News Flash

Two bands, a magician, comedians, guest musicians, amped up storytelling and special surprises join “Grunge Grass” band Tornado Bait for the “Christmas Spectacular Variety Show” the holiday offering of the Hampton History Museum’s music series on Wednesday, December 19, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The brainchild of Tornado Bait lead Msesippi McQuown, the show promises to “bring forth the power of the 12 days of Christmas crammed packed into two hours of cheer, wrapped in merriment and tied up with a big shiny bow of love!” This family friendly show harkens back to the golden age of TV variety specials featuring renderings of classic Christmas music and original holiday songs.

Formed in 2015 and known for audience engagement involving everything from children’s musical instruments to puppets and bag-head mask making to hula hoops, Tornado Bait features Msesippi McQuown on vocals, guitar, suitcase and washboard; Matt Lodica Thomas on melodica; Michael Lusby on bass; Donna Gray on percussion and rain stick; Michael Lee Sullivan Sully on banjo; and for this show, original band drummer Tommy Chico Chamberlin, plus musical guests Caleb Folks on ukulele, joined by musician and singer Shakespeare Teasley.

Opening the evening of wit and whimsy is bass-fronted band Unk-AL and The Amazingly Mediocré, followed up with magic by Lance the Magnificent and comedians Adam Lee and Jon Kranz. With the help of the audience, and a larger-than-life dreidel, Kranz will lead a game and share the story of Hanukkah.

Following Tornado Bait’s performance, Uglyography will orchestrate a “quirkadelic” telling of the timeless classic “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” with sound and lighting effects.

Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Hampton History Museum.

Museum members free, non-members $5. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Seating and capacity are limited.

Held in the museum’s Great Hall on the third Wednesday of the month, the “Front Porch” Music Series presents different genres of music that have shaped the American soundscape and influenced talent in Hampton Roads’ vibrant music scene.

The Hampton History Museum is located at 120 Old Hampton Lane in Downtown Hampton. There is free parking in the garage across the street from the museum. For more information call 757-727-1102.