The Polyphonic Spree's 19th Annual Christmas Show Was a Confetti-Filled Extravaganza

Chris Penn, Tim DeLaughter and the Polyphonic Spree hosted their annual pre-Christmas extravaganza and variety show on Saturday. Now in its 19th year, the event is filled with music, Christmas shenanigans, novelty acts and entertainers of all stripes. At around 10 p.m., the little ones are off to bed, the Spree change robes and a rock and roll show closes out the evening.

The English word confetti is adopted from the Italian confectionery of the same name, which was a small sweet traditionally thrown during carnivals.

Mike Brooks

Confetti: Small bits or streamers of brightly colored paper made for throwing (as at weddings).

Mike Brooks

Christmas, Polyphonic Spree-style.

Mike Brooks

It’s such a large show and such an offbeat presentation that it’s hard to believe next year will be the 20th anniversary. And, yes, tickets are already on sale. As Tim pointed out, kids from those early show are now returning as adults, some with children of their own. It’s an odd metaphor for the cycle of life, but there you go.

Kids on stage stare longingly at all the confetti in the seats.

Mike Brooks

Singing is fun and all, but can we get back to the confetti?

Mike Brooks

The show may have music, costumes, animals and contortionists, but for children the star of the show continues to be the endless confetti blasts and the laissez-faire, free-range governance of its use by the smaller members of the audience. Confetti is everywhere and gets everywhere. If you attend, you will be finding it for months at the strangest of times and in the most surprising places. Believe me.