Life's a Ball

Kick off the Mardi Gras season with a Masquerade Ball tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the elegant and historic Parkside Mansion, 1859 York Street. A more refined alternative to other booze-and-bead fests scheduled around town, the ball requires revelers to wear cocktail attire and masks. In keeping with the New Orleans theme, Chad's Grill will set out a spread of crawfish, jambalaya and other Cajun culinary treats, and the Railbenders will lend the evening a down-home Southern country beat — though they're no zydeco band. The $50 admission price benefits the Puksta Foundation, which provides scholarships to underprivileged, community-minded Colorado students. Visit www.blacktie-colorado.com for tickets and more information.
Sun., Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m.