14 Karat Soul
Bernie "BB" Brausewetter
Buck Dharma (Blue Oyster Cult)
Chris Baron (Spin Doctors)
Carlton Brown
Christine Ohlman
Joe Hurley
Curtis Stigers
dibs
Everett Bradley
Everlounge
Fred Schneider (B-52's)
Freedy Johnston
Barbara Hahn
Hello Kitty (yes, really!)
Housewives on Prozac
Jeffrey Gaines
Jill Sobule
Jimmy Leahy
John Conte
John Waite
Joy Askew
Kasim Sulton (Meat Loaf, Todd Rundgren/Utopia, The Cars)
Kimberley Dahme (Boston)
Marshall Crenshaw
Mary Lee Kortes
The Naked Cowboy
Pat Petrillo
Patti Maloney
Patti Rothberg
Patti Smith Group
Patty Smyth
Phoebe Snow
Bernard Purdie
Billy J. Kramer
Richard Barone
Dan Bern
Rob Paparozzi
Rogues March
Steve Augeri (Journey)
Steve Conte
STYX
The Ernie White Band
The VooDUDES
Tom Brislin (Spiraling, Yes, Meat Loaf)
Billy Squier
Willie Nile
Chuck Buck
Jigs
Plinky
Tony Shanahan (Patti Smith Group)
Lenny Kaye
Dusty Micale
Graham Maby (Joe Jackson, Natalie Merchent)
Tommy Conwell
Max Weinberg (Late Night w/ Conan O'Brien, Bruce Springsteen)
Mitch Malloy
John Eddie
Ed Manion (Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes)
Richie "LaBamba" Rosenberg
Larry Kirwan (Black 47)
Mark Sacco
Jules Shear
Mark Eitzel
Matt Pinfield (MTV icon)
John S. Hall (King Missile)
Mark Pender
Idina Menzel
Antonique Smith
Neal C. Furio
The Youth Ahead
Freedom Bremner
North Brunswick Township High School String Ensemble
North Brunswick Township High School Percussion Ensemble
The Rock Academy
Upper Room Ministry Choir
Spook Handy
Fritz's Polka Band
Influences
Anything & EVERYTHING!
Sounds Like
You name it, this show has it! Truly something for everyone.
Glen Burtnik's XMAS XTRAVAGANZA is an annual holiday concert which benefits area food banks and other worthwhile charities. The show has grown larger each year, evolving into a New York-New Jersey area tradition not to be missed.
It features a colorful cast of characters which changes from year to year, but in the past has included such luminaries as Patty Smyth, John McEnroe, Phoebe Snow, Marshall Crenshaw, The Patti Smith Band, Fred Schneider (B-52's), Jill Sobule, Idina Menzel, Jeffrey Gaines, Freedy Johnston, Steve Augeri (Journey), Dan Bern, John Waite, Curtis Stigers, STYX, Mary Lee Kortes, and Willie Nile, among others. Last year's show featured over 100 performers.
Originally started in 1989, the show has been held every year except 1990 & 91, making the 2008 Xmas Xtravanganza the 18th Anniversary of this event.
It's a celebration of the music of the season, says Burtnik, which I've always found a magically effective genre. Once I realized it was a worthwhile undertaking, I decided it'd be most appropriate to the spirit of the show to give the profit to people in need. I take the overall show as a great compliment, that all these amazing artists, assistants and technicians donate time for no pay so I can raise some money for local charities. This is a blessing I do not take lightly. That the audience brings so many giant Hefty bags full of canned food, warm clothes and toys so my family and I can distribute them to soup kitchens and family shelters - simply because I ASK, is a gesture which causes me to tear up."
This show really had it all the most elaborate show. - The Star Ledger, on the 2004 show
An extremely special show and a labor of love. - Asbury Park Press, on the 2004 show
Rockin a little wacky and plenty sweet. - Home News Tribune, on the 2004 show
A benefit for New Jersey food banks, Elijah's Promise in New Brunswick, and other worthwhile charities. Audience members are encouraged to contribute warm clothes, new toys and canned food for those less fortunate.
Glen Burtniks Xmas Xtravaganza - 12/20/08's Friend Space (Top 24)
Glen Burtniks Xmas Xtravaganza - 12/20/08 has 424 friends.
Hey how about adding Jo Wymer and the Itty Bitty Band to that list of great musicians playing. Hey if you got Housewives on Prozac than you'll love us...Just ask Joy Rose.
Great show ! I enjoyed all of the entertainment last weekend in Redbank NJ, most exciting was the snowfall during the show..it was great...lol !! Hope to see next years show. Good Job by all it was a great weekend..........
WOW FANTASTIC SUPERB well worth the 4 hr drive, even if you didn't sing Oh Darlin. Is it too soon to buy tickets for next year? You should do a Xmas Xtravaganza CD with proceeds to benefit the charities supported tonight
Glen, We'll be there! Thanks for spreading great music and that "giving" spirit! We're honored to be your friends. Have a happy and prosperous holiday season. If there's a remote chance, we'd love it if you could stop by and check out our blogs to spread a little musical Christmas cheer!
Glen, I know it's not a Christmas song, but PLEASE sing Oh Darlin wow is all I have to say from hearing you sing that in Easton, PA (the first night was my favorite)
