Like the Deathmobile in Animal House, PINK SLIP's ramshackle punk rock bandwagon seems to infiltrate Mardi Gras parades each year. In fact, since 2000, the all-girl band has been invited to bring thrift-shop glamour and unvarnished rock 'n' roll to the krewe parades of Muses and Tucks, and for the first time, the band will also be playing in the Thoth parade. Led by guitarist Sue Ford, the band captures the raw exuberance of Mardi Gras, an exuberance that's surprisingly rare in many parades in general. As spectacle, the flash of leather jackets, faux-fur coats, feather boas and rockin' guitars is startlingly surreal, particularly in the context of Mardi Gras. As much fun as the band is to watch, though, observing the crowd is even better. People used to guys in purple, gold and green rugby shirts playing faceless versions of "Mardi Gras in New Orleans" seem more than a little puzzled to hear someone yowl, "I wanna die in New Orleans." The band itself has become a Mardi Gras tradition, only coming together during the season to play. The lineup changes from year to year, and when one bass player can't make Mardi Gras because she's in China, another steps in. This year's lineup includes drummer Darnell Haggerty of Won Ton Lust fame, bassist Jennifer Kirtlan from the Hazard County Girls, guitar player Jeannie Tomlinson from Memphis, and singer Barbara Cohen, who stayed home in Dallas last year to give birth to her son (appropriately named King). This year, listen for their version of Gary Glitter's "Do You Wanna Touch Me?" and "Ms. Mae's," a song celebrating the Uptown institution that has initiated so many into the drinking life. Those who want more than a few moments of Pink Slip can catch them at two nighttime shows. The band plays the Circle Bar Thursday night, and the Pink Slip festivities conclude Friday night with the Femme Fatale Ball at the Mermaid Lounge. In addition to Pink Slip, the night features music by the Hazard County Girls, the Grown-Up Wrongs, and the Pseudo-Pretenders -- Sue and Jimmy Ford's Pretenders' tribute band. As if that weren't circus enough, there will be a DJ and trapeze artists. -- Alex Rawls

Kevin O'Day Quintet 10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 Dragon's Den, 435 Esplanade Ave., 949-1750 Kevin O'Day makes it look easy to lock down a band's groove, often with just a kick drum and a snare. With dance bands such as the New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars and Iris May Tango on his resume, O'Day has been getting crowds rocking in local clubs for more than a decade, and his newly formed Quintet combines elements of many of his current projects. The lineup includes saxophonist Rebecca Barry, whose band, Bust, features O'Day; guitarist Bert Cotton from O'Day's other band, Have Soul Will Travel; young keyboard everyman Brian Coogan, of Quintology; and sousaphone giant Kirk Joseph, founding member of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. The Quintet plays a raw combination of space-jazz and New Orleans funk, O'Day's favorite genres, and has jammed-out originals all over the set list, as well as several well-chosen standards such as "Blackbird Special." Once again, the rhythmic anchor to a motley crew of local players, O'Day provides the beats that hold it all together. Call club for cover. -- Cristina Diettinger

Particle 10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18 Tipitina's, 501 Napoleon Ave., 895-TIPS Particle lays down the jam Wednesday at Tipitina's. As vague a term as "jam band" is, it almost always connotes stamina. At least by that definition, Particle is the quintessential jam band. From its first gig at a late-night San Francisco boat party in 2000, to its impromptu sunrise show at Bonnaroo 2002, to its foray into "breakfast show" territory during Jazz Fest 2003, Particle has always been the Energizer Bunny for the Birkenstock set. For hours on end, the band perpetrates "space porn," a unique blend of trippy effects and dirty funk, with plenty of long, noodly solos to draw it out. While many jam bands de-emphasize their studio output in favor of live stuff, Particle never even bothered to enter a studio until last summer, way after they'd amassed a sizeable fan base calling themselves "Particle People." The band's debut album, Launchpad (produced by Tom Rothrock, who's worked with Beck and the Foo Fighters), is set for release March 23. Bass giant Rob Wasserman opens. Tickets $15. -- Diettinger

Robert Earl Keen with Matt King 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb 19 House of Blues, 225 Decatur St., 529-BLUE It is amazing that Texan Robert Earl Keen doesn't have the fame and reputation of someone like John Mellencamp or Bob Seger. His music resonates with people across the political and economic spectrum, whether they are fraternity brothers, folk music liberals or Farm Aid fanatics. Keen's latest CD, Farm Fresh Onions, continues his tradition of astute observations, but the accordion that flavors "Gone On" suggests the songs are country with a rock 'n' roll attitude (or perhaps rock 'n' roll with a country accent). Appropriately, the songs are salted with humorous lines in keeping with his world-weary but still hopeful outlook. Keen's also smart enough to recognize a good song when it's someone else's, and the best lines on the CD come from the James McMurtry number "Out Here in the Middle." In it, Keen sings about living where "we got tractor pulls and Red Man chew/ Corporate relo refugees need love too/ And we ain't seen Elvis in a year or two." Tickets $17.50. -- David Kunian

