Dina Martina's Holly Jolly Christmas At Re-Bar Returns

Shaun Knittel READ TIME: 3 MIN.

There is no doubt about it. The holiday season has arrived in Seattle. The air has chilled; Christmas trees are being decorated around the city - and the one and only most celebrated Christmas turkey Dina Martina is performing her Christmas show at Re-Bar (1114 Howell St.).

Seattle has had a love affair with Dina for years, especially during the holidays. It just doesn't seem like Christmas - or "Chrishmash" as Dina calls it - unless Dina makes us laugh until we pee and shudder at her oh, so not so perfectly pitched vocals.

For those of you who have never been introduced: Dina Martina is the unlikeliest of legends. Dina Martina was conceived by Seattle performer Grady West, who developed the hilariously unwitting character into a multi-faceted persona with an extremely devoted following - including making fans of Whoopi Goldberg and John Waters.

Upon her 1989 debut at Seattle's Center on Contemporary Art, Dina was an instant success, gleaning reviews that dubbed her "surreal", "brilliant" and "hysterically funny." Word of mouth spread about Dina Martina and her antics throughout Seattle, and soon West began receiving invitations to perform up and down the West Coast. Since then, Dina Martina has shared the bill with acts such as Modest Mouse, Nina Hagen and the Village People.

Absolutely packed with ridiculous songs, ludicrous choreography, wonderfully horrifying costumes and more audience gifts than the law would permit, Dina Martina's shows have become legendary. Her shows are, simply put, a hilariously unique evening of entertainment.

A True Holiday Treasure

Dina Martina's Christmas Show for this season delivers, just as brilliantly as in Christmas' past. It doesn't matter how many times you see her, she is still as funny as ever. Dina's ace accompanist Chris Jeffries joins her once again, the bar staff dons their Dina Martina Christmas vests, and Dina's own outfits - still don't fit. But the real fun is always the music. Dina sings and dances - both horribly mind you - her way into your heart...depending on how you look at it.

The best way to see a Dina Martina show is with a "Dina Virgin". No really, it's amazing. I love bringing a friend along to watch them as they try their best to figure out what the hell is going on. Then, slowly but surely, just as I did, they get it. Dina is just plain silly and in a world - or holiday season - when everyone is a bit too serious, Dina Martina is just what the doctor ordered. Drop the eggnog and order a ticket today!

Dina Martina's Christmas Shows do sell out, so order your tickets early online at www.brownpapertickets.com. Re-Bar does not accept credit cards at the bar so bring cash. Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Matinees begin at 2 p.m., doors at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

Unwittingly hilarious and wonderfully bizarre, Dina Martina is the chanteuse with the leastest; a dancer with a hunch-front; the childlike-lady who, year after year, is the holiday gift that truly keeps on giving. Brimming with botched carols, ungraceful routines, overburdened costumes and truly bizarre tidings, this all-new holiday extravaganza guarantees Dina Martina's sidesplitting blend of lowbrow, top-notch comedy and near-acid-trippy surrealism.


by Shaun Knittel

Shaun Knittel is an openly gay journalist and public affairs specialist living in Seattle. His work as a photographer, columnist, and reporter has appeared in newspapers and magazines throughout the Pacific Northwest. In addition to writing for EDGE, Knittel is the current Associate Editor for Seattle Gay News.

Read These Next