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Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding

Dodge Theatre, Phoenix, Arizona

It was a night of comedy, a night of music, but above all it was a night for giving in the Christmas spirit at Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding benefit concert. This event, held at the Dodge Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona was to raise money for needy children in the Phoenix area. A large sellout crowd came to support a good cause and to see a great lineup of comedians and musical acts which included Jeff Keith of Tesla, Jay Ferguson of spirit, Danny Seraphine of Chicago, Don Felder of the eagles, The Tubes, Styx, and of course Alice Cooper who headlined the superb event.

The show which lasted till one a.m. started with the Oasis Praise Band followed by the Katrina 18 singers, a group from Louisiana that survived the horrible hurricane. In between acts, comedians Gary Mule Deer, Michael Finney, and Mark Cordes delighted the crowd with their jokes while the stage was being set for the next band. Next up was a local set, a prelude of things to come. Because of the amount of performers, most sets are short but sweet with the best songs of each band being played making it a night of hit after hit songs. Next was folk singers Erin Kalinowski and Jilann O'Neill who gave the crowd very nice acoustical performances. Another local Phoenix band, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers did a rock and roll version of Jingle Bells that was unique.

Jay Ferguson, who also played with JoJo Gunne, came out and played "Run Run Run," and "Shake That Fat" that were great hits in the 70's. Another performer doing some oldies but goodies was Danny Seraphine of Chicago who played "I'm A Man," "Saturday in the Park" and one of my all time favorites "25 or 6 to 4." Up next was Don Felder of the Eagles playing "Take It Easy," and the all time Eagles hit "Hotel California."

During a short intermission Phoenix chef Mark Tarbell served his special Christmas pudding to all in attendance. A very nice treat indeed!

After the break, Troy Luccketta, drummer for Tesla performed with his side band Saville Row. After two songs, Tesla vocalist Jeff Keith joined Saville Row and sang "Into the Now," a song from the Tesla album of the same name. He then sang "What You Give" and the great classic "Signs."

Up to this point it has been a great show but there was still more to come with the Tubes Featuring Fee Waybill coming on stage and playing their hits "White Punks on Dope," "Talk to you later" and "She's a Beauty." Following the Tubes was Styx playing a nice set that included "Blue Collar Man" and their great hit "Come Sail Away."

Last but not least was Alice Cooper singing his trademark hits "Billion Dollar Baby," "No More Mr. nice guy" and "I'm Eighteen." A super ending to a special show that went to a good cause and was a delight to all who attended.

(Originally published in the Spring 2006 issue of 22nd Century Rock)