Tomorrow is Fat Tuesday, and Madison will try its best to become the New Orleans of the north.

Leading the celebration downtown is Mama Digdown's Brass Band at the Great Dane. The festivities include a crawfish boil, bead contest, and free music from 7 - 10 p.m.

Just down the street, the Essen Haus is shedding its teutonic airs in favor of jambalaya, hurricanes, prizes, and music from the Cajun Strangers until midnight.

Middleton is not going quietly into Lent either. Louisianne's is hosting a "Revel Without a Pause" Mardi Gras party with John Chimes, Lynnea Godriaux, and Beverly Jean.

Also in Middleton is the Club Tavern's Mardi Gras party featuring Clear Blue Betty (4 p.m.), Johnny Rocker & the High Rollers (7 pm), and Mighty Short Bus (10 p.m.). Le bons temps roulez!