Wolf Trap is a National Park for the Performing Arts and a teriffic place to experience live music regardless of who is on stage. Throughout the year in either the amphitheater (Filine Center) or concert hall (The Barns) a broad range of entertainment is showcased. One can experience a variety of music: National Symphony Orchestra, John Lee Hooker, Bonnie Raitt, Itzhak Perlman, Winona Judd, The Chieftans, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Beausoliel and more.

Once a year, however, it is "THE PLACE" to be for lovers of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. For about six hours each June this 50 acre tract of land ,so close to the heart of the Nations Capital, becomes a piece of Louisiana. The annual "Louisiana Swamp Romp" is the closest thing the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area has, that is even remotely comparable, to the New Orleans Jazz Fest.

As a National Park, Wolf Trap is operated by the National Park Service. Not being subject to the regulations of the Fairfax County Virginia , Swamp Romp patrons are permitted to bring in picnic baskets and coolers. The Northern Virginia Chapter of the PET DE KAT KREWE took full advantage of this policy. Packing in their favorite jazz fest fare: boiled crawfish, shrimp, muffelattas, po' boys and for desert tiramisu... all to be washed down with Bloody Marys, Hurricanes & lots of Abita beer.

In 1997 the music was provided by:

George Porter & Running Partners
Bruce Daigrepoint
The Radiators
Beau Jocque

Check out their web site: http://www.wolf-trap.org/index.html

Here's some shots from the NoVA Chapter's adventure at SWAMP ROMP 1997

Most of NoVa PDKK front: George, Bride of Montstr (Paula), Montstr Back: Grimsley, Luscious Linda, Ny Minute (Steve), Michelle

Grimsley, George and MONTSTR from back

Human Dart (Grimsley) in repose...(Linda about to kick him)

MONTSTR, GEORGE, "flag", MONSTR Mobile at the LUNA PARK Grill

MONTSTR under wraps (Susan & David Hagler from Annapolis, Michelle)

George Shaquin’ Da Legge, Dina (left), NY Minute (right)

Phyliss and the "Happy Dancer"

The "Happy Dancer" close-up

The Northern Virginia Chapter of the Pet de Kat Krewe cordially invites all Krewe members to attend Swamp Romp 98.

Personally I can't say the event in and of itself is worth traveling from out of the area for, ... (short sets... one stage... over at 5:00pm) however if one plans to visit DC at a time when other Kats may be visiting this would be as good a weekend as any!

Those of us in Northern Virginia PDKK can help arrange the logistics, couches, cheap hotel rooms and airport tranfers ... perhaps even excursions to the country or the shore ... not to mention other music events that will surely be going on.

So come one, come all to the Pet de Kat Krewe Convention ... After all, it's not what you do or where you go ... it's how you do it ... and who you are with!

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