Hattie's 'Mardi Gras Benefit' set for this Saturday

Has it been 16 years already? Hattie's 16th annual "Mardi Gras Benefit" says so, and the now-iconic Saratoga Springs event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. this Saturday at the Canfield Casino in Congress Park.

Tickets, priced at $100, are available online. You'll see that is a link to Caffè Lena -- speaking of local icons -- which this year's fundraiser will benefit now that the renowned performance space is in its new digs.

As it is explained by Caffè Lena, "Proceeds from the event will be directed to the Caffè Lena Endowment Fund. Income generated by the endowment will augment the Caffè's earned revenue, supporting our initiatives of debuting exciting new artists, offering free concerts for families, presenting traditional musicians from non-English-speaking cultures, and developing innovative ways to connect artists of excellence with live audiences in ways that open hearts, bind us together, create wellness and celebrate our common human story."

Michael Panza and his team from Fine Affairs are transforming the Canfield Casino into a "New Orleans of the North." Food will be prepared and overseen by Jasper Alexander, chef-owner of Hattie's, with music from Soul Session and Garland Nelson and the Dylan Perrillo Orchestra.

Guests will receive a complimentary cocktail during the first hour of the party, with a cash bar available throughout the evening. A photo both and silent auction also will be offered.

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• Go here to visit the Capital Region Brew Trail
• Go here to visit Dowd's New York Wines Notebook
• Go here to visit Notes On Napkins 

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