Philadelphia's own Big Mess Orchestra is presenting their generally annual Christmas Cabaret on December 17 and 18 at Poor Henry's (829 N. American St. -- between Brown/Poplar and 2nd/3rd). Operation Yuletide Freedom ("we have found that shock and awe aren't what they once were, but that titillation is always right on the money") is set for 8:00pm each night ($15 at the door) and also marks the release of their shiny new Christmas album, Have Yourself (three tunes available as MP3s at their website). Musical director, Andy Bresnan, further explains:

"In the move to our new home, we bring the coalition that has helped Big Mess define Christmas for thousands of Philadelphians for 14 years: the 16 piece orchestra; our Mistress of Ceremonies, Carlota Ttendant; singers Magda Hood, Butterfly Fairweather, Grace Flea, Helen Back, and many more; embedded are members of Moxie, Headlong, SCRAP, Pig Iron, as well as members of dozens of Philly area bands and theater groups; the crotch puppetry stylings of The Cuntessa; A 12 round bout between Santa Claus and Jesus "The Bethlehem Bomber" to settle the holiday once and for all; the Off-Our-Backs- And-Onto-Yours- Strip-Show-Auction; and, finally, the Big Mess Christmas Pageant!

"All of this celebrates the release of Have Yourself, a collection of Christmas favorites done Big Mess style. The Little Drummer [Boy] brings a casio, the Beatles' Rain returns as Snow with a Weil-on-performance-enhancers flair, and the Dead Milkmen's Joe Genaro sings O Holy Night like a punk rock Mario Lanza (if he'd kept his Philly roots). The album, like the show, tends to spike the holiday eggnog with a little borscht, serving the piss and vinegar tastefully on the side. The CD will be out just in time to swell the stockings of all the well behaved inner-children of Philadelphia."