At this point of the holiday season, I have had enough of the Kenny G Muzak soundtrack that area shops love to pump over the speakers to calm us during a stressful season that really began when a man named Joseph could not get a hotel room. Stress seems to be a part of it from the very start.
But have no worries since just in time comes the perfect Christmas treat: the 8th Annual Bad Santa Holiday Spectacular produced once again by the Potatoebabies' frontman, the one and only Rev. Charles Preston Smith.
Once again the weary faithful and politically incorrect will stroll into Westside's favorite bowling alley, The Clique, for a few hours of Oh, Unholy Night drinking with your chosen family of music and vaudeville lovers.
The Rev. is so much more than just a musician as he and his band whip through a tight program filled with all sorts of Christmas surprises including a duet by PB's guitarist Alana and Alexis' Dan Hurst performing a duet of "Ava Maria."
In addition to the rounds of family history jokes, this year, they aim to make Bad Santa more of a family affair (not family-friendly) as the Rev. Charles welcomes his 85-year-old father as the Dead Ebenezer Scrooge with costumes designed by Joleen Rumsey.
With each paid admission, you get free bowling, free PotatoeBabies stickers, a free xxXMas Music CD and, of course, a free Santa hat.
There'll be plenty of vintage Playboys to hand out to the audience members who turn into mob scene not witnessed since the bride tossed the bouquet at your sister's wedding. (It is surreal watching people jockey into the best porn position.)
Also performing at this show are The Moonrays, UberLube and Alexis, who had to be lured out of their self-imposed recording exile with the promise they could perform the Linus & Lucy Theme Song from Charlie Brown Christmas.
Admission: $3. 21+ / $5, under 21 years of age