Most memorable Christmas moments
I was going to post about my most favorite Christmas (2001), but I felt it was potentially too melancholy and maudlin. Then I started watching tonight's SNL (Steve Martin as host ca. 1993) and realized how much of an impact that particular episode made on me as a high schooler and began doubting my own memories about my most favorite Chrismas.
That being said -- this may be my most memorable Christmas moment. I truly wish I had video.
In 1999 (correct me if I'm wrong), Starfire put on a Christmas show. (There may have been an informal show in 1998 with the Handsome Family, but I may be making stuff up. But I still was at that show.)
According to my memory, Louis Jenkins reads some poetry, Low played some music (including the famous declaration that "this may be the only time you ever dance to Low"), snow fell from the ceiling of the NorShor and Trailer Trash played.
However, the best part of the evening was as the Black Labels played their [presumably] original composition, "F*** You Santa". I believe that Low had just come out with their Christmas album, so there was a fairly large contingent of middle-aged KUMD listeners. As best I can recollect, the lyrics to the song were:
"F*** you, Santa
Screw you, Santa
F*** you, Santa
Screw you, Santa
F*** you Santa, you've been screwing me all these years"
The gist of the song was that ever since Ben moved out of his parents' house, Santa had been neglecting him.
People left in droves. This was immensely satisfying. I can't say that the Black Labels intended to drive out the squares, but it did the trick. A more sensitive person might now say, "Hey, those people just wanted to hear 'The Little Drummer Boy,' as featured on that Gap commercial." But at the time ...
Posted by
cork1 on December 23, 2007 12:37 AM | Permalink
Comments
I remember that show, and yes, it was that great. I was truly happy that night, and it seemed as if everything was perfect.
For the record, the Gap commercial happened a year later.
Posted by: Barrett![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://archive.perfectduluthday.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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December 23, 2007 02:05 AM
I was there too, it was Barton Sutter who read poetry. He lead off with a poem about how he opens up his Christmas cards over the trash (the better to immediately toss them), lovely poem, but I haven't sent him a Christmas card since!
Posted by: Girl From the North Country | December 23, 2007 03:45 PM
"A Very Duluth Christmas"
The Zenith City's Holiday Gala
Dec. 4, 1999
Norshor Theatre
Featuring special holiday music sets by Low, Gild, Black Labels and Father Hennepin
Master of Ceremony: Jim Young
Readings by Barton Sutter
Post-show entertainment by Trailer Trash
Posted by: Paul Lundgren | December 23, 2007 03:54 PM
i was there too, very memorable. starfire and company had the duluth skyline complete with white xmas lights for the radio antennae. the best part of the low set was their amazing version of "soon". will never forget.
Posted by: kyanize | December 23, 2007 05:13 PM