Glen Burtnik’s 11th Xmas Xtravaganza
Dec 21 and Dec 22, 2001 – The Bottom Line, NYC – Four Shows
Three months before the Xmas Xtravaganza of 2001, the most horrible tragedy of our lives took place in Manhattan. The city of New York was traumatized, as was the rest of the United States. Many neighbours were taken from us. Collectively, gatherings and holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas took on a deeper dimension than usual for everyone.
Then popular culture took a hit in late November, with passing of a Beatle.
We opened the 2001 Xmas Xtravaganza Friday night with George Harrison’s MY SWEET LORD. Next (and only for this early Friday show) poet Sage performed his anti-Ron Howard’s Grinch diatribe (for the second year). Bernie Brausewetter reprised his annual BOOGIE WOOGIE SANTA, complete with full band. This year’s stellar horn section consisted of Richie LaBamba (trombone) and Mark “The Love Man“ Pender (trumpet) - both from the “Max Weinberg 7“ band on Conan O’Brien’s show, and saxophonist Stan Harrison. Tom Brislin played piano and Plinky played organ. Rob Paparozzi blew harp and Pat Robinson squeezed accordion. Bassists included Tony Shanahan and Beau Burtnick. Guitars were played by Bernie, Steve Conte, Mark Muller and yours truly. For the most part, the evening’s drums were played by Mark Sacco and Rich Pagano.
ENTER RICH PAGANO
Rich was called to play drums at this year’s shows. Rich has been the “it” drummer around town as of recent years, in addition to getting a lot of session work, Rich is perhaps best known locally as drummer for the Fab Faux - a great Beatle band featuring Will Lee and Jimmy Vivino.
ENTER JACK PETRUZZELLI
Jack Petruzzelli sat in on guitar for a song or two. Jack also plays with the Fab Faux and Joan Osborne.
ENTER SUZIE CASTALINE
Next, this year’s ‘Little Girls’ (Suzie Castaline, Erika and Dylan Muller, Sally Burtnick and newcomer Susie Castaline) walked on to sing the classic CHIPMUNK SONG, followed by the return of with first grader Grace and kindergartner Molly for the 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS experience featuring Jigs. Willie Nile was up next with his rocking COME ALL YE FAITHFUL.
GIVE THE DRUMMER SOME
Mark Sacco, after playing behind the cavalcade of front people year after year, stepped up to front the band himself, singing FATHER CHRISTMAS (causing the Trentonians in the audience to shriek in appreciation).
PUT DOWN THAT BONE AND SING
Richie LaBamba, from among other things, the Max Weinberg 7 on Conan O’Brien’s Late Night TV show, sang the sweetest rendition of I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS in his hearing-is-believing falsetto, featuring soloing by Stan Harrison on saxophone.
LaBamba’s co-hort Mark Pender returned this year to grab the center microphone to sing his stellar rendition of SANTA CLAUS IS BACK IN TOWN. Then the always great Christine Ohlman walked on to do ROCK N’ ROLL SANTA, I took a turn at Beatle George’s HERE COMES THE SUN and Joy Askew sang Joni Mitchell’s RIVER (wonderful as ever).
ENTER STEVE CONTE AND THE CROWN JEWELS
Long time NYC faves the Crown Jewels was one of this year’s highlights, performing a hip, funked up version of SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN. The Jewels consisted of leader and resident wonderdude Steve Conte playing a Fender VI bass, his talented bother John Conte playing 4 string bass, John’s wife, the beautiful Lisa Desimone-Conte contributing vocals, manipulating the sampler, playing percussion and generally displaying visually entertainment with her “Subterranean Homesick Blues” style cue cards (occasionally screwing up the order to comic effect), Mark Stewart who ripped on banjo, and Rich Pagano on drums.
ENTER EVERETT BRADLEY
I’ve admired Everett Bradley ever since I first noticed him in the show STOMP and later as percussionist with Jane Kelly Williams. I later got to know Everette, working on a session or two together, and have been trying to persuade him to do the Xtravaganza for years. Finally agreeing to do it, he brought along Daschal Eaves to perform a cool arrangement of MY FAVORITE THINGS, which pretty much blew us all away. A real stand out.
