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Review and photos by Johnny Hall Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania was fortunate enough to kick of the holiday season big band style with a Thanksgiving Eve performance by the world renowned Brian Setzer Orchestra. Making a stop on their "Christmas Rocks" Tour, Setzer and his 18 piece band spread plenty of Christmas cheer to young and old. All ages, from wide-eyed children to aisle-dancing granddaddy-o's showed up at the city's Art Deco landmark theatre. Having opened its doors in 1938, the F.M. Kirby Center was the ideal backdrop for the swinging big band sounds of Setzer and his crew.Low Volts, the show opener, is a one man band reminiscent of street buskers of the Deep South. Tim Lowman, who charismatically takes on the roles of singer, guitar player, and drummer, played an energetic 20 minute set of 1950's rockabilly music. Dressed in a leather biker jacket and jeans and described as a one man lightning storm, Lowman started his set with his version of "Blue Christmas," an Elvis Presley original. He continued through his set playing original songs as well as a few Christmas tunes. Being a one man band doesn't stop Lowman from getting his audience going; he switches up from playing his hollow body guitar to playing slide on an acoustic, all while dancing and at times even jumping on his kick drum as if it were a riser. Clad in a sharp three-piece suit and snapping in time to "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree," Setzer sauntered onto the stage and, from the first strum of his iconic Gretsch guitar, reminded the audience why he is one of the musical greats of our time. A three time Grammy award winner and founder of both the Stray Cats as well the 18 piece Brian Setzer Orchestra, he has had decades to perfect his stage presence, and the years have been kind. Currently in its 12th year, the "Christmas Rocks" tour is masterfully led by Setzer, who plays off of each band member as he guides the group through his arrangements of Christmas classics, Stray Cat hits, and Brian Setzer Orchestra favorites. Setzer, a dynamic front man who has been credited with resurrecting both rockabilly and swing, has assembled some of the best musicians in the industry. The band sounded clean and tight, and many of the musicians' talents were showcased through solos. It was evident the crowd enjoyed the show, giving the band several lengthy standing ovations and dancing in the aisles during favorites such as "Jump Jive an' Wail." Brian Setzer Orchestra's "Christmas Rocks" tour is a must see show for all Christmas loving fans of rockabilly and swing music. |
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Rocking Around the Christmas Tree This Cat's On a Hot Tin Roof Stray Cat Strut Boogie Woogie Santa Claus (She's) Sexy and 17 Here Comes Santa Claus Sleepwalk Angels We Have Heard On High Let's Shake |
Jump Jive an' Wail Jingle Bell Rock Great Balls of Fire Fishnet Stockings Rockin' Rudolph Rock This Town Encore: Yabba Dabba Yuletide Nutcracker Suite Jingle Bells |
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 Low Volts |
 Low Volts |
 Low Volts |