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GRAFTON, Mass. - The Congregational Church of Grafton is planning a Mardi Gras-themed worship service on Sunday, with New Orleans jazz music.
The 10 a.m. service on Sunday will feature special New Orleans-style music by the Kelly Clark jazz band and UCC Grafton’s music director Donna Blanchard, founder of Apple Tree Arts.
"The sounds of professional musicians performing live jazz music, and the vocal harmonies of ‘Ain't That Good News’ will be inspirational for everyone," Blanchard said. “All are encouraged to join us for this special service.”
Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday") or Shrove Tuesday, is the last day of feasting before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras began in the New Orleans area as early as 1699, as a celebration before the religious fasting which takes place during Lent, the holy days before Easter.
To capture the spirit of the event, musical selections will include “O When the Saints Go Marchin’ In” and “Down By The Riverside,” and all worshippers are invited to feast at a pancake breakfast immediately following the service at 11 a.m.
