Any time a band takes the stage with a Gene Simmons look-alike guitarist and a lead singer drinking a bottle of Beam in an LSU cheerleader skirt and a Mardi Gras shirt with shoulder pads underneath, an interesting night has followed.
Such is the case with New Orleans-based party cover band Bag of Donuts, who will perform Friday at The Varsity Theatre. For 15 years, Bag of Donuts has wooed and entertained crowds across southern Louisiana covering songs of the last three decades with creativity and a carefree attitude.
A Bag of Donuts show functions as a clinic on classic and contemporary songs as well as how to leave worries at the door and have a good time. Often modifying hits such as “Pour Some Whiskey On Me,” or performing unexpected songs like “Dirty Dancing” theme “I’ve Had The Time of My Life,” Bag of Donuts always is keeping it new and innovative.
Lead singer John Duplantis said creativity as a cover band was part of their mission upon forming the group.
“We don’t claim to be the most original band,” said Duplantis. “But we knew when we got together 15 years ago that we couldn’t be an ordinary cover band. It wasn’t us. If we were going to do it, we were going to take a totally different approach.”
Duplantis also said their show has changed since their last show in Baton Rouge.
“Since we played Baton Rouge last, we have about six new medleys; we’ve gotten some new costumes,” Duplantis said. “We’ve pulled some things out of the closet that we haven’t done in a few years.”
Chris Lundgren, talent buyer for The Varsity, is pleased to have Bag of Donuts back in town and believes the heavy New Orleans flavor helps the success of the show.
“We have had them before with great success because the people in Baton Rouge can appreciate and enjoy Bag of Donuts,” said Lundgren. “I think it helps that they are huge in New Orleans and draw a huge crowd there. A large percentage of LSU students either frequent New Orleans bars, have seen them in New Orleans or are actually from New Orleans, so a lot of people are familiar with them and know it’s a good time.”
Duplantis said the band is looking to gain a broader audience with the show.
“We plan on putting on a big show. We’re really looking to gain momentum in Baton Rouge and take it to a new level,” he said.
The show is Friday, March 27 at The Varsity. Tickets are $7 for the 18 and older show and are available at The Varsity.