Next, Tony Shanahan sang the song BLUE CHRISTMAS, arranged over the Beatles’ FLYING. Next up, Carlton Brown revisited MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY, Mary Lee Kortes sang HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS and John S. Hall recited his JESUS WAS WAY COOL. This year super group The Burtnix (my 3 kids and me) performed our lyrical rewrite of KISS ME (by Sixpence None The Richer) with Beau on bass, Darla on synthesizer, Sally on melodica and me playing guitar.
For a second season Joy Askew and Diane Scanlon again diligently threw together their a cappella choir, The Rebel Angels, which this year included mostly new faces with wonderful voices. Consisting of returning ‘Rebels’ Diane and alumni Machan, the 2001 edition of the group included new recruits Jeremy Black, Elaine Caswell (who has appeared in past Xtravaganzas), Lisa Maxwell, Josh Margolis, Leslie Miller, Eric Nicholas, Carole Rowley, Bette Sussman and old friend Erin O'Hara into the fold, as well as Everett Bradley, Steve Conte, radiant Xtravaganza regular Barbara Hahn and yours truly, singing two selections. A version of the exceptionally beautiful PEACE from Finlandia by Sibelius and a fun take on WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS featuring a breakout moment from the ever-dazzling Mister Bradley.
Next, the amazing Antonique Smith sang O HOLY NIGHT to the usual thunder (to behold is to believe) followed by the legendary Patti Smith Band performing I WONDER AS I WANDER and ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH.
We ended Friday’s early set with Joe Hurley and Christine Ohlman singing NYC FAIRY TALE and all joining HAPPY XMAS (WAR IS OVER).
I had a drink, organized my charts and got ready for the next set.
LATE SHOW PROBLEMS
It’s very difficult to write a decent set list for the late show. You see, after the early show is over all the artists get tired, cranky & impatient. Many acts ask me to schedule them early in the late show (so they don‘t have to wait around to go on - so they can get the hell out of the cramped backstage). Personally, I’m beginning to wish there were no late show.
The late show Friday night began with the Kids (CHIPMUNK SONG), followed by the Patti Smith Band (I Wonder… & Angels We Have Heard…), followed by the Rebel Angels (Peace/We Wish You a Merry), then Willie Nile (Patti Smith, The Rebel Angels and Willie Nile appeared only on Friday evening‘s shows), followed by The Burtnix (Kiss Me), and then Antonique Smith (O Holy Night).
ENTER THE HOUSEWIVES ON PROZAC
Fred Schneider, B52’s front man, suggested I include his friend’s band, Housewives On Prozac, to participate in this year’s Xtravaganza. To see this group is to believe it. A collection of fun, talented, wild, eccentric and lovely women: Joy Rose (Vocals and spatula), Kyle Ann Burtt (Keys and vocal), Diana White (guitar), Donna Kelly (Drums) and Gillian Crane (Additional vocals). The Housewives performed a rewrite of one of their own songs, titled DON’T TAKE SANTA FOR GRANTED (or something like that). They were very cool
Next were the VooDudes, performing their SANTA THAT LOW DOWN SANTA. Crown Jewels reprised SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN. Returning, from Trenton New Jersey, the Ernie White Band singing their CHRISTMAS EVERYWHERE. (The VooDudes, the Crown Jewels and The Ernie White Band appeared friday only).
John S. Hall again did his spoken piece, before Christine Ohlman sang her Huey P. Smith classic, followed by LaBamba’s great falsetto (I’ll Be Home…), then Mark Pender (Santa Claus…), followed by Carlton Brown and then Bernie “BB” Brausewetter (Boogie…).
Chuck Buck made his first appearance this year in the late Friday show. As he does each year, he arrives as a different Santa-esque character (see Rasta Claus, Hannuka Harry, Santa Patel, Santa Castro, Elvis Claus from reviews of previous years). A silly, funny and always wonderful comic moment.
Next was Joy Askew (RIVER), followed by Neil C. Furio, singing his hip rewrite of CHRISTMAS IN JAIL. A cool guy.
ENTER MARNI RICE
For Friday’s late show singer/accordionist Marni Rice appeared, accompanied by a guy named Tom (no one seems to know his last name) on banjo, to sing Leonard Cohen’s HALLELUJAH (performed this show only).
Next, for this show only, Lenny Kaye stepped up to sing I WISH IT COULD BE CHRISTMAS EVERYDAY. Then, Mary Lee Kortes sang (HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE XMAS), Tony Shanahan fronted the band (BLUE CHRISTMAS) and Jigs performed (12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS).
Next, Christine Ohlman & Joe Hurley performed NYC FAIRY TALE.
