2007
It is a few days after the show and I am driving this rented van into the town of Red Bank, with a head full of neon blue hair. Today is the day I pick up the gifts and clothes donated by the Xtravaganza’s generous audience who have grown steadily, consistently and enthusiastically over the years. Thanks to you, dear readers.
So many of the little incidents that took place during the 2007 Xmas Xtravaganza are running through my mind – tiny episodes which went unpondered in the moment amidst the flurry of the event. And now the closer I get to the theater, the more numerous the vignettes, the clearer the details, and the bigger the overall picture. Thank goodness for memory.
It was a really good one this year - exactly the kind of show I would love to sit in the audience and watch. (Well, maybe my ‘dream xtravaganza’ would include Bob Dylan, Ben Folds, Mavis Staples and Regina Spektor…hell, I may as well throw in Buddy Holly, Laura Nyro & Jimi Hendrix while I’m at it.) Variety rules, at least for us short attention spanned ADD-ers in the modern world. Thanks for the wide spectrum of music I’ve enjoyed through my life.
ENTER DEBBIE HARRY
I am thinking about how gracious Debbie Harry was. I was completely charmed by her sharing her childhood photo with us for the “Closing Credits” we show on the screen at the show’s end. (She endured the somewhat embarrassing and incessant star-struck attention of Jigs backstage all night – I’m surprised she wasn’t heard calling out “Let me have my own thoughts back!”). She really is an icon and a beauty. Very classy. Her appearance at the show was of course nothing less than stellar, and the roar of the crowd as she walked on stage is possibly still echoing in the theater. How cool of her not to flinch when the “snowfall” cue came down like an avalanche. Not only a classic beauty, she’s also a trooper. Thank you, Tom Brislin, for inviting her.
Red Bank is a charming town - kind of Norman Rockwell meets Urban Outfitters. I’ve often felt envious of this small town’s ambiance (why doesn’t New Brunswick have as many cool shops?). I was concerned our move to yet another venue – from “Hub City” to “Hip City” - could be a problem. But, in the end, it was a grand night. Thanks go to Count Basie Theater, for their accommodating attitude.
ENTER THE COUNT BASIE THEATRE
The ever-competent Kathy Wagner had initially contacted Vantony Jenkins, who early in the year gave Kathy and I a tour of the lovely mid-1920s theater and sat down to offer us a great deal. He understood our charitable project and the theater offered us everything they could. Thanks, Van.
I have played this theater a number of times before. In fact, it was LaBamba’s ‘Holiday Hurrah’ show in the 80s, which took place at the Count Basie Theater. I played guitar in that wonderful show, and although it had next to no seasonal music, I had such fun that it inspired me to go for a big variety Christmas show of my own. Thanks Richie, for pointing the way.
ENTER JEFF BOBB
I am marveling at the story of this year’s backstage catering. We’ve always hired someone to feed all the performers backstage. This year, caterer Jeff Bobb contacted Jigs offering to have his business do the job FOR FREE. What a beautiful offer, what a generous guy and what great food. Thank you Jeff, and your ‘Business Bistro Catering’ service.
For a few years now I’ve tried to include a pop hit from that year into the Xtravaganza – rewriting the words to X-masize it. This year this dishonor was bestowed on Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab”, turning the song into a story about Santa requiring detox for “too much Christmas cheer”. Thanks for such a great record, Ms Whinehouse.
This topic led me to a concept for the show’s opening medley. I decided to start the show with a “Suite: of three songs about Santa Claus; a rewrite of “Devil With A Blue Dress” joined with the aforementioned ‘Rehab’ and “Must Be Santa”. Since this meant the show would begin with ‘Santa With A Blue Hat”, I figured there was no other choice than to go with blue hair this year. Thanks to Mitch Ryder And The Detroit Wheels for an inspiring show opener.
