Cape Cod: Celebrate Mardi Gras in Sandwich or watch baristas duel in a latte art showdown

While Valentine’s Day is getting underway — hopefully, you have plans made and tables booked — the Sandwich Town Hall Preservation Trust is bringing the spirit of another famous holiday to the Cape with New Orleans jazz, swing and the brass band Catnip Junkies performing at the Trust's Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser show on Feb. 10 at the Old Town Hall.

“We thought it would be great to do an event that was fun, interactive (and) a great break in the winter,” said Jonathan Finn, secretary for the Sandwich Town Hall Preservation Trust. “Some members on the committee had seen the Catnip Junkies perform a couple of times and loved the whole New Orleans vibe of what they do. We were looking at the calendar and realized ... 'Mardi Gras falls at the beginning of February. What a nice tie-in.’”

Funds raised from ticket sales for the show directly benefit the Trust's efforts to repair the stage inside the hall.

“As we try to use the space more for performances, whether they be theatrical or musical, we’re trying to address some of the needs on the stage, from lighting to sound to curtains to microphones,” Finn said. “Modern technology so that we're able to accommodate a wider range of events within the space.”

As one of the oldest performance spaces on the Cape, Finn said preserving its history is important while giving the space new life.

“It's a wonderful performing space and we really want to make it all that it can be so community members, whatever their interests may be, can have the type of events and entertainment that they'd love to see in that amazing space,” Finn said.

The show begins at 7 p.m. on Feb. 10. Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased online at www.sandwichtownhall.org/, where more information on the show can be found.

Other events this week on Cape Cod

Latte Art Showdown at Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters in Sandwich

Mugs at the ready! For one caffeinated night only, watch local baristas battle it out at the Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters in Sandwich for its inaugural Latte Art Showdown at 6 p.m. on Feb. 3.

Baristas from across the Cape will compete to craft the most stunning latte to impress the judges — Ana Mallozzi from Covoya Coffee, Justin Enis from Enjoy Coffee Roasters and Tim Macdonald from Macdonald Espresso and Coffee — and become the victor of the first Latte Art Showdown.

While watching the intense showdown, spectators will be able to sample coffee and treats from local roasters, enjoy a bite from the Pineapple Caper Cafe Food Truck and enter some raffles.

The event is free to attend, but if you’re looking to get your hands on a prize, it’s $15 to pour. Entry fees can be paid online at www.socoffee.co/. Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters is located at 161 Route 6A in Sandwich.

Reception and screening of 'Journeys In Light' at Cotuit Center benefiting Zion Union Heritage Museum

After premiering at the Chelsea Film Festival in October, “Journeys in the Light, Democracy, Diversity and Myth in the Wake of the Mayflower,” returns to the Cape Feb. 4 for a one-night screening and fundraising event at the Cotuit Center for the Arts.

Directed by Janet Murphy Robertson, the film focuses on the histories and lives of Wampanoag people, African Americans, Cape Verdeans and other communities of color on Cape Cod, largely told through the members, history, research and works of art of the Zion Union Heritage Museum in Hyannis.

A Q&A with Murphy Robertson and Zion representatives will follow the screening. Light refreshments will be served.

Tickets are $20 and benefit the Zion Union Heritage Museum. The Cotuit Center for the Arts is located at 4404 Falmouth Road in Cotuit. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.artsonthecape.org/.

'Before King Philip's War,' a lecture on the real history of America in Falmouth

As part of their 2024 L.I.N.K's — Linking Indigenous and Non-indigenous Knowledge Inc. — educational series, author and Aquinnah Wampanoag historian Linda Coombs is giving a lecture about America's real origin story, "Before King Philip's War," at 1 p.m. on Feb. 3 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Falmouth.

The lecture is free to attend. The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Falmouth is located at 840 Sandwich Road in East Falmouth.

'All My Heart,' an evening of love songs with Dawna Hammers at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod in South Yarmouth

Are you looking for a romantic night out for Valentine’s Day weekend? Enjoy the musical stylings of local musician Dawna Hammers as she plays a special love song-filled show, “All My Heart!”, on Feb. 10 at the Cultural Center for Cape Cod.

Featuring works from John Lennon, Dionne Warwick, Joni Mitchell and more, Hammer promises a night full of romance. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. with nibbles and a chance to meet Hammer at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 for just the show, $45 for the pre-concert reception and show. To purchase, visit www.cultural-center.org/.

The Cultural Center of Cape Cod is located at 307 Old Main St. in South Yarmouth.

Catch a Sidney Lumet film at Wellfleet Public Library throughout February

Beginning on Feb. 6, join the Wellfleet Public Library every Tuesday in February for a screening of some of esteemed American director Sidney Lumet’s best pictures in honor of the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Four films — “12 Angry Men,” “Dog Day Afternoon,” “Network” and “The Verdict” — will be screened at 6 p.m. each Tuesday at the library and are free to attend. The Wellfleet Public Library is located at 55 West Main St. in Wellfleet. For more information, visit www.wellfleetlibrary.org/events/.

Anthony Sammarco explores the history of molasses at the Osterville Village Library

A sweet, thick brown syrup used for rum and cookies, molasses played a major role in the 18th century's economy, particularly in Massachusetts, one of the points on the "Triangle Trade." In his upcoming lecture at the Osterville Village Library, author Anthony Sammarco will explore the history of molasses from its role in the slave trade to the Great Molasses Flood in 1919.

The lecture will begin at 1 p.m. on Feb. 3 and is free to attend. Seats can be reserved in advance by contacting Amy Wolfe at awolfe@clamsnet.org or calling the library at 508-420-0550.

Meet the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce at its annual meeting in Wareham

The Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual meeting and networking event from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 8 at Stone Path Malt of New England in Wareham.

Operating under the theme of “Love your Chamber!” — to be celebrated with hearts and chocolate — this year’s event includes the annual State of the Chamber remarks, the election of new directors to the Board and a chance for community members to connect with their chamber and neighbors. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Minkle Boys Catering.

Tickets are $24 and interested parties can sign up at www.capecodcanalchamber.org/events/. Stone Path Malt of New England is located at 11 Kendrick Road in Wareham. For more information, contact Paula Taylor at 508-759-6000 X11, member@capecodcanalchamber.org.

Frankie Rowley covers entertainment and things to do. Contact her at frowley@capecodonline.com.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: How does Cape Cod celebrate Mardi Gras? Find out in Sandwich Feb. 10