The Triangle is getting its very own taste of Mardi Gras a little early this weekend.
“Hey Pocky Way: A Mardi Gras Primer” will celebrate the food and music of New Orleans this Saturday at Trotter Hall in Durham. Organized by husband-and-wife team Phil and Heather Cook, “Hey Pocky Way” ties together the full experience of New Orleans culture.
“We tried to make sure everyone is getting something really special,” Phil Cook said.
Heather Cook said those in attendance will leave with three things: full bellies, big smiles and tired legs.
Heather Cook, the owner and event planner behind Shindigs!, and Phil Cook of the band Megafaun have worked several fundraisers together before but wanted to put together something bigger for the greater Durham community.
“Phil and I have always loved the culture that surrounds New Orleans and Mardi Gras,” Heather said. “It’s a great time of year for people to start getting out more, gathering together, enjoying delicious things and dancing to good music.”
The name “Hey Pocky Way” is a reference to the vernacular language originating from New Orleans and the Mardi Gras Indians.
“It’s a sort of a language used during the festivals of Mardi Gras. But it’s also the title of a famous song by The Meters,” Phil said.
Food will be served by Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood Shack, and Ponysaurus Brewerywill provide locally crafted beers.
“Ricky is one hell of a talented chef. He does great work all around,” Heather Cook said. Moore is arranging a low country boil, a one-pot combination of seafood, sausage, corn and potatoes.
“We tried to make everything really high quality,” Phil Cook said.
The event will consist of a live music performances by Boneslinger, The Bulltown Strutters, Phil Cook and the Guitarheels and The Hillside Hornets Drumline.
“We knew we wanted music that would fit the Mardi Gras season, so Phil approached the Bulltown Strutters and Boneslinger right off the bat,” Heather said. “Then as we’ve gotten closer, his project, Phil Cook and the Guitarheels, has grown into something really special.”
All proceeds from “Hey Pocky Way” will go to benefit the Hillside Hornets Marching Band Program.
“Marching was central to me as a youth,” Phil said. “I wanted to give back to something that has always meant a lot to me.”
“It’s been fun learning more about the history of the program and the vibrance of where it is now, only solidifying more within Phil and I that the Durham community should proudly support them,” Heather said.
Hillside’s band director Christopher Hayes said the Hillside Hornets are a well-loved Durham staple, but it has been difficult getting funding for their program.
“Phil was impressed with the group overall and wanted to reach out and help any way that he could,” Hayes said. “This funding means we can serve our students better and allow our students better opportunities.”
Hayes said the drumline’s performance at “Hey Pocky Way” will be a chance for people to appreciate what the students have to offer.
“This is an opportunity to reach a diverse audience and reach a crowd we may not otherwise perform for,” Hayes said. “Our students enjoy putting on a show. We hope to enlighten people who want to help and support the arts.”
Phil Cook said he hopes “Hey Pocky Way” encourages people to experience local culture within the context of a New Orleans tradition.
“It would be foolish to miss a great opportunity to open up and let your community in,” he said.
diversions@dailytarheel.com
Hey Pocky Way! is happening Saturday, March 1st, at Trotter Hall in Durham. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.
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