Mark your calendars! The Blue Jay Band kicks off Carnival season this weekend, beginning with the Krewe of Carrollton parade, set for Sunday, Feb. 4 at 12 p.m. along the Uptown parade route. The revelry continues the following weekend when the Blue Jay Jazz Band performs on the Captain’s band float in the Krewe of Mid-City parade which rolls at 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11 (following Okeanos) while the Blue Jay Marching Band hits the streets for the Bacchus parade later that day, rolling at 5:15 p.m. Both Sunday parades follow the Uptown parade route. You can also catch Jesuit’s MCJROTC band and color guard performing in the Knights of Sparta parade this Saturday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. and next Friday, Feb. 9 in the Krewe of Hermes parade at 6 p.m., both following the Uptown parade route. Happy Mardi Gras!