-line parade, a tradition that embodies the blurring of lines between performers and audience.

“We love parading down Depot Street, stopping at local spots, and inviting everyone to join in the music,” McKern said. “It’s about creating a shared experience.”

Despite the return of 10 Depot Street to the city’s lineup of great eateries, the event will be held at HQ, a music venue just a block away at 112 Depot St.

According to the participants, Depot Street Syncopators is more than a band — it’s a celebration of community, tradition and the unifying power of music. With a blend of seasoned professionals and enthusiastic collaborators, each performance is a unique, joy-filled event that leaves both musicians and audience members wanting more.

“It’s always over too soon,” McKern said. “But it’s rewarding to have built this tradition in La Grande, connecting us with the spirit of Mardi Gras and bringing a little New Orleans magic to our corner of the Pacific Northwest.”

‘Rhythms & Revelers’

Over the last several years, local photographer Michael K. Dakota has been on hand for the Mardi Gras performances as well as other events held at HQ.

An exhibit of his work, titled “Rhythms & Revelers,” will be on display from Feb. 14 to March 14 at HQ and features the faces of musicians and guests who come to listen to live music.

“HQ is a special place, a hometown venue that brings in live music and guests that help make La Grande an active part of the entertainment scene,” Dakota said.

A professional photographer with 37 years of experience, Dakota specializes in documenting life as it unfolds. He captures candid moments that reveal authenticity, often photographing people without their awareness to preserve natural, unguarded interactions.

Dakota said he thrives on the challenges of creating images in low-light or unnoticed settings. He remains connected to the art of photography by seeking moments where light, composition and timing align. His work reflects life’s truth and texture.

The exhibit at HQ features photographs taken exclusively at this venue, with a special emphasis on Mardi Gras. These images highlight the energy, joy and connections that define the event, he said.