I am getting the occasional double take as I drive through town. I sometimes forget the insane color of my hair, but after almost 20 years, I’ve become used to this somewhat undignified habit of painting my head so vividly in December. One wonders how long I can continue doing so. Thanks go to Elena Mattey, for the many years of perpetrating this insane ritual upon my head.
There’s always a lot going on that I don’t know about during the show. For all I could tell on stage, Freedom Bremner’s arrival went perfectly as planned – although I hadn’t seen him backstage before the show, he walked right out on stage at the point in the running order when he was supposed to. It was only after we were packed up and out of the theater at the end of the evening that I heard about Freedom’s precarious adventure. He had missed his train to Red Bank, and took a later one, which actually showed up after the show time had begun. Trusty assistant Doreen Sullivan went to pick him up at the station – which I’m told didn’t go smoothly – and after finally finding each other she rushed him off directly to the theater as fast as possible...Freedom arrived with 2 minutes to spare, went on at his scheduled time as if nothing was wrong and performed like the total pro that he is. Thanks Doreen for your stealth pragmatism and thanks Freedom for your exciting version of Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas”.
ENTER NICOLE ATKINS
A few years ago my friend Anthony Galante turned me on to the music of this great new musician from Neptune NJ. It was obvious she was on her way to something big, and 2007 was the year her debut album was released by Sony Records. I consider ‘Neptune City’ one of my favorite albums of the year and invited Nicole to join our show. Although in the middle of her hectic promotional touring, she graciously accepted and was one of the show’s highlights. She is lovely and talented and cool. I strongly suggest you go by her album “Neptune City”. Thanks to Anthony for introducing me to her music and thanks Nicole, for sharing your beauty and beautiful voice.
ENTER ERIN HILL
I met Erin on a Fab Faux gig. She is amazing, multi-talented, and beautiful. Erin writes lots of psychedelic sci-fi music, and plays a ton of instruments, most noticeably the Harp.
When I explained this show’s concept, she asked if it’d be okay for her to write a song. What am I, nuts? OFCOURSE YOU CAN, ERIN! And she came up with ‘Silver Feet’. Her appearance was tremendous. She added class to this year’s show, no doubt. Thanks Erin, to you and Mike for sharing your talents.
ENTER JESSE MALIN
Jesse was roped in via James Mastro and Tony Shanahan. He already conveniently had a song titled ‘Xmas’ on his disc, The Fine Art Of Self Destruction which is a solid album (produced by Ryan Adams). Jesse’s a brave soul, showing up in Red Bank not really knowing what he was in for – but his moment was absolutely effective. Thank you Jesse.
Tony Shanahan’s choice for the show this year was a stripped down version of Blue Christmas, dedicated to fallen comrade Bernie Brausewetter. For this very sweet gesture, Tony brought out one of Bernie’s closest collaborators…
ENTER ‘BIG’ NANCY SWARBUCK
Nancy has been a fixture in the New Brunswick music scene for longer than myself, and the Queen of the blue harp in New Jersey. In addition to playing more gigs with the late Bernie Brausewetter than probably anyone, she has a heart of gold. Both Nancy and Tony gave moving tributes at Bernie’s wake. But on this night, they stood together on stage to pay tribute in song to a dear, gifted, gentle friend who wont be able to make the show anymore. Thanks Nancy, and thanks Tony, for this touching moment.
Mark Sacco and the folks at altered image painstakingly put together a Video montage of Bernie, which he flawlessly synched to a recording of Bernie performing “Boogie Woogie Santa”, which was projected on the big screen above. Thanks to Mark and James Gorhan for this incredible piece of work.
To everyone’s surprise, after the video was shown, Bernie’s adorable Mom walked onstage to say hello, and by this point there were few dry eyes nearby. We were bidding farewell to a giant talent who we all had the privilege of knowing and playing alongside. Thanks Normae.
Bernie Brausewetter passed away in April 15, 2007.
