Was it coming home to Santa Barbara that made Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s appearance at the Arlington Theater on 12/16/08 so fun for everyone?

I have always been a big fan of the Arlington Theater and tonight with local band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on stage I was hyped up for the night to get under way.  I have seen this zoot suit-wearing swing group before, and always appreciated the fact they played a key role in the genre’s revival  in the 1990s.  Their music is always upbeat and energetic, and I can easily say that there are few bands out there whose members smile as much as this gang.  When the house lights dimmed to reveal a pre-curtain call revealing a plastic image of a solitary electrified Christmas Elf, I admit I knew the smile was going to be permanent upon my face as well.

The boys in the band took to the stage and belted out Christmas tunes with their special swing style tattooed all over it.  Who doesn’t like shouting back, “hidey hidey hidey hi, hody hody hody ho?”  It was a great way to kick off the evening, and by the looks on the audience faces, I could see just how much fun everybody was having.

A high point for me was the cover of “Heat Miser,” which is a song based on a character from the 1974 children’s television special, "The Year Without a Santa Claus."  That song has been stuck in my head from time to time throughout my life, and I loved the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy version of it.

This band has been together for 15 years and still includes all the original members.  The set list included the notable hits “Go Daddy-O,” “You & Me & the Bottle Makes Three Tonight (Baby),” and “Mr. Pinstripe Suit.”  It’s no wonder they were featured in the 1996 cult comedy movie "Swingers" as well as in the 1999 SuperBowl halftime show; they appeal to independents and the masses alike.