Press Release: Krewe of Chewbacchus Announces Royalty, Theme and Community Partnerships for Shoeboxus Parade

[Ryan Ballard]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Krewe of Chewbacchus Announces Royalty, Theme and Community Partnerships for their Miniature Shoeboxus Parade on “May the Fourth Be with You”

New Orleans, LA - April 8th, 2015 - The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus will present the BIGGEST little Sci-Fi themed shoebox parade in the Universe, “Shoeboxus”, on International Star Wars Day, May 4th, 2015. Shoeboxus will roll with the theme “Lighten Up!” and will feature a group of 42 Redshirts parade escorts outfitted with light sabers emblazoned with the phrase.  “Lighten Up” is a theme that celebrates the Satirical Space Cult’s refusal to take anything, particularly themselves, too seriously.

The amazing and talented actor Drew Varick, who also happens to be 42″ tall, will be the King of the Shoeboxus Parade! D. R. Varick is a sizeless soul in an encapsulated 42″ body. Watching Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back at age 5 revealed & sealed his destiny. Drew has appeared on Cirque du Freak, American Horror Story, Conan O’Brien, Napoleonic, Journey to Promethea and more.  Drew will roll in Shoeboxus in full costume regalia as King Yoda.

 

This incredible “May the Fourth Be with You” event is a collaborative effort between some of the most forward thinking community builders in the Crescent City. The mini shoebox floats are being built by students from the Talented Visual Arts program at Martin Behrman Elementary, students and artists in the KID smART program, students at several other schools and arts outreach programs throughout the city, as well as the children of Krewe of Chewbacchus members.

 

Adults who never grew up are welcome to build their own mini-floats too, of course. Several of the amazing groups that roll in the full-sized Chewbacchus Parade are creating adorable miniaturized versions of their amazing Chewbacchus parade contraptions that we all know and love. The Shoeboxus Parade will also feature members of the LA 501st Legion Bast Alpha Garrison in movie accurate Storm Trooper costumes.

 

Proceeds from Shoeboxus will benefit KID smART. KID smART’s focus is arts integration—linking the arts with the existing academic curriculum. Their programming is designed to benefit under-resourced children in public schools in the New Orleans area—including charter schools.

 

Shoeboxus is absolutely FREE and open to anyone who wants to build a Sci-Fi/Fantasy themed shoebox mini-contraption! Come one, come all! Individuals, teachers, school groups and arts out-reach programs are ALL welcome to build shoebox contraptions and bring them to the parade.

 

There will be a Shoeboxus mini-float making workshop at BSI Comics in Metairie on April 11th and another workshop at Castillo Blanco in the Bywater on April 18th.

 

The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus Inc. 501(c)3, is accepting tax deductible donations to help cover the cost of our parade permit, police escort, insurance, clean up and brass bands.

 

Please send donations via Paypal to: sa...@chewbacchus.org 

 

Chewbacchus is also raising funds to support Shoeboxus through Indiegogo.com

 

Indiegogo Link: http://igg.me/at/shoeboxus/x/3008583

 

Event Details:

 

When: Monday, May 4th, 2015

 

Lineup @ 5pm at Royal and Frenchmen (Washington Square Park)

 

Parade rolls promptly @ 6pm

 

After Party @ Handsome Willy’s from 8pm – Midnight

 

Shoeboxus will feature Lagniappe Brass Band, Browncoat Brass, BateBunda and more.

 

The Shoeboxus After Party is presented by Nerd Love NOLA at Handsome Willy’s and features drink specials from the Society of Sin Burlesque and movie screenings.

 

Partners and Sponsors include: KID smART, PBR, the Frenchmen Art Market, BSI Comics, Castillo Blanco LLC, WWOZ, Martin Behrman Elementary, Nerd Love NOLA, the LA 501st Legion Bast Alpha Garrison, Secret Moonbase Productions and more.

 

Full details at www.chewbacchus.org

Media Contact:

Ryan S. Ballard AKA Space Commander Chewbaccacabra (Overlord)

email: owliga...@gmail.com

phone: 504-301-8201

Art: www.ArtGoBang.com

Secret Moonbase Productions: www.swamprocket.com

Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus: www.chewbacchus.org