#bar46

Christmastime is here, and that means gift-buying, sweater wearing and perhaps a visit from Santa. The greatest gift all, though? Boy Things’ holiday show at Bar 46 on Saturday, December 22.

The hometown indie-pop group is made up of Beth Hansen on vocals, Eric Dryburgh on drums, Adam Cumiskey on guitar, Vince Rickey on bass and Matt Nguyen on synth, guitar and vocals. Boy Things has played in various venues on the East Coast, but the members love to play shows in Hackettstown.

“The best part about playing in our hometown is being able to catch up with my band mates and friends,” Rickey said. “Now that everyone is in college or doing their own thing, it’s cool that we have a time just to meet up.”

Dryburgh also likes playing in the band’s hometown, because these shows always generate a good turn-out and great energy.

“It’s a good time to see friends and fans that we don’t see all the time,” Dryburgh said. “I am glad that we have such a strong support group in Hackettstown.”

Boy Things has a wide fan-base, but a large part of it is comprised of hometown friends who love the band for the music and the people in it. I have known the members for years now, and their talent never ceases to amaze me. They are all creative people who brainstorm ways to make every show fun such as different costume ideas and set designs. Although they do not always get to put those ideas into action, they still manage to get the crowd excited.

Because of the nature of the show, I wondered what Christmas songs the band would want to re-vamp and cover. It seemed that “Feliz Navidad” was one of the more favorite tunes to re-do. Rickey even suggested “Cannibals Navidad,” a hybrid between their hit song “Cannibals” and the iconic Christmas classic.

“We’ll definitely be playing some new material,” Rickey said. “Now that Matt has joined on second guitar, our sound has definitely transformed.”

Fans can look forward to new music, some new faces and Bar 46’s annual Ugly Sweater Party. Whoever wears the ugliest sweater to the event will have the chance to win free Boy Things merchandise. Admission is $5 at the door and some of the other bands performing that night will be Pilots in Orbit, Green Paper and Gay Panic (formerly Daddy).