Taproom hosts Chief Slac before symbolic RSA Tower lighting, plus immersive outdoor concert experience featuring the music of Prince, synced with lasers and 3D projections
MOBILE, AL — The birthplace of Mardi Gras is kicking off the Carnival season with a two-night 12th Night celebration at Braided River Brewing Co. The third-annual bash takes place over multiple days. Both events are free and open to the public outside the taproom at 420 St. Louis Street in downtown Mobile.
On Monday, Jan. 5, starting at 4 p.m., Chief Slacabamarinico will lead a countdown to sunset and symbolic ribbon-cutting, and the RSA Tower will be lit up in purple and gold, signaling the official start of Mardi Gras season. The event will also feature award-winning local King Cakes from Bread by Beck and Dropout Bakery & Co., Big Brothers and Big Sisters on hand with tickets to their King Cake-Off and a special Blow House Brass Band stage show. (Traditionally, sunset on 12th Night is the first day of the year that King Cakes can be eaten.)
On Saturday, Jan. 10, starting at 6 p.m., Symone French and the Trouille Troupe will perform in “Purple Reign,” a free outdoor concert featuring the music of Prince. The concert, which will include songs from the iconic “Purple Rain” album, will be accompanied by a 3D projection show by Magic I Media and a laser light show by Invazzion Entertainment, both synced to the music. St. Louis Street will be shut down in front of the brewery for the festivities.
Braided River will be releasing three Mardi Gras-themed beers at the kickoff — Boom Boom pale ale, Lil’ King Cake Baby blonde ale and The Reveler bock — along with custom Mardi Gras merch such as limited-edition 12th Night T-shirts designed by Nutria Rodeo and BRBC glass beads from Muffinjaw Designs. Food trucks will also be on-site for both events.
“There’s not much we love more than Mardi Gras season, and we’re excited to get it kicked off with two big events,” Braided River owner David Nelson said. “I can’t wait to get my first slice of King Cake for the year, and I know Mobilians are anxiously awaiting the return of their favorite Mardi Gras beer, Boom Boom. We’re honored to host these iconic parties, because we all know that our town was born to celebrate, and when the parades start rolling, it’s time to ‘take me to the boom boom!’”
CONTACT: Alan Anderson, events@braidedriverbrewing.com, 251-635-2580
