Bronson Rock/Dust Hat Holiday Rock ‘n’ Roll PartyBest VideoHamdenDec. 20, 2025 Holiday music can be divisive. Someone’s favorite song can range from old smooth-as-silk standards like Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” to a rousing, rocking “Run Run Rudolph” by Chuck Berry, to a thoroughly modern and magical “Hanukkah Song” by Adam Sandler. No matter your preference, everyone can agree that any holiday tradition based in song is more fun when shared with others. On Saturday night, friends and fans of local music and local traditions gathered for the annual Bronson Rock/Dust Hat Holiday Rock ‘n’ Roll Party, singing along and sharing the love all decked out in their holiday sweaters, Santa hats, and other seasonal accessories. According to Bronson Rock’s Buzz Gordo (aka Gary Mezzi), the band has been performing this show for around ten years now (except for a break during Covid shutdowns) with Dust Hat first joining them back in 2017. This year would be their fifth time performing together, both bands offering a mix of original music and covers, those covers leaning towards holiday-themed tunes. The room filled up quickly with fans of all ages ready and waiting for the fun to begin. They were so amped up they even gave the Bronson Rock sound check a round of cheers. Backed by light-up candy canes and with a yule log fire at their feet, someone yelled “Light it up!” as the band began with a half set of what Mezzi called “civilian songs,” which ended up being a fine selection from the band’s catalog. Those songs included two from their July 2025 release The Malcontent: the title track and “Different Gurls,” both with the band’s trademark makes-you-want-to-move sound and smart, catchy lyrics. Before the Bronson Rock holiday set began, Eric Bloomquist (bass and vocals) and Lou St. John (keys and vocals) donned their Santa hats. Mezzi (who along with drummer Tom Smith had already been wearing holiday apropos hats) addressed the crowd: “Get ready because the holiday spirit is now upon you!” The band added four more songs to their set, all holiday themed and all for an enthusiastic crowd that cheered them on and sang along. Their cover of the “Do You Hear What I Hear/You Really Got Me” mashup in particular rocked the place righteously out (you can see that one for yourself in the video below). They even included an original holiday song that Mezzi said was from back in his Big Bad Johns band days, called “I Wouldn’t Lie to You on Christmas.” But it was the final song, “Must Be Santa Claus,” that really got the crowd going. Lyric sheets were handed out per the band’s tradition so everyone could join in and keep up with the lines that built upon one another as the song went on. Joy and love were delivered, received, and returned.   Dust Hat’s Brendan Toller lost his Santa hat during the band’s opening instrumental number, but it would find its way back to him later on. The band — with Toller on vocals and guitar, Dan Soto on bass and vocals, Jeff Slocum on guitar, and Rob Ruby on drums – traded off between originals, covers, and holiday specific covers throughout their fun and frenetic set. A sweet and heated cover of The Showstoppers’ “Ain’t Nothing But a House Party” upped the energy for an even hotter rendition of Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” that saw Soto delivering the vocals from the bottom of his soul while the band shredded and set the stage on fire.  Later in the set Toller would deliver the vocals on another classic, Stevie Wonder’s “What Christmas Means To Me,” that had many in the crowd singing and clapping along with him. One of the best parts of any Dust Hat show, besides the blast of rock and roll righteousness, is the banter between the band members, and this night was no exception. Soto made mention more than once about the ongoing need to support Best Video, calling it a “cultural hub and gathering center.” As the holidays ramp up while the year itself ramps down, this show was the perfect reminder that no matter what is going on, whether it be in our own small personal circle or in the greater, larger world beyond, the moments we take to share spaces such as Best Video that are filled with individuals who create and celebrate the arts are what can help to strengthen our resolve to press forward into the unknown. Take the time to listen to that album, read that book, watch that movie, see that band or play, and then share it with others. Celebrate the arts, dear readers. Celebrate! Ken Dixon enjoying the Bronson Rock singalong. Gary Mezzi of Bronson Rock. The post Ain’t Nothing But A Holiday Party appeared first on New Haven Independent. ...read more read less