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Xmas Xtravaganza — 2003 A SoundPress.net Feature Article by Rich and Laura Lynch Glen Burtnik's Xmas Xtravaganza says it all! Friday night's Xmas Xtravaganza was a smashing success featuring diverse music, holiday cheer and so much more! The spirit of the season was captured at the thirteenth annual holiday shows held December 12 and 13, 2003 at the BB King Blues Club in New York City. Kweevak had the privilege to attend the first of the two shows, which featured an eclectic mix of genres and interpretations of well-known holiday songs.
 Glen Burtnik and friends during the evening's grand finale! From a young age, Glen Burtnik has been involved in music. It started with singing harmonies with his brothers and later evolved into a career. After answering an ad in the Village Voice, this Jersey resident won the part of Paul McCartney in Beatlemania, where he met long-time friend Marshall Crenshaw who often appears at the holiday shows. Over the years, Glen has become a proficient guitar and bass player who has collaborated with many other talented musicians. Besides solo work he has written songs for other artists and has been a member of the progressive rock band Styx. Thus, he knows a lot of people who are more than willing to participate in this worthy cause.
 Glen Burtnik hosted the 13th annual Xmas Xtravaganza in 2003! Thirteen years ago, Burtnik was playing a December gig at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey. It occurred to him that it would be great to donate the night's proceeds to local charities. Thus, the idea of the Xmas Xtravaganza was born. The holiday shows have truly evolved into elaborate productions featuring a diversity of talented artists. Each year the event grows and 2003 required two nights to accommodate the sell-out crowds. The guest list changes from year to year and it is kept a secret until the show unfolds. Past performers have included Patty Smyth, Phoebe Snow, Dan Bern, John Waite, John McEnroe and many others.
 The band Dibs featured Glen's son Beau (right). The event started down in the Jersey shore region and has moved north to bigger venues. For the past few years, the shows have been held in New York City. All moneys and items collected go to New York and New Jersey food banks and other charitable organizations. The Xtravaganza is a great night of musical entertainment that even Scrooge would enjoy! Patrons are asked to bring clothes, food and new toys for the needy. Glen expresses his appreciation to all the artists, assistants and technicians who donate their time and energy to the Xmas Xtravaganzas. He also thanks all the fans who bring bagfuls of goodies that go to the less fortunate in the region. People from all over the country from the Midwest to California were present at Friday's show. Folks from the Island and New Jersey battled gridlock traffic conditions to attend the Xtravaganza. Anticipation was high – especially from fans with rave reviews who have attended previous holiday shows. Glen walked out on the stage with his hair dyed purple. Burtnik and the band started off with an ironic song about the holidays and a disjointed family while incorporating titles from other classic Christmas songs. The band then segued into an instrumental. Christine Ohlman and a horn section joined them on stage. Later Joe Hurley appeared and they all sang 'Fairy Tale of NYC'. Jigs appeared onstage with two sweet little girls named Molly and Grace to perform an animated version of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' by acting out each gift, which became more of a challenge with each progressive day and the band's increasing pace. Next up was Fritz's Polka Band, a fine example of the different styles of music that would be featured over the course of the evening. The Xmas Xtravaganza is truly a multi-faceted event showcasing many talented players and genres. Carlton Brown was next performing a soulful version of 'Merry Christmas Baby'. He was followed by Everlounge playing 'Santa's Pants' a sort of blues guitar heavy song with bells. Next they did the famous Grinch song that was well received by the audience. Erin O'Hara sang a rich version of the Pretenders tune '2000 Miles'. Marshall Crenshaw played a Willy Nelson Christmas song called 'Pretty Paper'. Marshall would appear later in the evening behind the drum kit. Billy J. Kramer, from Liverpool, England was up next. He worked and wrote with Beatles and on this night he perfromed a strong version of 'Blue Christmas'. Willie Nile, who has appeared at previous holiday shows, did a souped up version of 'O Come All Ye Faithful' in which he incorporated some of his own witty ideas about rock bands in the days of the Messiah. Tony Shanahan, James Mastro, Rob Paparozzi, BB Brausewetter were also on hand to provide their unique interpretations of holiday songs that ranged from boogie woogie style to funny. Steve Augieri, lead vocalist with Journey, sang a beautiful version of 'The Christmas Song'. The Burtnix kicked up the show into high gear. They were followed by other young up and coming bands from the area. In between, the comic Chuck Buck did an impression of Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Santanator and Antonique Smith did a powerful version of 'O Holy Night', which earned her a standing ovation.
 Antonique Smith's powerful version of 'O Holy Night' earned her a standing ovation. The band Dibs featured Glen's son Beau on guitar and they showed lots of potential, as did some of the other newer groups. Spiraling did a wild version of 'Do You Hear What I Hear' to the music of The Who's 'Baba O'Riley' and a rocked up version of the music from The Nutcracker, a song called 'Nutrocker' which was originally recorded by Emerson, Lake & Palmer. 'Backdoor Santa' was a blues based song that featured impressive guitar leads. Glen and the band did an upbeat version of 'Must Be Santa' and 'Spirit in the Sky' and closed the show with the classic Lennon song 'Happy Xmas (War Is Over)' with as many of the evenings performers that could fit on the stage. Friday night's Xmas Xtravaganza was a festive occasion showcasing versatile music, holiday cheer and the generous sprit of the holy season. The Xtravaganza ran very smoothly as artists entered and exited the stage in a timely manner to keep the flow of the show going. The thirteenth annual holiday shows were loads of fun and featured unique interpretations of familiar holiday songs in a diversity of forms! Happy Holidays! The 2003 Xmas Xtravaganza Band was Tony Shanahan, Graham Maby, Plinky, Mark Sacco , Barbara Hahn, Rob Paparozzi, Tom Brislin, Beau Burtnick, Jerome Tyus, Rich Pagano, Jeff Tomberg, Vicki Genfan, Steve Conte, Charles Giordano and of course Glen Burtnik. Following is a list of those who participated in the Xmas Xtravaganza. Most of the artists appeared both nights. Bob Burger, Christine Ohlman, Fritz's Polka Band, Tommy Conwell, Patty Smyth, Joe Hurley, Marshall Crenshaw, BB Brausewetter, Rob Paparozzi Jigs with Grace and Molly, Carlton Brown, Willie Nile, Emily McEnroe, Anna McEnroe, Ava McEnroe, Barbara Illana, Steve Augieri, Antonique Smith, Erin O'Hara, Plinky, Billy J. Kramer, The Burtnix (Glen, Beau, Sally, and Darla Rose), The Youth Ahead, Everlounge, Spiraling, Dibs, Vicki Genfan, Chuck Buck - appeared as Santa Claus (Arnold Schwarzenegger-Claus), Tony Shanahan, James Mastro, The Conte Brothers and all the behind the scenes people.
 Before the show the Kweevak team visited the world's most famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center! Related Links: For more information on Glen Burtnik and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Glen Burtnik | Xmas Xtravaganza
(Originally Published on December 12, 2003) |
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