MONROE — At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, the Monroe Arts Center presents “Tinsel and Twang: A Merry-Cana Christmas” starring singers, songwriters and musicians Tom Waselchuk and Jami Lampkins.  Along with their ace band The Dang-Its, “Tinsel and Twang” delivers an energetic and moving Christmas concert with a generous helping of Americana heart.  Monroe Arts Center is located at 1315 11th Street, Monroe.

Tinsel and Twang features seasonal standards and comedy numbers, songs by country legends Merle Haggard and Patsy Cline, Charlie Brown’s Christmas theme with a bluegrass twist, and many other well-known tunes.

Madison-based Tom Waselchuk (guitar and vocals) founded The Dang-Its in 1998 as an outlet for his love of country music.  His previous work includes cofounding and playing bluegrass with The Stone Oak Band, jazz with The Full Count Jazz Band, country and variety with Marcy and The Highlights, and swing with the national touring group Harmonious Wail.

Jami Lampkins moved to Madison in 2007 from Nashville, where she was a finalist in the USA Network’s “Nashville Star” competition.  She is an accomplished guitarist and banjo player, and has played professionally since age 14.  

In addition to “Tinsel and Twang,” Waselchuk and Lampkins have toured the Midwest with their other country music revue, “Sweet Dreams and Honky Tonks.”  They have been regular guest artists on the RFD Network’s Midwest Country show, and are Madison Area Music Awards (MAMA) award winners of 2013 Country/Bluegrass Performer of the Year and 2014 Country/Bluegrass Album of the Year.

The Dang-Its band members are Rick Nass (pedal steel guitar, dobro), Matt Rodgers (bass), Mark Luhring (drums, vocals) and Chris Wagoner (violin, mandolin, vocals).

Reserved seat tickets for Tinsel and Twang: A Merry-Cana Christmas can be purchased by calling Monroe Arts Center at 608-325-5700, in person at the box office located at 1315 11th Street, or online at monroeartscenter.com.