Ish Kabibble Celebration

Native son, Merwyn Bogue (Stage name Ish Kabibble) was born right here in North East, PA, on January 19th, 1908.

The North East Arts Council, in celebration of our Native Son, is holding our 4th Annual Ish Kabibble Celebration on January 16th, a few days from his birthday January 19th. The celebration will be complete with live music, stand up comedy, light refreshments and libations, jokes (with a joke-telling contest - tasteful jokes only, please), and Best Ish Kabibble Look-alike Contest.

No Worries, just come have fun!

Current members are invited (and encouraged!) to attend for no charge; and guests can join in on this just-for-fun event (donations appreciated!) Please RSVP for this event by purchasing a member ($0) or non-member (donation appreciated) ticket as space is limited!

Performances will include music by Drew Minton (from The Assembly) and Larry Kownacki, along with stand up comedy by Anthony Morelli (Flaship City Comedy) and Meg Maly.

Who was Ish Kabibble? He was a comedian, world famous cornet player, and TV and Movie actor. He appeared in ten movies between 1939 and 1950. In addition, he performed with Kyser on the radio and television quiz show Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge in 1949 and 1950. Ische ga bibble?", which was purported to mean "I should worry?", prompting a curious (and perhaps not coincidental) association with the "What, me worry?" motto of Mad Magazine's mascot, Alfred E. Neuman. Kabibble's distinctive black hair in a bowl cut, is said to have been an inspiration for comedian Jerry Lewis’s characters and the hairstyle worn by Jim Carrey's character in Dumb and Dumber.

Come dressed as Ish Kabibble for the look-alike contest, be prepared to tell your favorite jokes in the joke-telling contest (tasteful jokes only – please use your best judgement), or just come hang out and have fun!

For more information or with any questions (including membership inquires) please email [email protected] party is for adults 21+ (as alcohol will be served).

Curious about Merwyn Bogue? Check out some additional info here:
https://www.eriehistory.org/blog/the-history-of-ish-kabibble and here:

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Host or Publisher North East Arts Council