Justin Bond comes "Close to You" this holiday season
Be it the warm woolen mittens or brown paper packages tied up with string, there is something about the holiday season that sends our minds reeling back to childhood memories of our favorite things. Tony-nominated performance artist Justin Bond of Kiki and Herb fame brings his holiday memories to life with his new show, Justin Bond: Close To You At Christmas, Darling. This Obie winner teams up with the Pixie Harlots to perform in its entirety one of his favorite things--the Carpenters classic 1970 album--plus a selection of beloved Christmas standards at the Abrons Arts Center (466 Grand St. at Pitt Street) from Dec. 11-13.
EDGE: What drew you to perform the Carpenters at Christmas?
JUSTIN BOND: I have an early memory of being at family softball game, striking out, and being kicked out, traumatized and humiliated. I went into my aunt’s house to play Barbies with my cousin, and she put on the Carpenters text. It was the first time I heard it, and it was like musical comfort food. Over the years I discovered that a lot of people have the same feeling about that music. From "you’ve only just begun" to "the moon goes down," it is musically a very solid song cycle, so I wanted to do the record straight through from start to finish. When I thought of what to do for Christmas that would make people happy, I decided that would be the one. I included some Christmas songs, and got the Pixie Harlots for added glamour.
EDGE: And what is your favorite song in the show?
BOND: "Crescent Moon," because it’s an environmental song. I also like the ballads, "Baby It’s You," and "Mr. Guder," about man who sells his soul to the company, and ends up with nothing. It’s a cautionary tale.
EDGE: And your favorite Christmas carol?
BOND: It’s a song I used to do... on Broadway called "Somebody’s House Always Burns at Christmas." I’m not sure yet if I’ll do that one in the show.
EDGE: "Silent Night," or "Jingle Bell Rock>"
BOND: "Silent Night," because it’s a beautiful song, and I’m more of a traditionalist. Although I do love Ronnie Spector.
EDGE: Eggnog, or buttered rum?
BOND: Buttered rum.
EDGE: Presents on Christmas Eve, or Christmas day?
BOND: I like to open at least one on Christmas Eve, but basically whenever someone hands one to me, I am ready to rip it open.
EDGE: Any favorite Christmas traditions?
BOND: I make sure I go out and get a great big dose of Christmas Eve moon. I was raised a Christian, but at heart am still a good old-fashioned pagan witch.
EDGE: What’s your favorite New York holiday tradition?
BOND: This might sound tacky, but I love to see the tree at Rockefeller Center, and the store windows, even though it goes against my beliefs about materialism. They are so pretty, and Bergdorf’s window always has some kind of mythological theme. And I am a bit of a magpie-I love shiny things!
EDGE: What’s the best gift you ever received?
BOND: I’m still waiting for it.
EDGE: And the worst?
BOND: My parents got me a horrible sled one year, so heavy it sunk right into the snow. All I wanted was a doll, and I got a 200 lbs. sled.
EDGE: What’s your favorite holiday movie?
BOND: I have such a weak spot for "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." I love the Isle of Misfit Toys!
EDGE: Can you share any advice on battling seasonal depression?
BOND: The holidays can be difficult: Don’t feel bad about using drugs or alcohol to perk yourself up at this very delicate time. You can always give them up for New Year’s.
EDGE:And where will you be for New Year’s Eve?
BOND: Reading poetry at St. Mark’s with Patti Smith and Eileen Myles, who invited me, and wow, what great company-two of my favorite poet priestesses!
EDGE: And have you made any resolutions?
BOND: To get my first Justin Bond CD out. I have most of the songs written and some of the arrangements, and will hopefully get into the studio in the first couple of months of the year. That’s what I’m most looking forward to in 2009.
Justin Bond: Close To You At Christmas, Darling
December 11-13
Abrons Arts Center
466 Grand St.
$25
212-352-3101
www.henrystreet.org/arts
