Sunday night, Kristian Bush played his annual Thanksgiving solo show at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, a longstanding tradition performed this year alongside singer-songwriter Ellis Paul. The pair traded songs — many of which they’d written together — and stories of their twenty-year friendship over two shows and close to four hours of music, as the other half of the Bush Brothers, Brandon, contributed accompaniment on piano and accordion.

It was a wonderful night to be a part of, no matter which side of the stage you were on, full of unreleased material and the secret unedited versions of songs like “Genevieve.” There were remixes of old favorites (the great “Insomniac”/”Incredible Machine” mashup from last year returned) and appearances from rarities like “Wilbur the Rat,” a ridiculous song that KB claims to have been requesting at Ellis Paul shows, unheeded, for as long as two decades now.

Things kicked off with a broken string on Kristian’s guitar during “City of Silver Dreams,” and some friendly teasing from Ellis about how long it would take him to change it (“This is my first show without a guitar tech in a while,” admitted KB). The tables would soon turn: Ellis decided to read a Christmas poem from his website and revealed a hilarious inability to use an iPad; he also had to borrow reading glasses from the audience. Amidst the comedy and banter were quieter moments, thanks to the phenomenal listening-room culture of Eddie’s: Everyone sang along to “What I’d Give,” “Little Miss,” and Billy Pilgrim classics like “Halfway Home,” but it was with beautifully whispered reverence that never overshadowed the performers on stage. “This holiday [Thanksgiving] can be sad or happy,” said Kristian at the night’s conclusion, “but it is a time to give thanks” — especially for the opportunity to make music for people like you.
Sugarlandmusic.com may have audio from the show available at some point next week, so stay tuned…

Got some country music gossip and don’t wanna be a tattle tale? Email me, Tawny Tucker, Tawny@countrymusictattletale.com

Kristian Bush returns to Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, GA for his annual Thanksgiving solo show on Sunday, November 27th. As usual, the night will feature some very special guests to be announced. Tickets go on sale this Wednesday, October 26th, at eddiesattic.com.

“After the food, the football, the first fire of the season; after the dishes are done and after you sneak one more plate of leftovers and your brain really commits to the reality of the Christmas season, there will be Sunday. It has been my joy for many years to invite some friends, make a poster to spread the word, pull out my books of old songs and new ones, and string up my favorite guitar to play a show at Eddie’s Attic the Sunday after Thanksgiving. This year the tradition continues.”

Show information:
Kristian Bush and Friends
November 27th, 2011 @ Eddie’s Attic, Decatur, GA
Early show at 6:30 p.m. (doors 5:30)
Late show at 9:30 p.m. (doors 9) (Sugarpass members exclusive performance!)
Tickets $25, on sale Wednesday, Oct. 26 at noon ET
Click to purchase on EddiesAttic.com

Get more information, including a full recap of last year’s show and listen to Kristian’s performance of “Halfway Home” from his 2010 Attic show at Sugarlandmusic.com!

Got some country music gossip and don’t wanna be a tattle tale? Email me, Tawny Tucker, Tawny@countrymusictattletale.com

Every year my friends and family come asking for a wish list of things I might want for the holidays. In my heart I know that since jet packs haven’t really been invented yet, and that a BMW is a bit out of reach, and that Virgin Air isn’t booking space flight by this Christmas, really a gift for me is anyone’s game. My default answer is: Toys. Get me a toy. How about a yo-yo or some silly putty or maybe a balsa wood glider? It always reminds me to be a kid in a world with a great deal of grownup in it. Somehow I always end up giving toys as gifts, maybe in hopes of activating some karmic holiday spell that would attract a bucketful of plastic and wooden goodies.

Toys aside, it turns out that the best gifts I’ve ever given are the ones that I would have considered keeping for myself. In light of that, I’ve compiled my first ever gift guide. Let’s call it “Kristian’s Big List of 2010 Holiday Awesomeness.”

One big disclaimer before you read on: I have no idea who you’re shopping for, or what this season’s trendy Christmas must-have is, so if you’re looking for a shortcut, I may not be it. But if you were to ask me what gift to give, what would make your best friend’s smile the size of Texas, here are my recommendations. These are the best things I’ve found this year.

Click here to see Kristian’s Big List of 2010 Holiday Awesomeness!

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