ENTER KIMBERLY DAHME
Kimberly Dahme flew in from Tennessee in time to make rehearsal the night before the show in Red Bank. Best known as bassist for the enormo-rockband BOSTON, Kimberley performed the Ertha Kitt classic, ‘Santa Baby’. Not only was she great and beautiful and elegant and sexy, but she was a big help backstage, volunteering to help round up all the kids he had running around back there.
Chuck Buck was triumphant this year, with his Brittney Spears as Santa character. The audience was with him throughout his hysterical jokes and song. He killed us all and I am grateful to this wonderful man for his writing a new bit each year and always delivering big time.
My good friend and super talented collaborator Bob Burger returned to front the band as lead performer as did both Steve Augeri and Steve Conte (having grown up not far from Red Bank).
Burger sang an original, Augeri sang a classic and and Conte brought his rocking bassist Lee Kostrinsky (from matawan), who backed him along with James Mastro, Mark Sacco and Jigs on the Kinks’ FATHER XMAS. Thanks go to all these fine musicians.
As we have in the past, the annual appearances of the sweet Carlton Brown and the classy Joy Askew were stellar. This year, Joy’s arrangement of ‘River’ took on a new, ‘sweet soul music’ approach with the help of Odell Davis on drums and celebrated guitarist GE Smith who played much of the evening in the backing band. It was GE’s second time at an Xtravaganza.
Other dear and talented friends who came out to perform once again included loungey Don Dazzo (Youre A Mean One Mister Grinch), beautiful Mary Lee Kortes (Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas), a hooded Lenny Kaye (Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday), prodigy Faith Hahn (Ave Maria), energetic Spiraling (Nutrocker and Do You Hear What I Hear?/Baba O’Reilly), soulful Christine Ohlman and charming Joe Hurley (Fairy Tale Of NYC, Rock N’ Roll Santa, Amsterdam Mistress), Plink the official XX Hammond Organist, and our talented young pianist Mike Stein. Thanks go to all these great performers for their time and gifts of music.
ENTER STAGE STARS
Of course the ever-entertaining Jigs returned, this time accompanied by a gaggle of young girls and boys called the ‘Stage Stars’.
James Egan once again pitched in considerably, making it possible for North Brunswick High School students to perform, but assembling and leading this year’s horn section…
ENTER THE NORTH POLE HORNS
Jamie and Kevin Gunther played trumpets, saxophones Cory Disbrow and John DiSanto on saxophones, Jeff Smith on trombone and Dorian Parreott on tuba.
Paul Bongiovi once again led his rocking NBTHS Winter Percussion Ensemble, and as usual, they kicked ass.
ENTER LIZ, DANI and JOEY
Well, technically, I believe these three have appeared at past Xtravaganzas as members of the NBTHS Percussion ensemble but this year, since I couldn’t get my regular percussionist, I thought of asking High School seniors Liz Fackleman, Dani Knudelman and Joey Scala to cover the extra duties throughout the evening. Liz played all the tubular bell parts, Dani specialized in the sleigh bells and Joey handled all the timpani. But really, I can’t remember exactly who played what. I can only tell you working with these kids was a treat for me.
The NBTHS String Ensemble came to help and I am thankful to have access to all this young talent and grateful to James Egan for his exceptional effort and friendship. Without his talent and hard work, the show wouldn’t be near what it is.
When I called to ask what Marshall Crenshaw wanted to do in this year’s show, he said “I’d like to play drums on the Otis Redding song”. And that was it. Asking what song he’d like to SING, he mentioned how his 8-year-old son might want to do one instead.
ENTER DEAN AND ADDIE CRENSHAW
Opening our second act with ‘Glens Living Room’ set (which, as it turns out, really WAS my living room this year), we had assembled me and my kids, and Marshall and his. Addie Crenshaw came out to be on stage with her Dad and her kid brother Dean as he sang “New York’s A Lonely Town” (a sixties chestnut by The Tradewinds). I’ve been friends with Marshall since 1978 (when we met as Beatle impersonators). This was a very sweet moment for me. Thanks Marshall, Ione, Addie and Dean, for a long friendship and sharing your lovely family.
