Jupiter, Juno celebrate with ‘The Legends’
Krewe of Jupiter and Juno’s King Jupiter IX Gerald Boyd Woods and Queen Juno IX Laura Boudreaux Pitre reigned over KOJJ’s ninth annual Jubilee Saturday at the Baton Rouge River Center.
The group celebrated with a tribute to rock ’n roll, “Living with the Legends.”
Serving as ball captain was David Villneuve, who led the way for the presentation of the sights and sounds of rock ’n roll including performances, costuming and some surprise appearances by impersonators of rock legends. Representing Michael Jackson, Villneuve dressed in a "Beat It” red leather bomber jacket, black satin pants, a black sequined fedora and a silver sequined glove.
The krewe also welcomed its grand marshal, Dexter Lee, as Elvis Presley. ”The King” entered in a white polyester Las Vegas-style costume that was completed by silver chains and a matching attached cape and belt.
Presenting other tributes were krewe ladies Leigh Ellen Planche, daughter of Patrick Erwin and Dina Manship Planche and granddaughter of the late Jane F. and Douglas Manship Sr. and the late Dr. David P. and Lorraine K. Planche, representing the Beach Boys, and Shelby Elaine Campbell, daughter of Terry Allen and Brenda Brooks Campbell, of Denham Springs, representing Madonna.
Lady Planche entered the ballroom to the sounds of ”Surfing Safari” and “Good Vibrations” wearing a one-shouldered teal satin A-line dress with an overlay of pale blue organza and a headpiece of white feathers with teal trim.
Presented as the Material Girl, Campbell wore a strapless hot pink satin dress covered with beaded rose pink lace and a half bow head piece.
Princesses Elise Nicole Schuyten and Madeline Marie Corvers, honoring Cher, took their bows in replicas of Bob Mackey costumes worn by the music and movie legend.
Schuyten, daughter of Dr. Shana Corvers and the late Steven Corvers and Peter Schuyten, entered to the sounds of Cher’s “Believe,” attired in a silver lamé vest, black chiffon palazzo pants spotted with a glitter inlay, and a black and silver headband embellished with sequins.
Corvers, daughter of Dr. Shana Corvers and the late Steven Corvers, was presented in a red and silver sequined minidress, red go-go boots, and a black and white boa and headband to match.
The evening was highlighted by the introduction of the royal couple by Krewe Captain Linda Hendricks, who wore an empire-waisted platinum gown with a silver overlay of Alencon lace, and a matching lace headpiece with black and silver feathers.
Entering to “Edge of Glory,” Queen Juno IX wore a silver and white brocade gown adorned with Austrian crystals, and a matching Swarovski crystal crown and scepter.
Her majesty was followed by King Jupiter IX, who appeared in a silver lamé tunic and belt, both adorned with Austrian crystal fleur-de-lis appliqués, and a matching Swarovski crystal crown and scepter.
Attending his majesty as squires were Chase Aubrey Corvers, son of Dr. Shana Corvers and the late Steven Corvers, and Parker Franklin Tatum, son of Greg and Stephanie Tatum, of Denham Springs, and grandson of Calvin and Wanda Ismael, of Donaldsonville, and Paul and Debra Tatum, of Ocean Springs, Miss., Joanne Moscalla, of New Orleans, and Betty and Dan Roche, of Denham Springs. Each squire wore a silver lamé tunic that matched the king’s and a cape with a fleur-de-lis on the back.
Her majesty was attended by pages Caroline Grace Wallace, daughter of Joseph and Bridget Wallace and granddaughter of Thomas and Michele Alderman, of New Orleans, and Jack and Lola Wallace, of Franklinton, and Rachel Diane McCoy, daughter of Barry and Angie McCoy, of Watson, and granddaughter of David and Rita Villneuve, of Watson. Pages wore dresses of silver and white brocade with matching overskirts with silver trim and sequins.
Officers of the krewe, the Senate, were introduced to the sound of “Drops of Jupiter” and were presented to the krewe wearing matching purple velvet robes embellished with gold trim and crystal. Senate members are Dawn Brewster, Catherine Fontenot, Ann Harris, Renee Harris, Lee Melancon, Kathy Vilas and Rita Villneuve.
The KOJJ float lieutenants, Rita Villneuve, Susan Faucheux, Catherine Fontenot, Danny Williams, Dee and David Everett, Kelli and Jennifer Lovett, Lee Melancon, Remy Graves, Lisa Thibodeaux, Kelly Bergeron, Shana Corvers and Laura Boudreaux Pitre, represented their respective floats to the membership.
Michelle Southern and Kevin Gallagher were emcees for the presentation of the royal court and legends. The band Rewind provided dance music for krewe members and guests.
The KOJJ will parade through the streets of downtown of Baton Rouge on Saturday, Feb. 4, beginning at 6:30 p.m.