Joye in Aiken, founded in 2008, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the very best musicians and artists to the Aiken community, especially its students. On March 7th at 5:30, Joye in Aiken will kick off the week with its annual New Orleans-style Jazz Funeral parade through downtown. Sponsors and supporters will join in along with Artistic Director, Riley Mulherkar. The parade begins and ends at the fountain on Newberry Street, and patrons will be treated to fantastic jazz sounds and beautiful Mardi Gras colors, complete with beads, costumes and even a horse-drawn caisson! Following the parade is a week of incredible events, several even free to the public. Julie Whitesell, board member for Joye in Aiken, believes there is “nothing quite like it; it’s truly New York come to Aiken.”
To learn more about the parade and the Performing Arts Festival schedule, visit joyeinaiken.com. You can also plan to attend the Aiken Downtown Development Mardi Gras Festival at the end of February.