Brian Setzer Orchestra

 

I have had the pleasure of seeing the Brian Setzer Orchestra every December for the past several years.  We are so lucky that he comes to our town every year.

Last night, they performed at the Woodruff Art Center, which is the home of the Atlanta Symphony, so you know the sound was amazing.  Of course it was very nicely decorated for the holidays.

Brian Setzer is one of the most amazing entertainers.  He just gives it his ALL - as does the entire orchestra.  I just can only imagine the hours and hours and hours of planning and rehearsal that goes into this show to make it all seem so flawless.

This year, before the show, we got to see some of his guitars up close and personal -very cool!!

 They started out with the classic Glen Miller hit, Pennsylvania 6 - 5000.

 

He sang a great mixture of Christmas songs, Stray Cats songs and other Rock-a-Billy hits!

The orchestra always takes a small break (union rules I believe) and he is left on stage alone to play/sing "The Christmas Song" and then he was joined on stage by the infamous bass player Johnny Hatton and Bernie Dresel on drums.  While I love the entire orchestra, this is one of my favorite parts of the show...He sang "Fishnet Stockings" and sat on the bass, stood on the bass, stood on the drums - it is just an incredible performance!

The show just leave you feeling high and puts you right into the Christmas spirit.  This year was extra special because he did a tribute to Glen Campbell by singing "Witchita Lineman" and Tom Petty by singing "Running Down a Dream"

If you ever, ever, ever have a chance to see him, trust me - DO IT!!!

Here is the set list:

Pennsylvania 6-5000
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
Hoodoo Voodoo Doll
Stray Cat Strut
Boogie Woogie Santa Claus (one of my FAVES)
Gene & Eddie
Angels We Have Heard on High
The Dirty Boogie
Jump, Jive an' Wail
Here Comes Santa Claus (complete with Santa Claus on stage, throwing out candy canes)
Wichita Lineman (Glen Campbell Tribute)
Runnin' Down a Dream (Tom Petty Tribute)
The Christmas Song
Fishnet Stockings (another Fave)
Rock This Town

Encore:
The Nutcracker Suite - major highlight of the show!
Jingle Bells

This video is not from last night's show but I just have to share because it is so wonderful






I think he must have really enjoyed the energy of the audience last night because he posted this on Facebook after the show.

 

Thank you Mr. Setzer for the amazing show - you are one of a kind!!