‘Circling the wagons’: The Piersons hold holiday show at Yucca Tap Room

A couple of months ago, a microburst caused significant destruction in the Valley, including damage to the roof at the Yucca Tap Room venue. Mother Nature’s aggressive eruption happened around the same time longtime Tempe band The Piersons were planning their annual holiday party.

The band’s singer and guitarist, Patrick Sedillo, known familiarly as Patti Pierson, said the band, whose members reside in different parts of the country these days, likes to get together every few years and play a holiday show for the Arizona crowd.

“I called Rodney (Hu, venue owner), and we talked about the serious damage the venue sustained during the storm,” Sedillo says. 

“It seemed like a good time to circle the wagons and have an event that helps bring attention to the Yucca. And given the economy, the night will have no cover charge, but we ask that attendees bring a can of food or a kids’ toy to donate.”

Also performing that night are bands Big Finish and The High Watts. Best-selling author and former Tempe resident Laurie Notaro is also going to take the stage at this festive shindig. She has penned a number of good reads, including the most recent “The Murderess: A Novel.” The historical true crime work is based on the case of Winnie Ruth Judd, aka The Trunk Murderess, who was accused of murdering two friends in 1931. 

The band has seen lineup changes since their early ’90s start date. The current lineup features Patrick Sedillo (vocals and guitar), Louis Lashes on bass, Dug Nichols (vocals, guitar), and Frank Rowland (drums).

The venue holds many memories for Sedillo. “We started playing there around 30 years ago, and coming back always feels full circle.” Be prepared to hear a collection of Piersons tracks from over the years.

As for what is next for The Piersons, Sedillo is just focused on coming to town from his California digs, connecting and having a great show at a treasured venue.

“We’ll have this party from, say, 5 to 9 p.m., hit it like a supernova, go home and see what happens next.”

The planned set times for the performers:

• High Watts 5:00 to 5:45 p.m.
• Big Finish — 6:00 to 6:45 p.m.
• Laurie Notaro — 7:00 to 7:30
• The Piersons — 7:45 to 9 p.m.

The Piersons’ Christmas Party, featuring The Piersons, Big Finish, The High Watts, and Laurie Notaro, starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, at Yucca Tap Room. Admission is free; attendees are encouraged to bring a food item or wrapped toy for donation.