The DeKalb High School Marching Band is preparing to taste the sweetness of the Sugar Bowl.

Members of the band hosted a Cajun dinner to help cover the costs of their upcoming New Orleans trip, which centers around the band’s halftime performance at this year’s Allstate Sugar Bowl.

The DeKalb High School (DHS) cafeteria, 501 W. Dresser Road, was transformed into a New Orleans-themed dinner for the community. Attendees purchased $10 tickets for the dinner, which included dishes like jambalaya. Guests also enjoyed entertainment by the DHS Jazz Ensemble. A raffle and live auction were also held.

“The community has been supportive with donations for the auction and raffle,” said Angel Smith, DHS music department office associate. “Also for the food, Imboden’s donated meat and a company in New Orleans donated the jambalaya rice.”

Items in the raffle and auction were also New Orleans-themed: a New Orleans pillow and art set were offered. Other items included gift certificates to local eateries, novelty lamps, and gifts baskets with all proceeds assisting the Band’s trip to New Orleans which will cost about $800 per student, Smith said.

“I would encourage everyone to support these wonderful kids,” said Misty Haji-Sheikh, previous president of DHS Music Boosters. “They go to state on a regular basis and then become musicians and teachers themselves. The support always comes back around.”

Guests included DHS teachers, students and their parents, and community members like Roger Morgan, band instrument repairman.

“I do band instrument repair for all schools in the northern Illinois area and they support me so I love to support them,” Morgan said. “And the food is great–I got seconds.”

The band will be playing at halftime at the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2. They will be going to New Orleans by bus. The band has 120 members, with 20 to 30 players from each grade.

“The event seems to going fairly well and hopefully takes a big chunk out of what we need to raise,” said DHS senior Allison Duffin. “Going to New Orleans is going to be great and a heck of a way to finish off senior year.”