It’s time for the 10th Annual Touch Biloxi Extravaganza, and if you’ve been before you know what the vibes are. It’s not flashy, it’s not corporate, it’s just a good time with great music. It feels like a room full of people who showed up because they wanted to listen, to look, to hang out, and to support each other. After nearly a decade of shows featuring all genres of music and art, that feeling hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s gotten stronger. On January 24th the 10th Annual Touch Biloxi Extravaganza takes over The Juke Joint in Ocean Springs- free entry, no barriers, just local art and music the way it’s always been meant to be experienced.
Founded by Mark “Mushmouth” Simmons, the Touch Biloxi Extravaganza began as a simple but stubborn idea: give local artists a platform and let the community build itself around it. Over the years, the Extravaganza has bounced between venues, survived lineup changes, scene shifts, and the natural ebb and flow of coastal life, but it has never lost its purpose. This event has always been about discovery the first time you hear a band, the first time you notice an artist’s work on the wall, the first time you realize the Gulf Coast has more going on creatively than people give it credit for.
“Originally this started out as my birthday celebration, and I always made it free and held it at quality venues so it just got bigger and bigger each year.” Says Mushmouth. “Finally I realized I could use this event to platform up and coming artists, musicians- even comedians, and writers. We’ve had all kinds of talent come through this event and go on to do really amazing things.”
This year’s lineup feels especially fitting for the tenth outing. Irish Goodbye’s revivalist classic rock sound, the smooth hip hop vibes of Xavy, Happy Boy with their pop punk originality, Lancing Ruel with his hard hitting rap style, and Shades of Wisteria featuring some of the finest musicians on this coast- all representing the wide range of genres and styles Touch Biloxi has always embraced. These are the kinds of bands that don’t just play at you; they pull you into the experience with them.
Visual art has always been just as important as the music at Touch Biloxi, and this year features the work of Cheryl Bowen, whose artwork will be displayed throughout the venue. Bowen’s work doesn’t feel like background decoration. It feels like part of the conversation, another voice in the room equal to the bands. Cheryl Bowen also designed and hand painted this years poster, which will be available for viewing at the event.
“This years event promises to be the best one yet.” Continues Mushmouth. “We have a world famous venue, The Juke Joint, and some of the finest and most diverse talents found in the area. You’d be hard pressed to find a better free event to come party at. We’ll have video games set up as well, courtesy of Vincent Railsback of Blue Thunder Bomb gaming. The Juke Joint will be serving up its usual excellence in the way of food and drink, and everyone is invited to partake.”
Holding the 10th Annual at The Juke Joint feels right. It’s the kind of venue that understands shows like this: close, unpretentious, and built for moments where the crowd and the performers blur together. No VIP sections. No ropes. Just people enjoying the stage, talking between sets, and sticking around longer than they planned to.
Despite getting bigger each year, the Touch Biloxi Extravaganza hasn’t tried to outgrow itself, and that might be its greatest success. It’s still a place where artists get their shot, where the audience shows up curious, and where community isn’t a buzzword, it’s just what happens when people come together. With free entry, there’s no excuse.
If you’ve been before, you already know why you’ll be there.
If you haven’t, this is the year to finally show up.
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