A Taste of New Orleans: Woodis brings Mardi Gras home to Lovell

Mardi Gras is coming to Lovell, and it is arriving with a sound more often heard on the streets of New Orleans than in the Big Horn Basin.

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, Jory Woodis, an internationally respected jazz musician and educator, will return home to bring the Sunshine Special, a hand-picked ensemble of talented New Orleans players, to the Hyart Theatre for a one-night celebration of jazz, rhythm and hometown connection.

For Woodis, the concert is far more than a tour stop. It represents a lifelong goal and a deeply personal homecoming.

“The Hyart was the site of my very first public musical appearance ever,” Woodis said. “I played in the Lovell Follies the summer after my seventh-grade year. That’s where I first caught the bug.”

Returning to that same stage decades later, now leading a group of world-class musicians, feels surreal for Woodis. He described the opportunity to play for friends, family and the people who supported him growing up as “a dream come true.”

“This isn’t a haphazard band,” he said. “I’m coming back with first-call New Orleans players. These are musicians I love playing with, people I trust completely. It’s going to be an unbelievably great concert.”

The Sunshine Special draws directly from New Orleans’ traditional jazz roots, blending joyful swing, blues and the unmistakable energy of the Mardi Gras season. While the musicians regularly perform at major festivals and renowned venues, the group was assembled specifically for this run of performances, including the Lovell concert and a headline appearance at the MSU Billings Jazz Festival.

The concert has also been a community effort. Many local donors helped make the trip possible, and Woodis credited Lovell Middle School music teacher Keath Fenton with turning the idea into reality.

“I approached Keith with the idea, and he just said, ‘I’m going to make this happen,’” Woodis said. “And he did. He handled the promotion, the signs, the donations, everything. He was absolutely amazing.”

Woodis hopes the evening becomes more than a one-time celebration. If the community response is strong, he said similar events could return in the future.

“We’re bringing a real taste of New Orleans right in the middle of Mardi Gras season,” Woodis said. “It’s something really unique for the Big Horn Basin. I hope we pack the place — and if we happen to sell a lot of CDs, that wouldn’t hurt either.”

The group of performers that Woodis is bringing can be expected to fill the Hyart with jazz and give Wyoming audiences a chance to hear just how vibrant and joyful New Orleans music can be. Woodis also noted that none of the musicians have ever been to Montana or Wyoming before, making this a unique opportunity to show them just how enthusiastic a Lovell crowd can be.

In the spirit of Mardi Gras, attendees are encouraged to dress the part. Bright, bold colors are welcome, along with festive touches like beads, hats, scarves or anything that channels a little New Orleans flair. There is no dress code, just an invitation to lean into the celebration and help turn the evening into a true Mardi Gras experience.

Tickets are $15 at the door.