It’s kind of amazing sometimes how the world works. In August, Ralph went to golf school in Carlsbad (by the way, if you are looking for a great golf school check out A. J. Golf Schools) and just happened to be paired up with Brian Setzer’s manager who very kindly offered to get us on the guest list for the show. So, we dropped off the Noah Bear at the grandparents’ house and off we went to the Universal Amphitheater!
We had backstage passes so we got to go in at the artists’ entrance, valet the car and enjoy some drinks and snacks before the show. It was the first time either of us had ever been back stage at a show like that and it was really cool.
The opening act was Royal Crown Revue who are have been around since before the whole swing music craze really started. They are obviously very talented musicians (the bass and drum solos were very interesting) but we still prefer Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and, going back to the early 90’s in Chicago, The Mighty Blue Kings who do not seem to be around anymore. In any case, Royal Crown Revue provided a very good opening set while the Universal filled up for Brian.
After a quick pit stop back stage, we went back to our seats for Brian’s show. The stage was great, the band had a ton of energy and Brian was as entertaining as ever. After welcoming the crowd to the 3rd Annual Christmas Extravaganza and answered his own question why it was an extravaganza with: “It just is!”
They played all of their known versions of Christmas songs, a few Stray Cats tunes and, in the middle of the show, let the orchestra take a break while Brian and his bass player and drummer played a very cool, stripped down rock set. The ended with a rockabilly version of The Nutcracker Suite which was probably the best rendition of that particular piece we have ever seen!
All in all, we had a great time and, with the massive amount of video equipment in place during the show, it looks like you will be able to experience the event for yourself on DVD in the not too distant future!