Bad Speler Christmix | Photo Essay

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by Shannon Claire

Dressed as St. Nick himself, Bad Speler (Darren Keen / TSITR) was full of holiday cheer and eager to share some festive joy with his friends, fans and Wednesday night patrons at Duffy's Tavern on Dec. 21. Having Whole Shabangs, Powerful Science, and Universe Contest start the evening was a great way to hype up the guests.

Walking into the bar, I was spinning from holiday lights draped and dangling, candy canes and shining stars — that or it was the Jameson. The stage was trimmed like the holiday tree at grandma's house, and guests supported the show by most wearing awesome holiday sweaters and other colorful holiday attire.

The energy that was fun, simply put. I was feeling the grins and hugs and laughs that I noticed many others exchanging as well. From holiday covers like a kick-ass version of "Feliz Navidad" by Powerful Science to Bad Speler mixing up "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," each band brought an impressive, rock-star-like set. 

Bad Speler's Christmix isn't your typical holiday rendition of songs — not with tracks like "I'm Santa, Bitches" and "Come on My Drum," both from the album Jesus the Powerless Liar Presents: Another Bad Speler Christmix. Look, I haven't been to church in who knows how long — longer then my grandma would approve of, for sure. But that album title makes even my buddhist-like, super-positive, hippie self think, "oh, daaaaaam."

That said, I'm really looking forward to seeing what 2012 brings to Bad Speler, or what Bad Speler will bring to 2012. Either way, I'm sure Darren Keen will take us on another mind-emptying, body-jolting, shirtless, hair-whipping ride like The Show is the Rainbow did in 2011.

Here are some photos from the night that prepared us to spend the following days with Grandpa Bob, Aunt Sally and Cousin Beth.

Whole Shabangs

Whole Shabangs - Duffy's TavernWhole Shabangs - Duffy's TavernWhole Shabangs - Duffy's Tavern

Powerful Science

Powerful Science - Duffy's TavernPowerful Science - Duffy's TavernPowerful Science - Duffy's TavernPowerful Science - Duffy's TavernPowerful Science - Duffy's Tavern

Universe Contest

UNIVERSE CONTEST - Duffy's TavernUNIVERSE CONTEST - Duffy's TavernUNIVERSE CONTEST - Duffy's TavernUNIVERSE CONTEST - Duffy's TavernUNIVERSE CONTEST - Duffy's TavernUNIVERSE CONTEST - Duffy's TavernUNIVERSE CONTEST - Duffy's TavernUNIVERSE CONTEST - Duffy's Tavern

Bad Speler

Bad Speler - Duffy's TavernBad Speler - Duffy's TavernBad Speler - Duffy's TavernBad Speler - Duffy's Tavern

Shannon Claire is a Hear Nebraska contributor. Check out this video of Universe Contest from the show last week and make sure you're at their next show. Contact Shannon at s.claire.c@gmail.com.