Cancer free, Lakeville musician gives back with benefit concert
Iris Bouvet is receiving a hand from her son, J.P., in staging this year’s Jug Jam breast cancer fundraiser. J.P., a 2007 Lakeville South High School graduate who earlier this year was crowned champion in the national Guitar Center Drum Off, will be performing with his band The Super Pilots at the event. (Photo submitted)
Third annual Jug Jam set Aug. 19
This past June marked three years since the end of Iris Bouvet’s battle with breast cancer.
The Lakeville resident is throwing a party to celebrate the anniversary, and to raise money for a medical fund through the Fairview Foundation that helped cover her treatment costs.
The third annual Jug Jam breast cancer fundraiser runs from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, at Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Lakeville. It features food and musical entertainment by local bands.
“It’s a way to give back, but it’s really a celebration,” said Bouvet, who’s organizing this year’s Jug Jam with friends Sue Linden, Carla Maslonka and Lauren Iannaci. “We want to have a good time.”
Bouvet, who endured months of chemotherapy and underwent a double mastectomy, had genetic testing that insurance didn’t cover during her battle with breast cancer.
Fortunately, her doctor, Dr. Barbara Bowers of Fairview Southdale, has a medical fund to cover that, and money raised through Jug Jam will be donated to the fund to help other women who find themselves in that situation.
It’s no wonder the fundraiser took the form of a concert, considering Bouvet’s background in music. She’s a former music director at Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Burnsville, plays the electric bass, and has lent her music skills to local theater groups such as Chameleon Theatre Circle and Eagan Summer Community Theatre.
Bouvet’s son, J.P., will be performing with his band The Super Pilots at the event.
A 2007 Lakeville South High School graduate who earlier this year was crowned champion in the national Guitar Center Drum Off, J.P. is joined in the Super Pilots by guitarist and Apple Valley High School alumnus Mike Linden, along with two of their classmates from the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Also on the fundraiser concert’s list of acts are The Anderson Brothers, made up of siblings Ryan and Aaron Anderson, vocal group The Nice Girls, and singer-songwriter Wade Linkert.
Admission to the all-ages event is $10 for adults, $5 for students, and includes a “taco in a bag” meal.
For more information about Jug Jam, contact Iris Bouvet at ibouvet@mac.com.
