By Molly Free
Getting into the holiday spirit this weekend, I attended Mixtape Atlanta’s annual Christmas shin dig, X-Mix, at Smith’s Olde Bar. Besides providing Atlantans holiday fun and tunes, the X-Mix bash is put on every year benefiting Josh Rifkind’s foundation Song for Kids with a mission to bring music year round to children struggling with illness or hardships. Spreading the giving mood, canned goods were also collected at the door to benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank
This being my first X-Mix, I didn’t know what to expect, but I was in for a surprise. The Music Room was transformed into a holiday wonderland decorated with all the Christmas trimmings including lights, stockings, with concert go-ers in their best tacky Christmas gear.
Things kicked off with special holiday performances by Rick Brantley, Lauren St. Jane, & Carly Kane, accompanied by a toast from sponsor Whynatte. Covering all winter holidays, Song for Kid’s owner, Josh Rifkind sang his version of Adam Sandler’s “Hanukkah Song” providing us with some comic relief.
Aerobics Cube then took to the stage with a performance unlike any other. Picture a holiday themed American Apparel ad accessorized with shake weights mashed up with an 80’s work out video. I enjoyed their enthusiasm and energy, with my favorite performance being a cover of Paula Abdul’s “Opposites Attract” (oh yeah the one with the cartoon cat you know exactly what I’m talking about!)
Changing things up a bit, the Futura Bold performed, also debuting their gritty version of a holiday song, “Last of the Year” which is available for all ears for free on their site, thefuturabold.com
Keeping us company while we waited for headliners District Attorneys, Josh Rifkind busted out a fresh Pepperidge Farm bag of Milano cookies, his tradition of tossing them into the crowd while singing Michael Buble. I have to say this is one of my favorite parts of the show and I was even lucky enough to snag one.
Closing the night, the District Attorney’s decked in tacky Christmas gear took the stage performing songs from their newest EP “JR”, including new favorite “Target Practice” . The DAs never disappoint giving us a taste of their new tracks while being sure to include fan favorites such as “California Fire” and “The End”. Appropriately closing their set with a cover of the Beatles “A Little Help From My Friends” inviting everyone to join them on stage to sing along, it was the perfect ending to this crazy holiday variety show. The DA’s new ep is available free for download at This is American Music, Itunes, Bandcamp, and thedasmusic.com.
Be sure to keep up with Mixtape Atlanta for all happenings music and film in the city. For more information or to get involved with Song for Kids check out songsforkidsfoundation.org.