We closed with MY SWEET LORD. I was tired, it felt late, and for the first time I can remember, we ended the Xmas Xtravaganza without doing John & Yoko’s Happy Xmas. George Harrison’s spiritual classic felt appropriate enough.
The first night was over. I drove home, crashed and woke up the next day to jump in my car and head back into Manhattan to face it all again…
Saturday’s early show began with The Burtnix version of KISS ME followed by yours truly singing MY SWEET LORD. Tom Brislin played NUTROCKER, then John S. Hall did JESUS WAS WAY COOL and Joy Askew sang RIVER
ENTER STEVE AUGIERI
Lead singer of arena-rock group Journey, Steve Augieri performed a seasonally lyrical rewrite of his band’s LIGHTS. Steve appeared Saturday night only, as did the next two artists.
In memoriam of the passing of a beloved and influential musical hero of my generation, the following four songs strayed from the Xtravaganza’s usual standard of holiday-only repertoire.
James Mastro sang George Harrison’s GIVE ME LOVE (very cool). Next, Marshall Crenshaw sang Harrison’s ISN‘T IT A PITY (wonderfully). I then sang another solo Harrison BLOW AWAY, followed by Steve Conte’s energetic WHAT IS LIFE?. As Marshall pointed out, ALL THINGS MUST PASS was released around Christmastime 1970 and, not unlike much of the Beatles’ recordings; his songs do carry a hint of holiday suggestion with them. George’s lyrics usually involve a spiritual perspective as well, which furthers their fitting in to a Christmas show. Most of all, It was his passing that many of us felt, as if we’d lost a member of our larger family.
Next Christine Ohlman sang ROCK N ROLL SANTA, the Kids sang them CHIPMUNK SONG, Carlton Brown sang MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY, Tony Shanahan sang BLUE CHRISTMAS, the Whirling Dervishes did HEAT MISER and the GRINCH, Jigs acted out the 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, Everett Bradley and Daschal Eaves did their version of MY FAVORITE THINGS.
Old friend Tommy Conwell came from Philadelphia to sing his LULLABYE (a real tear jerker) and Jill Sobule sang MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE FAMILY and her JESUS WAS A DREIDEL SPINNER.
Patty Smyth got up to sing SLEIGHRIDE and WINTER WONDERLAND accompanied by her long time friend and cool singer, Barbara Illana as well as Patty’s daughters Emily and Anna MacEnroe. I loved helping out on that one.
Larry Kirwan showed up for only one show this year, to sing JESUS, HERO OF THE WORKING MAN for the Saturday early set. Antonique Smith sang O HOLY NIGHT and Christine & Joe Hurley sang NYC FAIRY TALE, accompanied by a few members of the NYPD.
The Saturday late show order consisted of MY SWEET LORD, the CHIPMUNK SONG (the Kids), Patty Smyth (with Barbara Illana and the little MacEnroes - singing SLEIGHRIDE and WINTER WONDERLAND), Jill Sobule (MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE FAMILY & JESUS WAS A DREIDEL SPINNER), James Mastro (GIVE ME LOVE), Everett Bradley and Daschel Eaves (MY FAVORITE THINGS), the Whirling Dervishes (Heat Miser/Grinch), Tommy Conwell (Lullaby), Steve Conte (WHAT IS LIFE?), Tony Shanahan (BLUE CHRISTMAS), Carlton Brown (MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY), Steve Augieri (LIGHTS), Antonique Smith (O HOLY NIGHT) and John S. Hall (JESUS WAS WAY COOL).
ENTER VICKI GENFAN
New York acoustic guitar wizard Vicki Genfan dazzled all of us with her version of JOY TO THE WORLD. Another true highlight of the show. (I've actually known her since she was a little girl, but I won't embarass her by writing about that here.)
Bernie followed (BACKDOOR SANTA) and then Christine Ohlman (ROCK N ROLL SANTA).
Rogues March appeared during the Saturday late show to perform their AMSTERDAM MISTRESS.
Next was Tom Brislin (NUTROCKER), followed by Chuck Buck, and then my son’s trio.
ENTER dibs
My son Beau’s band, dibs (Jed Higgerson on guitar, Joe Chyb on drums, Beau on bass) have been a band since they met in high school, and appeared at the XX for the first time singing the Fountains Of Wayne’s I WANT AN ALIEN FOR CHRISTMAS.