My teenaged daughter Sally had chosen to sing ‘What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?’ this time around, having learned the Rufus Wainwright version (it was fun exposing her to versions by Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Torme as well). My 22 year old daughter Darla Rose chose Jackson Brown’s ‘The Rebel Jesus’. Darla gets better and better with each year since she began appearing in the show as a 9 year old, and I consider her in complete bloom. I thank my lucky stars for being father to two such beautiful, talented young women.
Then came what was beyond a doubt the high point of my year, a medley I’d worked up with my hipster offspring. With Beau on upright bass this year, Darla, Sally and I performed our folk/country medley of classic European carols. There simply is nothing more glorious to me than singing a solid 4-part harmony with the three people I hold dearest. And we rocked mightily. Thank God for what may very well have been the cherry on top of my life.
To complete this nepotistic-palooza, Beau Burtnick performed Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ completely solo. My son is my pride. Thanks to Beau for flying up from Nashville Tennessee to join your old man this year.
ENTER IAN HUNTER
Tony and James Mastro have been trying to get the great Ian Hunter to the show for years. This year, he went for it. Ian rewrote the lyrics to “I’m Getting’ Nuttin’ For Christmas” and agreed to Tony’s suggestion to sing “Cleveland Rocks” as “Christmas Rocks” (although Ian seemed to have forgotten this plan onstage and performed his well-known song with it’s original lyrics). Thanks to Mastro, Shanahan, band mates Andy Burton, Mark Bosch, Paul Page and the legendary Mr. Hunter for gracing us with this dazzling addition to the show. Hats off also to Mark Sacco for flawlessly stepping up and filling the drum seat.
James and his daughters Ruby and Lilly reunited their “3 Wise Mastros” act, this year doing The Little Drummer Boy arranged in the style of The Beatles’ Sun King.
I am grateful for the glowing review we got in a local paper. The headline reads “Burtnik’s Xmas Gift To The Community”…
“There is no better feeling than walking in Red Bank on the Saturday before Christmas with the one that you love. Feeling worn out from the stress of working and shopping, it was relaxing to just look at the decorations and remember the true meaning of Christmas, which has nothing to do with receiving the latest XBox game. Just ask Glen Burtnik! My other reason for being in Red Bank was to check out Glen Burtnik’s annual Xmas Xtravaganza, being presented for the first time at the Count Basie Theatre. This labor of love raised money for The Community Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties and other charities which assist our neighbors in need. In addition, a portion of the proceeds were designed to help the New Orleans / Gulf area, as well. In addition to a very affordable ticket price, unwrapped toys and canned food was welcome.
“Besides being an extremely prominent benefit, this event also ended up being my favorite show of the year! So much happened during this event that one article couldn’t properly give it justice. Before this night, my only introduction to Burtnik’s production was the CD ‘A Live Christmas Extravaganza.’ Just as Glen Burtnik became hooked on Christmas charity shows as a member of LaBamba And The Hubcaps, I started collecting Christmas music after hearing The Kinks’ ‘Father Christmas’ on AM radio. It was very appropriate that Steve Conte of the New York Dolls covered his song on this magical night. Neptune hero Nicole Atkins referred to her number as ‘the Tom Petty Christmas song.’ Petty’s ‘Christmas All Over Again’ is from the ‘A Very Special Christmas’ collection. Steve Augeri, from Journey, had girls screaming during his rendition of ‘The Christmas Song.’
