Two Bands, One Beat: Bastrop Kicks Off Mardi Gras in Style

The sounds of New Orleans filled the night air as Bastrop officially kicked off the Mardi Gras season on Saturday, January 10, with a festive community celebration hosted by Lost Pines Toyota. From 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., families, friends, and neighbors gathered under bright colors, beads, and feathers for an evening rooted in music, food, remembrance, and togetherness.

At the heart of the celebration was live music by the Peterson Brothers, later joined by THEBROSFRESH, whose high-energy performances kept the crowd dancing and set the tone for a true New Orleans–style kickoff. Their sound carried the spirit of Mardi Gras across the building, leading seamlessly into a lively second-line march that drew guests of all ages into the rhythm of the night.

Food was a central part of the experience. Large pots of jambalaya were prepared on site by Dave and Jim—family friends from New Orleans who traveled to Bastrop specifically for the event—while Cypress Grill provided gumbo, bringing authentic Louisiana flavor to Central Texas. As one guest noted while peeking into a steaming pot, “That looks real good.” It was the kind of meal meant to be shared, reinforcing the event’s welcoming, family-centered atmosphere.

The crowd reflected Bastrop’s broad community connections. Among those in attendance were Carlos Liriano with his family and close friends, Mayor Ishmael Harris, Council Member Perry Lowe and his wife, Hannibal and his wife, Pastor Bernie Jackson, members of the Peterson family, Council Member John Kirkland and his wife, Council Member Kevin Plunkett and his wife, and members of the Taylor family. Many noted that this gathering held special meaning—it was one of the last public events attended by Rose Cynthia Clemons before her passing in a car accident last year.

Rose, remembered as someone “all about having fun,” was honored throughout the evening. Photos displayed near the celebration acknowledged her presence at last year’s event and her deep connection to the community. According to family members, Rose attended nearly every local function, and more than 2,000 people came to celebrate her life at her funeral. Lost Pines Toyota owner Carlos Liriano, who also attended her funeral, shared that honoring Rose felt natural because “she loved coming here, dancing, and being part of this.”

Now in its third year, the Mardi Gras Kick-Off Party has become a signature tradition for Lost Pines Toyota. Liriano, who grew up in New Orleans, explained that Mardi Gras is not a single day but a season that traditionally begins on January 6—King’s Day. Wanting Bastrop to experience that full cultural meaning, he committed to hosting the opening celebration each year and helping set the tone for the weeks of festivities that follow, including senior-centered events and future parades later in the month.

As the night unfolded, beads adorned the guest, music lingered in the air, and laughter echoed from one group to the next—clear signs that Bastrop’s Mardi Gras season was fully underway. With food shared, memories honored, and music leading the way, the kickoff party reflected something deeper than a single evening, showing how community, tradition, and joy come together long before the calendar officially marks the season’s start.

That spirit of growth and connection was formally recognized as the celebration continued. Liriano called Mayor Harris to the stage to present a proclamation honoring the night’s event. Reflecting on its beginnings, the mayor noted how what once started small has “grown, and grown, and grown,” crediting Liriano for bringing not just a tradition, but “the love, the family, and the vibes” of Mardi Gras to Bastrop. He praised the night’s music—highlighting the rare pairing of two sets of brothers sharing the stage—and thanked the bands for setting the energy that carried the crowd throughout the evening.

Mayor Harris also emphasized the importance of Mardi Gras to many families in Bastrop and the surrounding area, calling the kickoff “the perfect time to get you in the mood” for the season of events ahead. Expressing hope that the celebration continues for many years to come, he closed with a familiar sentiment, inviting the crowd to keep the joy alive: let the good times roll. As the music continued and the crowd stayed on their feet, the moment underscored what the evening had already made clear—this was a community celebration rooted in rhythm, gratitude, and togetherness.