Aimee Mann embarks on second annual Christmas tour

Sonny and Cher, Captain and Tennille, Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson. These are all musical artists who have made the holidays even hokier with their campy renditions of Christmas carols and amateur attempts at humor. Most viewers would rather watch It’s a Wonderful Life for the 128,384,477th time than sit through the corny comedy sketches and ridiculous wardrobe choices.

But, wait! Look into the distance. There is a light shining above, a star of hope for all that are willing to follow. What star you may ask? It’s the glimmering rays of the goddess singer/songwriter Aimee Mann, and she brings us tidings of comfort and joy.

For the second year in a row, the brilliant songstress is gathering some of the best in indie-rock to hit the road for her Christmas variety show. Josh Ritter, Ben Gibbard, Nellie McKay, and members of The Decemberists are all slated to join Mann on her holiday voyage. Unfortunately, not all will be appearing at the same time. Different artists are scheduled for different dates on the tour, but comedians Paul F. Tompkins and Morgan Murphy will be there for every stop on this winter musical express. More tour dates and artists will be announced in the weeks to come.

Christmas tour dates:

November
29 - Solana Beach, Calif. @ Belly Up (w/ Grant Lee Phillips and Joe Henry)
30 - Los Angeles, Calif. @ El Rey (w/ Grant Lee Phillips, Joe Henry, and Ben Gibbard)

December
2 and 3 - San Francisco, Calif. @ Bimbo's (w/ Chuck Prophet and Sean Haves)
5 - Portland, Ore. @ Aladdin Theater (w/ Nellie McKay and Decemberists members)
7 - Boulder, Colo. @ Boulder Theater (w/ Nellie McKay and Patrick Park)
10 - Minneapolis, Minn. @ Guthrie Theater (w/ Nellie McKay and Adam Levy)
11 - Chicago, Ill. @ Vic Theatre (w/ Nellie Mckay)
12 - Ann Arbor, Mich. @ Michigan Theater (w/ Nellie McKay)
14 - New York, N.Y. @ Grand Ballroom (w/ Josh Ritter)
15 - Tarrytown, N.Y. @ Tarrytown Music Hall (w/ Nellie McKay and Ben Lee)
16 - Boston, Mass. @ Berklee Performance Center
17 and 18 - Alexandria, Va. @ The Birchmere (w/ Nellie McKay)