John Gros Jam Band with Anders Osborne and Reggie Scanlan 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19 Maple Leaf Bar, 8316 Oak St., 866-9359 This is one jam band scenario that promises to be more about songs and songwriters than instrumental navel-gazing. Both Anders Osborne and John Gros are bandleaders known more for their songwriting and singing than for 15-minute solos. Bassist Reggie Scanlan is the consummate accompanist, an intelligent player who really listens to everyone rather than simply hammering out an overpowering beat. Drummer Eric Bolivar, from Karl Denson's band, completes the lineup. Gros and Osborne have a history together and both have been working in similar formats. Osborne has played with George Porter Jr. and Johnny Vidacovich, while Gros has performed duets with Mark Mullins, Robert Mache, Brian Stoltz, Joe Krown and Ivan Neville. Osborne, hot off a hit with country-music star and Louisiana native Tim McGraw ("Watch the Wind Blow By"), has been working on his songwriting. Gros plays just about every night and sits in with others on his days off. Scanlan left his gig with Professor Longhair 26 years ago to join the Radiators and hasn't looked back. Call club for cover. -- John Swenson

Wild Magnolias 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 The Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave., (800) 568-6968 The Old U.S. Mint's "Music at the Mint" series gets into Carnival mode Saturday afternoon with the Wild Magnolias, a band that serves as the soundtrack to Mardi Gras for many. Big Chief Bo Dollis' tribe has for decades delivered such hits as "Fire Water," "New Suit" and "Smoke My Peace Pipe" in fiery shows filled with intoxicating rhythms. The band's sound is a unique blend that draws heavily from Indian traditions, infused with elements of Latin, African, Caribbean, jazz and soul. Set against a stage filled with Mardi Gras Indians in full costume moving to the music, the Wild Magnolias are a visually pleasing act as well. While the group has embarked on countless tours with the likes of Dr. John, Bob Dylan, The Band's Robbie Robertson and many more, devoted fans know the time to experience them is in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Admission is free. -- Frank Etheridge

Krewe of Armeinius Ball 7:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 St. Bernard Civic Auditorium, 8245 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, 949-4604 As decreed in the by-laws established by its four founding fathers, the Krewe of Armeinius will hold its 36th carnival ball the Saturday before Mardi Gras Day. Known for its lavish gowns (many of which can later be seen at the Bourbon Street Awards on Fat Tuesday), the ball will be held for the 20th year at the St. Bernard Civic Auditorium, which also serves as home to the krewe's Miss Gay Pride contest and party. This year's theme is a heavily guarded secret up until the ball, but past ball themes include the inaugural Year of the Queen in 1969, and last year's "Remembrances of Things Past -- 35 Years of Hell!" Attire is strictly formal (tuxedoes or floor-length gowns). No costumes, food or cameras allowed. Tickets for balcony seating, starting at a $15 donation, are available at Second Skin Leather Co. (521 St. Philip St.), or online at www.armenius.com (where you'll also find krewe history details and a guide for gay Carnival celebrations). -- Etheridge

Sunday Gras at the Mother-in-Law Sunday, Feb. 22 Ernie K-Doe's Mother-in-Law Lounge, 1500 N. Claiborne Ave., 947-1078 When Jim Crow-era planners sought to link New Orleans with the rest of America via the new interstate system, they built I-10 by destroying the oak grove that lined the Claiborne Avenue neutral ground -- the heart of the Treme neighborhood and beloved home of black Mardi Gras celebrations. Last year's acclaimed documentary All on a Mardi Gras Day captured the pre-I-10 traditions, and this Sunday producer Royce Osborn teams up with Antoinette K-Doe to mark the return of Mardi Gras to Claiborne Avenue. Festivities include Cyril Neville and other percussionists playing traditional Mardi Gras Indian songs, as well as a performance by Al "Carnival Time" Johnson. (Neville will also pay homage in music to Ernie K-Doe, as Sunday is the late Emperor of the Universe's birthday.) Tributes to Big Chief Alison "Tootie" Montana and Baby Doll Miriam Reed will be held. All "maskers" are welcome, costumes required for everyone. Tambourines encouraged. The event is free, and according to organizers "starts early and ends late." -- Etheridge

