Touchstone Brings Mardi Gras to Bethlehem

Touchstone Theatre presents its third annual Jakopa's Punch Bowl concert fundraiser on Saturday, February 9, 2019 from 7-10pm at the Charles A. Brown Ice House. This Mardi Gras-themed evening of eclectic music by local bands, New Orleans-style lite fare, and all-you-can-drink beer and wine supports upcoming original works at Touchstone.

Touchstone house band Jakopa's Punch first came together in early 2016 to pay musical tribute to David Bowie for a local benefit concert. In February 2017, the band reunited to headline Jakopa's Punch Bowl with a collection of quirky covers and then again in July 2017 to play a score of original music in the outdoor, summer puppet spectacular The Jakopa's Punch Processional. Last year, in addition to playing the Punch Bowl fundraiser, band members featured accompanying Touchstone's original satire Dictators 4 Dummies, as well as playing a wildly successful set at Musikfest 2018's Volksplatz.

The Jakopa's Punch Bowl fundraiser will feature headliner Jakopa's Punch, a band composed of Touchstone company members and guest artists, performing "reimaginings" of classic pop hits. The evening also features opening band The Bastard Sons, a local revolving door of singer-songwriters hosted by Mike Roi and Carter Lansing; followed by Big Easy Easton Brass, a community band with a focus on outdoor, Mardi Gras-style parade performances.

Attendees will also enjoy tasty New Orleans favorites, like jambalaya and beignets, as well as local fare from The Bayou, Molly's Irish Grille & Sports Pub, Southside 313 Bar & Grille, and The Wooden Match; along with beer, wine, "Jakopa's punch," and other refreshments. All food and drink is included in the price of admission. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their best/most festive Mardi Gras wear; from the most enthusiastic party-goers, a king and queen will be crowned from the concert stage.

Touchstone is supported locally by season sponsor RCN. WDIY provides media sponsorship, and Working Dog Press provides print sponsorship. Jakopa's Punch Bowl is supported generously by the above restaurant donors, as well as Wegmans and Giant Food Stores.

Jakopa's Punch Bowl performs February 9, 2019, 7-10pm (doors at 6:30pm), at the Charles A. Brown Ice House on Sand Island (56 River St. Bethlehem, PA 18018). Price of admission includes music, food, beer, and wine; advance tickets are $35 and may be purchased at 610.867.1689 or www.touchstone.org; tickets at the door are $40.