The Bird and the Book is adding some fun to Thanksgiving weekend with two music events designed for connection.
“Thanksgiving can take a lot out of every one of us,” said Lisa Misosky, co-owner of the bar. “Likely, we spend the day with people we see twice a year, maybe, and for that day or two we’re all on our best behavior to keep the peace. And, afterwards, we all need to let off some steam with our friends.”
“Letting off steam” for this “Thanksgiving Recovery” weekend means Unhinged Karaoke on Friday, Nov. 28, at 6 p.m., and Hvad Her, with Adeem the Artist, on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 7:30 p.m.
Unhinged Karaoke will be a fundraiser and food drive for local food banks. Co-host Wally Miles is excited to be part of the event. The concept is fun as well as philanthropic, he said. “Locals helping locals. Neighbors singing with neighbors. That’s important!”
“The fact we can all come together, have fun, and sing, while doing something positive, is incredible,” said Miles, a local performer, producer and raconteur known for the Wallypalooza and Walloween music festivals.
Orion Anarchy Mars, a drag performer and another co-host, echoed Miles’ enthusiasm. “People still need to eat all year long,” they said. “Thanksgiving depletes resources for a lot of people and a lot of food banks, so we’re going to help!”
Also helping host the karaoke event are The Follies Girls. Nipsy Tussle, founder and Creative Director, said, “We’ve first hand seen the effects of lost income this year, and lost jobs.” She added, “We wanted to make sure that we worked harder at creating and securing a solid community that could help others in need. It’s been a tough year, and it’s not letting up.”
The event is the brainchild of the Trash Panda Players, who have a history of community service events. Tussle said she is happy to collaborate on a event providing much-needed help in a fun way. “We will be encouraging donations and inspiring those in the audience to take a chance and take the stage. After all it’s (The Follies Girls’) whole philosophy. No age, or stage of life should hold you back from making art from the heart.”
The premise of Unhinged Karaoke is that people can pay money to ban certain songs they hate. In return, however, other singers can outbid those bans to reinstate the songs. All the money raised will go to food banks, and this time, people can substitute canned food for cash. One can will equate to $1.
The chaos brings audience participation to a new level, Mars said. “The host can now be bribed for virtually anything you’d like to do on the stage if it’s funny enough.” That might include “steal mid-song, challenge someone to a round of trivia for a song, go ahead of others, pay to have someone else go first. It’s about how you’d like karaoke to be done as an audience really.”
Miles loves the idea: “Trash Pandas’ ‘Unhinged Karaoke’ is unlike any karaoke event or party I’ve ever been to before. I was instantly sold on the concept. It’s extraordinary. Locals helping locals. Neighbors singing with neighbors. That’s important!”
Adeem the Artist takes over The Bird and the Book the next night, with a new type of show. “Hvad Her” will bring their signature country music with a smart, quirky angle. But this show focuses on the intimate setting, storytelling and conversation. “I suspect the vibe will be fairly chill,” Misosky said.
She was not just an early booster of Adeem’s career, but also a personal friend. “This year has been challenging for most of us,” she said. “And I think Adeem has been rather reflective in their personal and public life.” They’ll bring that perspective to the stage.
What can fans, new and old, expect? “Well, it’s Adeem,” Misosky said. “It’ll be a good time!”
Adeem was nominated by Americana Musicfest as Best New Emerging Artist in 2023. Since releasing the album “Cast Iron Pansexual” in 2021, they have collected fans and accolades for their scruffy, honest, often funny songs. Rolling Stone picked the album’s title track as a “Pick of the Week.” American Songwriter magazine singled out “I Wish You Would’ve Been a Cowboy” for praise. Superstar Brandi Carlisle called Adeem’s “Anniversary” the best Americana record of 2024.
“Adeem has the ability to weave social consciousness and heartbreak into gold,” Misosky said.
The Thanksgiving Recovery weekend will be a form of therapy, the participants agree. Miles said, “Performing music for me is like a prison break from the pressures of daily life. I feel like I escape my own body and reality when I have a mic in my hand. When I perform, I get consumed by the songs and lost in the moment.”
In a year and a season when people need it the most, he said, “It’s a form of therapy. It’s a release.”
The Bird and the Book is located at 1509 East Broadway Ave., Maryville, behind and below Southland Books and Cafe, at the Five Points Roundabout. Parking is available behind the bookstore and in a city-owned lot off the alley. The bar is open Tuesday-Saturday, 4:30 p.m. until 9 or so on weeknights. The hours run later when events are happening. There is no cover charge for the Thanksgiving Recovery shows, but donations and tips will be accepted. The bar features a full food menu, including vegan options. Drinks include beer and wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.
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