Bacchanalia at Bultman 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 Bultman Funeral Home, 3338 St. Charles Ave., 525-3377 Few house parties along the Bacchus parade route actually offer a higher purpose along with good times, but this Sunday consider yourself invited to one, courtesy of Save Our Cemeteries (SOC). A group dedicated to the preservation of historic tombs in New Orleans, SOC hosts Bacchanalia at Bultman, a parade party offering the grand space of the historic Bultman Funeral Home. Parade fare such as red beans and rice, jambalaya, and hot dogs will complement a bar stocked with beer, wine, liquor, daiquiris and soft drinks. Partygoers can watch the parade from the spacious front porch along St. Charles Avenue or spend time out back in the conservatory, a gorgeous spot filled with plants and featuring a high ceiling of skylights. Admission is $40 SOC members, $50 non-members, and for children: ages 1-6 free, ages 7-13 $10, ages 14-20 $20. Admission is all-inclusive for the party and benefits the SOC's preservation and restoration projects. -- Etheridge

007 10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 D.B.A., 618 Frenchmen St., 942-3731 Recently the rock-steady band 007 has taken a slight hiatus for recording due to guitarist Alex McMurray's extended trip to New York City, so its return to Frenchmen Street is a welcome event and right in time for Carnival festivities. The planned album is currently untitled, but, according to guitarist Jonathan Freilich, it will be out within a month. The sessions were done half in Freilich's house deep in the Bywater and half recorded live at the Circle Bar. Despite the band having four songwriters -- besides McMurray and Freilich, the band also features the talents of the Iguanas bassist Joe Cabral and G. Love & Special Sauce drummer Jeffrey Clemens), the record is all covers of '60s Jamaican tunes made popular by Desmond Dekker, Toots and the Maytals, the Skatalites, and other great bands from that era. Not only are these songs great 3-minute pop-music nuggets, but 007 plays them with a happy disposition and danceable style. No cover. -- Kunian

Dr. John and Los Lonely Boys 10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 House of Blues, 225 Decatur St., 412-8068 Dr. John (pictured) celebrates Mardi Gras with Los Lonely Boys on Sunday at House of Blues. Dr. John's Mardi Gras performances bring out the best in this New Orleans living legend's music -- not surprising since he wrote and/or produced key elements of the Mardi Gras soundtrack over the years. While the rest of the world gets Doc's quartet house call, New Orleans fans are treated to the special group that only plays here, with a horn section led by the great trumpeter Charlie Miller. Opening act Los Lonely Boys are the Garza brothers, a Mexican-American trio from west Texas. They've played together since childhood in the family band backing their father, a minor conjunto/country-music star in the Lone Star State. On their own, the trio has coined an original rock sound characterized by close vocal harmonies and tuneful songs performed with raw, teenage power featuring the Carlos Santana/Stevie Ray Vaughan-inspired lead guitar work of oldest sibling Henry. $35. -- Swenson

Lundi Gras celebrations 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23 Rivertown, Williams Boulevard at Mississippi River, Kenner Lundi Gras allows a peek at Carnival royalty before the big day, with celebrations held in both Kenner's Rivertown and the Riverwalk's Spanish Plaza, the two points marking the voyage of King and Queen Zulu to meet Rex, the King of Carnival. In Kenner, the Mardi Gras Museum offers free admission, and DJ Mike "Off the Record" Teifer and the Regal Jazz & Brass Band will perform. King and Queen Zulu, along with King and Queen Argus, arrive at the Rivertown Exhibition Hall at noon, and at 1:15 p.m. lead a second line with floats and music to LaSalle's Landing. The royalty teams up with Kenner's elected officials to toast the public, then heads downriver. At the Riverwalk, live music will be performed by Big Wheel (1 p.m.), Chee Weez (2:45 p.m.), the Top Cats (4:30 p.m.) and Rockin' Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters (6:30 p.m.). At 6 p.m., fireworks mark the arrival of Rex, and a toast with Mayor Ray Nagin is held. Both events free admission. -- Etheridge

David Rex Joyner: Inventory Through February Big Top Gallery, 1638 Clio St., 569-2700 What is art? Ask a complicated question and you might get a complicated answer. Or maybe lots of them. For David Rex Joyner, art is experience reduced to marks and layers. "In painting, I recreate and retell experiences, translating them into a medium. Images are abstracted into spatial symbols; technique is the conduit for memory -- marks and layers assembled as a composition." Suggesting oscilloscope wave patterns, barbed wire, fireworks and magnified strands of unraveling fabric, among other things, Joyner's paintings reflect what he calls "a visual memory, a personal lexicon of images. Painting is the active recreation of the passive overflow of stimuli. The cycle of experience, contemplation and realization is a continuous and simultaneous process in that the experience and realization are often one and the same. It is in this way that materials vibrate." -- D. Eric Bookhardt