“Although she wasn’t there to perform this year, Patti Smith provided the Snowman illustration that appeared on the cover of the program. Lenny Kaye, who handled the guitar chores for the Patti Smith Group for many years, gave a very energetic performance of ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday.’ Roy Wood would have been proud! ‘Fairytale Of New York’ was performed amazingly by Joe Huley and Christine Ohlman. Hurley’s voice reminded me of a less messed up Shane MacGowan, while Ohlman was a very elegant Kirsty MacColl. Bob Burger appeared to be having a great time, as he performed his original ‘It’s Gonna Be Christmas.’ Jesse Malin also performed an original, ‘Xmas.’ It’s hard to believe that this Ryan Adams’ produced artist once sang for DGeneration.
“Tony Shanahan gave the crowd a very reflective moment, as he sang ‘Blue Christmas’ in memory of Bernie ‘BB’ Brauswetter. This, as well as the video tribute that followed, left very few dry eyes in the house. BB’s mom was brought out on stage, as a show of support for her late son.
“In his typical lounge fashion, Don Dazzo owned the stage, while performing ‘The Grinch.’ Ian Hunter made a very special appearance, performing ‘I’m Getting Nuttin’ For Christmas.’ He then made his way over to the piano to lead the band into ‘Cleveland (Christmas) Rocks.’ Other luminaries rocking the stage were Mary Lee Kortes, Erin Hill, The 3 Wise Mastros, Kimberly Dahme, Freedom Bremner, Carlton Brown and Joy Askew.
“Comic relief was provided by Jigs and Chuck Buck. Jigs acted out the out the ’12 Days Of Christmas” with Stage Stars. He made a lovely partridge in a pear tree. Chuck Buck proved to be a very convincing cross-dressing, white trash Santa Claus, or was it Britney Spears? Buck came choreographed and ready to sing!
“The North Brunswick Township High School Winter Percussion Ensemble, directed by Paul Bongiovi, marched through the crowd to the stage, in what had to be a very exciting moment for these kids, as they not only got to perform as a unit, but also with Glen Burtnik. The North Brunswick Township High School String Ensemble also was represented within the band during some of the performances. After all, kids are a big part of Christmas! During ‘Must Be Santa,’ Burtnik brought a chorus of children onto the stage. Marshall Crenshaw showcased the talent of Dean Crenshaw. Sally Burtnick, Darla Rose Burtnick and Beau Burtnick displayed the talent runs through Glen’s family. The film clip of the Yule log above the performers that started the second portion of the show only added to the ambiance of the evening. Speaking of clips, a segment from Seinfeld’s ‘Festivus’ episode brought a few more chuckles to the crowd.
“Faith Hahn’s voice is very deceiving. During ‘Ave Maria,’ she hit notes that I couldn’t believe came out of this petite woman. Spiraling was very impressive with their Who-injected ‘Do You Hear What I Hear?.’ In addition, visions of Keith Emerson were running through my head during ‘Nutrocker.’ Another highlight was when Spiraling brought Deborah Harry out on stage to sing ‘Feliz Navidad.’ The show ended with everyone back on stage for ‘Happy Xmas.’
“The show was so exciting that there was no way I could mention the performances in the order that they happened, nor every performance. All I know is that I left the Count Basie Theatre in a very uplifted mood. To experience some of the fun that happens at these events, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.myspace.com/glenburtniksxmasxtravaganza" www.myspace.com/glenburtniksxmasxtravaganza. Burtnik did his hair in a Christmas color just for us, even if the stage backdrop was in a FedEx truck somewhere else in Red Bank that night!”
He covered much of what happened the other night. Thanks Donnie G. for that lovely review in ‘The Rag’.
And so here I am in the afterglow of this not-so-little show, and so many of the hard working people who helped create this year’s Xmas Xtravaganza come to mind. First there’s the Board of Directors, which includes Production Manager Jeff Hoffberger, Talent Coordinator Tony Shanahan, Technical and Video Director Mark Sacco and the mother of my children, Rosie, who helped out with the administrative duties. We held numerous committee meetings in and around Red Bank, attended by the above committee and other hard-workers, like Jigs (Program Coordination and very successful ad sales) and stage Manager Bob Johnson. The job of getting all these extremely varied calendars together to coordinate sitting down face to face was a near impossible task. So I unloaded that job (like a hot potato) to Barbara Hahn, a trusted friend I turn to for advice who became the show’s official Schedule Coordinator (although I took to referring to her as “The Voice Of Reason”). I am thankful and fortunate for such a terrific group of very capable friends.
