New Years' Eve Options, Part 2
So obviously, almost every joint in town will be jumping Sunday night, from your favorite local corner pub to every inch of Chippewa, besides parties galore. Following is a roundup of live music, DJs and dancing we thought you might enjoy. Whatever you do, consider paying for parking or cabs, be patient with the crowds, and be good to yourself and others. And by all means, get the Bloody Mary mix early. You'll thank me. Cheers! (Part 1 is here.)
LIVE MUSIC:
New Year’s Eve @ Merlin's
With the Roadhouse Gypsies, Thrill Me, Handsome Jack, the Thermidors
This will be the place for many, many cool people with shirts a size too small and androgenous haircuts. Expect great screaming rock music and lots of "So, do you play in a band, too?" (Recommended alternative opener: "What thrift store did you get that ironic t-shirt at? It's awesome!") The Gypsies have carved a strong niche for themselves with the unlikely combo of rock, blues and glam -- and they make it work better than feather boas in a burlesque house. Visually striking in their constant thin-legged striped pants, bandannas and eyeliner, they mash pirate with rock star into something Keith Richards would be proud to call his bastard child. They've been burning up local stages along with their friends Thrill Me, Handsome Jack, and The Thermidors. Get there early to claim your space at the bar, as this one's going to be packed.
Merlin’s, 727 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, 14222, 716.886-9270, 10:30 PM
New Year’s Eve Party @ Nietzsche's
With Dali’s Ghost, Mini Motor Punch and The Curve. Giving the above rockers a run for their money with a slight psychedelic bent are Dali's Ghost. They'll be joined by Mini Motor Punch's soulful funk groove and their pals the Curve. Nietzsche's is always a great place to run into old friends and see terrific live music, 7 days a week, and they love a party like few people in town. Free hats and noisemakers (and we don't just mean Jeff Goldstein's jokes).
Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen Street, Buffalo, 716.886.8539, 10 PM, $5
New Year’s Eve Blues
You've got two great choices if you're feeling bluesy for the big day: The Lafayette Tap Room is hosting Billy McEwen, local blues great. If you haven't been down there lately, the Tap Room is a great spoto, and of course close to the Countdown, if that's your thing. Free champagne toast and noisemakers. Otherwise, you can slide down the street to the Tudor Lounge and catch the so-cool-he-never-even-has-to-look-up Jony James and his Blues Band. Both events will feature a rockin' house, guaranteed.
Lafayette Tap Room, 391 Washington Street, Buffalo, 14203, 716.854.2466, 9 PM
Tudor Lounge, 335 Franklin Street, Buffalo, 14202, 716.855.9643, 7:30 PM
Finally, for some good down home humor and strumming, The Skiffle Minstrals will be bringing it home at McGarrett's. This is more of the flannel-shirt and favorite-sweater crowd, so if you're looking to avoid the shiny people and just be yourself, this is a great bet. The crowd is sure to be friendly and funny, the music twang plus the occasional ironic Italian ballad or Cole Porter tune. Constant show-stealers every time I saw them this year, so get your fill tonight, where they won't be sharing the bill.
McGarrett’s, 946 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, 14222, 9 PM
Ah, so you say you've had it with live music, that you don't want to pay attention to another damn guitar player but would rather be the show yourself? Well, my friend, by all means join the circus at one of Buffalo's many fabulous dance parties! (This and "something different" are listed below the cut.)
DANCE/DJ:
Wanna get your groove on progressive house-style? Eli Hail is spinning freeform at Prespa, 439 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, 14202, 716.842.2255, at 10 PM.
If your'e in the Hertel zone and feeling swank, Thom Thomasula is hosting a New Year's Eve Party at the Shadow Lounge beginning at 8 PM. $50 per person includes: appetizer, entree, dessert, glass of wine. Shadow Lounge, 1504 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, 14216.
Club Diablo represents your inner demons with their annual New Year’s Eve Party. No cover from 9 PM - 10PM, and only $2 after 10PM. DJs will be spinning your favorites all night, and of course, free champagne at midnight.
Club Diablo, 517 Washington Street, Buffalo, 14202
SOMETHING DIFFERENT:
If you like your dance parties fabulous, (and who doesn't on the biggest night of the year?) Club Marcella's is hosting a special New Year's Eve Drag Party, complete with VIP cards good throughout 2007 for special events(21+ only). The New Year show will be held at 10:30 (not the usual 11:30), so be sure to get there early. Only new VIP passes will be good after December 28, so consider buying ahead! VIP tickets for New Year’s Eve (and all of 2007) are $30 per ticket. This includes entrance beginning at 8 p.m., a free buffet, private area and bartenders until midnight, champagne toast at midnight, and free noisemakers. You will also have photo opportunities with the New Years' Eve performers of your choice for a nominal fee. Standard admission will include entrance beginning at 9 p.m. with a show at 10:30 p.m.
Club Marcella, 622 Main Street, Suite 101, Buffalo, 1420, 716.847.6850
Price from 9 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. will be $10, 21 and over, and $15, under 21 The price will increase to $20, 21 and over, and $30 under 21 from 10:30 p.m. till? For more information, please see their website.
Friends coming to town? The Hyatt Regency Buffalo invites you to enjoy all of the downtown festivities of New Year’s Eve with the Party & Guestroom Package this Sunday, December 31st. The package includes deluxe overnight accommodations, an elegant dinner buffet, premium beverage service from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., two live bands (The Boys of Summer and Joyride), party favors and a celebratory champagne toast at midnight. The Party and Guestroom package is $329 per couple and the Dinner and Party Package is $89.00 per person.
The Hyatt, Two Fountain Plaza , Buffalo, 14202, 716.855.4860.
My last recommendation is to ring in the New Year with laughter with the Eclectic Improv Company presenting “Season 2: Eclectic Boogaloo”. Obviously, that's going to be hiLARious. Improv comedy is the bungee-jumping set of stand-up comics, where the comedians make up their material on the spot with input from the live audience. Never the same show twice. More info here.
Shea’s Smith Theater, 660 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14202, $10, 8 PM
Good luck and stay safe!