Neil C Furio performed his wonderful CHRISTMAS IN JAIL, Jigs mimed his 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS and Christine & Joe Hurley ended the evening with (NYC FAIRY TALE).
Looking back at the four shows, taken altogether, this may have been the best year yet. Thanks are due to the behind the scenes personnel. Ever wonderful Jeanne Stahlman was once again stage manager and talent coordinator this year. The Bottom Line crew was helpful as usual (Josh, George Miller, and a guy named Damien. My friend Dave Yackoboskie tuned guitars backstage all night friday and some of Saturday, as well as dealing with any number of other details.
MARK ZORN
A special shout out is overdue to Mark, who has worked hard to help out with the Xtravaganza FOR YEARS. Thanks, Mark, for the schlepping & help with all the details.
From early in the season, while I was in preparation mode, through until a few days after the show, I was approached by a number of generous contributors, handing me money to pass along to the charities. Web dominatrix Pam Escalante raised money (among her friends), my neighbors Chris and John Barton (whose lovely daughter Jacklyn has performed in past shows), loyal Styx fan Annette Reburn, Joanie & John Rossi (John is my very talented lighting director friend who‘s worked with, among others, Styx and the Beach Boys) and even my Mom, each handed me cash, which I passed along with the XX’s contributions. Props, as they say, go out to these people, as well as to all the wonderful audience members who came to the show generously bearing gifts for the local less fortunate.
At the end of the evening, on Saturday December 22, after we’d packed up all the guitars, drums, wire and other equipment, I found myself left with the problem of transporting the bags & bags of goodies the audience volunteered to bring (canned food, toys and warm clothes) as they do each year. By the end of the weekend there was a giant walk in closet filled with big black hefty bags overflowing with mountains of stuff. 2 or 3 in the morning and there we were, volunteers Beau, Neal C. Furio, Jake Stahlman and myself, schlepping these heavy sacks out to my car along with some of the Bottom Line crew. (Earlier, bro-in-law Raphael had split with a load in Mom-In-Law Phyllis‘ new Cadillac to Jersey and Shanahan helped with a bit of initial schlepping as well). As we kept removing bag after bag from the Bottom Line’s closet, it seemed apparent I needed to plan to come back another day. There was simply too much to take in one trip. The Bottom Line certainly didn’t want this all stuff hanging out taking up their space.
This created a dilemma. Christmas was less than 48 hours away and as yet I still had not finalized my mission to nail Rosie‘s gift. The idea of wedging in a trip to the Bottom Line just to load up my car seemed extremely inconvenient, not to mention time consuming at a point when I couldn’t really afford it.
Determined, I somehow managed to cram all the contribution bags into the back of my wife’s car that night, after the show. As I pulled away from the front of the Bottom Line and made a right turn onto Broadway, I realized I couldn’t see a thing except directly in front of me. The car was so compacted that the view in the center rear view was completely obscured and the right side rear view mirror was useless since the passenger seat was packed up to the ceiling and forward to the windshield with bags overflowing with the contributions of toys, food and clothes. I was boxed into a tiny space in the driver’s seat with barely enough room to operate the vehicle. Occasionally, something would move and knock the shift out of “Drive”. There I was in Holland Tunnel with the Jeep suddenly slipping into “Neutral”.
I was a moving hazard. An accident waiting to happen. I could’ve had a banner attached to the car announcing “TRAFFIC VIOLATION HERE - ARREST THIS DRIVER”. (I did eventually manage to dig a passage through all the stuff so I could see the right side mirror. Hence, I got home without creating a multiple car pile up on the New Jersey Turnpike.)
AFTERMATH
Delivering all the canned and packaged food to Elijah’s Promise soup kitchen in New Brunswick was fun. This year I did it alone - and the gentlemen who helped me bring in all the many bags and boxes filled with groceries were in a pretty good mood, if somewhat confused by my ridiculous hair color.
Not only were some of our neighbours lost in on 9-11, but also in addition to losing a Beatle, we lost two members of our Xtravaganza family during the year 2001. Sad news came of the passing away of vocalist Steve Tracy (1989 Xtravaganza “Rock Choir”) and our own behind the scenes hero, Mike Cleary. Steve was truly a special singer who never really received his deserved moment in the sun. Sweet, knowledgeable, helpful Mike was mentioned often by many involved throughout the weekend and missed by all. If there is a heaven, Mike is undoubtedly there.
Merry Xmas and adios, mi hermanos.
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