Special thanks go to my right hand, Event & Publicity Coordinator Kathy Wagner, who covers too many details to mention (from helping book the show through to writing the Guest list for the box office, which she was up until 5am doing on the night before the show- and practically everything else in-between).
Our trusty crew included Stage Techs Bob Johnson, Rand Bradbury, Dan Johnson and Carl Spataro.
Thanks go to Altered Image for donating their facilities for Video Production, Robin Gamble and Jigs for coordinating the Program,
Graphic Artist Marybeth Kayne for designing it, Laura Sodano and Sam Backlar from the Community Food Bank of New Jersey for collecting the food, to Kathy Wagner, Mark Sacco and Jeff Tomberg for the Website / Internet duties, Barbara Williams for coordinating the NBTHS Percussion and Strings, Patti Smith for contributing the snowman illustration, Mike and Rachel Callahan for the legal support, Mark Sullivan and Robert D’Elia for the photography, to Michelle for the laptop, Missy for the accounting assistance, Ian Helubiak for being such a good sport in light of my ridiculous forgetfulness, to Pam Escalante for the ‘Feliz Navidad’ suggestion, and to Chris Butler for plugging my show into the theater world.
I consider how much of my own preparation and organizing for the show took place at a little coffee shop in New Brunswick. Sitting in the old, worn, comfortable furniture, amidst Rutgers students in the West End Cafe near, I schemed, planned, took notes, wrote emails, sequenced set lists and organized game plans for the XX07 day after day, night after night (even worked on finishing writing the ‘06 Xtravaganza review). The coffee is great, the ambiance is cozy and the clientele is young/interesting. So this little coffee bar became a home for me to quietly get work done. There is something appealing to me about solitude within close proximity to strangers. Working at laptop computer at the West End is something akin to reading at the library for me. I am grateful to have a place with such warm, bohemian charm I can to go to for inspiration and comfort.
I am grateful to WDHA-FM, Q-104.3, WBJB-FM “The Night” and 105.7 “The Hawk” for allowing Shanahan, Sacco and myself stop by to promote the show and perform on the air. (All done on one day, with Kathy driving, and us all eating lunch in the car on the way in-between these not-so-close stations.)
Oh, every so often I’ll receive an email asking if certain artists will be returning to play the Xmas Xtravaganza that year. Maybe I’m too sensitive, but I find those kinds of questions a little insulting. Seems to me these inquiring fans of certain artists are most likely only interested in joining our party if their personal faves are scheduled to appear. As Mark Sacco says, such people simply DON’T GET IT. Thankfully, it seems most who come to the show understand the spirit of the event – it’s about music, charity, and much of those other ideals spoken about when Christmas comes around. I should take this opportunity to thank St. Nicholas, HYPERLINK "http://www.history.com/encyclopedia.do?articleId=212917"Washington Irving, Charles Dickens, Irving Berlin, Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Hallmark, Coca-Cola and Jesus of Nazareth for the sweet sentiment and traditions of this annual celebration and lovely excuse for merry-making.
It’s the afternoon and my daughter Darla has helped me drop off the new clothes from the show to the Ozanam Family Shelter in Edison. Thanks again to the Xtravaganza audience’s generosity, and the honor bestowed upon me and my family of passing along blessings to neighbors in need of a little help.
It’s a few hours later now - the middle of the night – and ironically, I am moving some of my own things out of the house I’ve been living in – which makes me officially homeless myself, as I am sadly going through a divorce. Thank God for friends.
And I have so many, including those who came to what turned out to be our SOLD OUT show at Count Basie Theatre this year. I thank YOU.
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