StoryWhat's Christmas without a little punk and rock n' roll in the mix? The holidays are a time for spending time with your family and those you love. Every year it becomes a homecoming of sorts for the many friends and family who have left the Wheat City. After all the big feasts are done, the presents are wrapped and opened again and you've seen almost everyone you share the same blood line with there is that little bit of time that is simply for you to relax, unwind, and enjoy the holiday part of the holidays. The stress is gone and the reminiscing begins. For me and those in my particular generation in Brandon, this occurs at the annual Christmas punk show.

The organizers change slightly every year, as does the line up of bands, but the theme of the party remains the same. It's a mix and match of the misfits of Brandon, those who have stayed and the ones who have moved away and are visiting for the holidays. The best way to sum it up is a high school reunion every year for the classes of '90 to '09. This year promises to be even bigger and better. With the end of the decade in our sights the gang has decided to say goodbye to the decade referred to as the two thousands with a bang.

The show takes place on Tuesday, December 29th at the North Hill Inn. The line up consists of a fantastic Brandon rock group called Basement Revival, the return of punk rockers The Car Stealers, and the first show of Yesterday's Dream that I have seen in years! There also promises to be a few surprise guests in the mix and with that line up and the fantastic crowd that shows up I am sure that there will be a group of talented folks making their way to the stage at some point in the evening.

Basement Revival are a group of guys who are all pretty popular among the Brandon music scene. Many have been part of more than one musical creation yet it was with a love of music and you guessed it...jamming in the basement with one another that got these guys together. William Moes takes the skills he has acquired from the theatre stage to give him that extra bit of charisma as he sings lead vocals for the band. As this band was just a bunch of guys who love music jamming together they decided one guitar just didn't cut it so Mike Fox and Tyson Packhem tackle the guitars. Pat McTaggart sets the tone with his fabulous bass and Dan Britton finds a way to play the percussions and the keys all at the same time. They are a spectacular band and I am so happy they have been invited to join the ranks of The Car Stealers and Yesterday's Dream.

Those names may sound familiar although neither has played a show in Brandon in ages…which only means the anticipation is growing. Both are hard hitting, punk rock bands with original tunes, loud rifts, and vocals that will rock your world. With stage names like Tommy Toilet singing and playing bass, Elvis Martini on guitar and well the other name just isn't appropriate for print…but I promise there is also a guy on drums. Yesterday's Dream has my good friend Beans on vocals, Teney on guitar, Denby -Guitarist Houston on bass and the name simply known as Wild Eyes on drum. It should be a night to remember and an excellent chance to reconnect with old friends.

The Door of the North Hill Inn will open at 8 pm, the venue is small and will be packed so if you are planning on attending I suggest you make your way down there early. Tickets are $5 at the door and ID is require