Friday, December 26, 2008
UPDATED: Pegasus News Dallas-Fort Worth New Year’s 2009 Party Guide
Updated 10:29 a.m., December 30, 2008
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Celebrate the new year with Emerald City Band and Le Freak
It's the annual night of enforced partying, one that I generally spend at home. (Too many amateurs out on the road.) But I'm in the minority, as this is the one night of the year that everybody wants to get out and shake off the old year. And with the tough economic times, things may be a smidge more austere, but the need for release is even greater.
In what's become a holiday tradition here at Pegasus News, we have the most comprehensive list of Dallas / Fort Worth area New Year's Eve-ents, more than 200 strong. And while the size of that list means you're certain to find something to your taste or in your neighborhood (see map in the comments below), it can be a little daunting. So, here we separate the wheat from the chaff; the happy from the humdrum and the expensive from the economical.
Early-bird special: "Nell's New Years" charity ball is (was) on December 27th.
Plan the perfect New Year's
Know before you go: On the 28th, Cork has a Champagne and Sparkling Wine Tasting so you can know your Cristal from your Cristalino.
Sign of the times: Dick's "Broke Bash" sums up the economic mood. In past years we used to get press releases from hotels and restaurants who seemed to be in an arms race to offer the most expensive experience. This year, not so much -- my informal survey of pricy places suggests that tabs are down around 25% this year.
Whither the themes?: Seems like past years have been rife with theme parties. A couple years back, James Bond was all the rage, but Quantum of Solace isn't going over as well. This year, everybody seems to be going back to basics, save for a New York, New York theme at Blackfinn and a Venetian Masque at Zaza.
Tickets available now at hob.com
Dinners: There are numerous NYE dinners -- mostly with reservations recommended. In general, know that you're looking at a prix fixe meal and reservations are recommended. (That said, given the state of the economy, I think a lot of restaurants will have room for last-minute reservations.) Standouts include a Turkish-Style dinner at Shish and upscale Mexican at bargain prices from Lanny's in Fort Worth.
Join the masses: The Big D NYE at Victory Plaza is our local answer to Times Square, if'n you can see Gordon Keith as Ryan Sechrest; Dale Hansen as Dick Clark; and a bunch of fireworks as the falling ball. Has to be more enjoyable in person than it is on TV.
Lose the kids: Celebration Station in Mesquite has an all-night lock-in with unlimited pizza, go-carts and games. At $30, that's cheap babysitting.
Dust off the Tux: If the gala scene is your thing, the North Texas Asian American Cultural Association, the American Cancer Society, Contemporary Theatre of Dallas and the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration have you covered.
Have yourself a misanthropic little New Year: "SEBASTIAN'S facial expressions and complete disgust with human behavior has given him the reputation as one of the most sought after comedians working today."
Being there, virtually: The New Year's Nation party at the Old Red Courthouse would seem a run-of-the-mill celebration, if not for its marketing hook of being part of a cross-country network of parties that allow you to see other partiers in each time zone ring in the New Year. And Travis Barker and DJ AM being piped in from LA for part of the night. (Live DJs and bands will be in effect too.)
Music: There are always a few events where the music is the centerpiece, hidden amongst the sea of cover bands and DJ's. (Nothing against covers and DJ's-- they're probably a better fit for NYE, which is what makes the concerts notable.) This year, highlights include:
- Toadies / Lions / Boom Boom Box / Tendril
- Cas Haley & Woodbelly / Scott McCurry Band / Escort Service / The Far Star
- Jonathan Tyler & Northern Lights / Odis / Josh Weathers Band
- Cross Canadian Ragweed / Wade Bowen / Micky & the Motorcars
- Smokin’ Joe Kubek and Bnois King
- The Drams / The King Bucks
- Reckless Kelly
- Black Tie Dynasty / The Mile High Club
- The Backsliders
- Asleep at the Wheel
Best value:: I was going to make fun of the Blue Collar Bar for its decidedly white collar-sounding ticket price of $75-90. BUT, that includes an open bar; a cab voucher; and, according to promoter Best Damn Parties, "life changing moments." A close second is the NyLo Hotel in Plano with its Black & White New Year’s Celebration: a $275-per-couple package that includes a buffet dinner, open bar, hotel room and breakfast buffet.
