Blue Jay and the Pigeons’ Trash Christmas Promises Punk, Performance and Holiday Mischief
Holiday traditions come in all shapes, but Blue Jay and the Pigeons are getting ready to celebrate in their own way. This Albuquerque-based nine-piece queer doo-wop punk band is hosting its Trash Christmas variety show at The Box Theatre for two nights, featuring live music, drag, burlesque, handmade decorations, and a playful dose of holiday mischief.
In an interview with New Mexico Entertainment TV, Lilith Stargazer spoke with the band about its unique sound, the inspiration behind Trash Christmas, and the performers audiences can expect. The conversation captured the playful personality of a group that brings together musical nostalgia, punk sensibilities, and a flair for theatrical performance.
“Blue Jay and the Pigeons is a nine-piece queer doo-wop punk band in Albuquerque," Stargazer explained. Founded by former Vertigo Venus members, the group includes KJ, Chris, and lead singer Blue Jay. The band has been around for at least six years and has been especially active over the past three or four.
Stargazer couldn't resist highlighting one of the band's most recognizable features: its lead singer's signature hairstyle.
"I love his coif. It's the best," she said, prompting a playful exchange about Blue Jay's distinctive blue hair.
That sense of personality carries into the band's holiday production, which promises a decidedly unconventional take on seasonal entertainment.
Trash Christmas will feature secondhand and handmade Christmas decorations and ornaments in a variety show with what Stargazer described as an "anti-ice" approach. Rather than presenting a picture-perfect holiday celebration, the event embraces a more irreverent, creative spirit.
The production draws inspiration from Laugh-In, the classic television comedy known for its rapid-fire sketches, unexpected appearances, and offbeat humor. The result is a variety show that blends music, comedy, and different styles of live performance.
When Stargazer asked what audiences could expect from the lineup, the conversation turned to burlesque, drag, and live music. She will perform several acts herself, including a group number featuring her burlesque students. Phantom Nips is also scheduled to appear, along with performers including Brenda Lamon, whom Stargazer described as "an amazing magician and ballroom dance instructor" with many other talents.
The variety-show format allows the evening to move between different performance styles, keeping the experience lively and unpredictable. The handmade and secondhand decorations add another layer to the Trash Christmas concept, celebrating creativity and an unconventional approach to holiday traditions.
For Blue Jay and the Pigeons, the show also offers a chance to share the band's identity beyond its music. As a queer doo-wop punk group, the band brings together contrasting influences to create something distinctly its own. Trash Christmas extends that approach into the holiday season, inviting performers to experiment, entertain, and have fun with familiar seasonal themes.
The group has also been expanding its recorded music. Stargazer encouraged audiences to check out the band's YouTube page, where listeners can find its version of "Santa Baby."
"We've got some recorded music now," she noted, inviting viewers to explore the group's online presence and hear its take on the holiday classic.
Trash Christmas is scheduled for December 4 and 5 at The Box Theatre. More information will be shared through Blue Jay and the Pigeons' Instagram and Facebook pages, as well as the theatre's website. Tickets will be available through Hold My Ticket once sales open.
With its combination of punk attitude, handmade holiday decorations, burlesque, drag, magic, and live music, Trash Christmas offers an alternative for audiences looking for something outside the usual seasonal fare. The show promises to bring together Albuquerque's creative community for a celebration that embraces individuality and the unexpected.
For updates, follow Blue Jay and the Pigeons on social media, visit the band's YouTube page to hear "Santa Baby," and check The Box Theatre's website for ticket information as it becomes available.
Comments