Call 972-267-9393 for reservations
Free or cheap (Save of course for hooch, but you knew that, right?): We've got a pretty large list of free or under $10 parties, which you can pretty generally translate as "the bar is open as usual, maybe with a little decoration." There are, however, a few standouts: For instance, the all-ages Mod dance party put on by The Smoke at the Sons of Hermann includes black-eyed peas, cornbread, and all the trimmings for only $5.
Second opinion: See what content partner Gay List Daily picked.
For those who have to work the party: The lot of New Year's service industry workers is to bust their backs while everyone else has a good time. On January 1, Sullivan's is throwing a special party just for barkeeps, waiters, cooks and everyone else who ensures your good time. Be sure to tip generously so they can attend.
The morning after: If you're not up for the New Year's Parade, there are lots of brunches available to kill that hangover.
If there are any NYE events we missed in our larger database, or you have any particular faves we didn't highlight here, please let us know in the comments. And be safe out there. We want you back with us all next year.
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Comments
Mike Orren Staff
Map of New Year's Eve events:
View Larger Map
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Pavel Lishin Verified
You left off Fisherspooner at The Lizard Lounge!
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
eddeaux Anonymous
Don't forget about the 08ball.com - a great party marketed to Christian singles that want to do something good for the world! Food, DJ, Upscale Venue for an affordable price!
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Lisa Lawrence Merritt Verified
Looking for a place to land my jet. Not sure yet, but 2008 has been one of my most challenging years ever and I need to see it out with a bang (yeah, nothing a Glock won't take care of!)
Anyway, let's hope and pray that 2009 brings a much more positive experience. :)
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
lisatmp Anonymous
Don't forget Lone Star Circus has 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. shows for all ages at Rosewood Family Center for the Arts (Northwest Highway and Skillman). See www.lonestarcircus.org.
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Tracy Yost Verified
This seems like a good place to note that 7-11 is giving away free coffee on NYE after midnight - http://www.nbcdfw.com/around_town/din...
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Lisa Lawrence Merritt Verified
Coffee won't sober you up. They should give away bottled water and taxi vouchers.
:)
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Teresa Gubbins Staff
i'd like to invite tracy yost to visit the Pegasus News Dining section more often, where we enter 7-11's press releases much more hastily and efficiently than other online sites. (we beat 'em by 24 hours! yay)
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Tracy Yost Verified
haha :-) well who would guess that 7-11 is considered a "dining" establishment :-)
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Jason Rice Verified
TGub, you're just an overachiever, plain and simple.
Did anyone else shudder visibly at the mental image of an armed Lisa L. Merritt?
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Scott Doyle Verified
I'm not exactly sure what she's insinuating, but it reminded me of this story from last year:
Dallas police to citizens: Gravity applies to bullets, too
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Jason Rice Verified
::Gravity
Oh, that's right. That time of year again and no substantial evolution to speak of. Thanks for the buzz-snuff Scott. Ok, if it's not really even a cheerful mood and Scott ruins it even further, what's a good term?
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
jtmbls Anonymous
Squashing your squalor?
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Scott Doyle Verified
I like "You've just been Doyled", personally.
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Jason Rice Verified
Doyled as a verb.
Adopted as proposed.
10 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Rick Yost Verified
Doyled-up!?
10 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Jason Rice Verified
Doyle You!
10 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
jtmbls Anonymous
Doyle as a noun would be good too. As in "Don't be such a Doyle!" or "You big Doyle bag!"
Hey, this is kinda fun!
10 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Travis Bush Verified
Or how about "I got an itchy Doyle I need to lance.."
10 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
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