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Mar.13,2005 -Mar.20,2005 |
A musical end to 2004
Some cool options for a musical New Year's Eve party
By Kerry Doole
Originally Published: 2004-12-26
New Year's Eve. It is always the biggest night of the year in Toronto, and live music is traditionally a key component of the evening for many people's plans to ring in the new year.
It is also the most lucrative night of the year for the clubs and the bands or singers that perform in them. The competition is fierce, and there's plenty of choice, so this is a good time to outline some of the musical options available.
For those with families in tow, a couple of large outdoor events are a good bet. The annual CITY-TV-sponsored event in Nathan Phillips Square may not rival Times Square in scale, but they have a solid and diverse line-up this year. The free event features young r 'n b star Keshia Chante (her debut CD just went gold), reunited '80s rockers Glass Tiger, pop-punk band Not By Choice, and popular young crooner Matt Dusk.
Now in its 14th year, First Night Toronto has moved to the Distillery District, and is held from Dec. 29-31st this year. Their strong lineup is headed by The Jim Cuddy Band (Dec. 30th), Choclair, Blair Packham, Andy Stochansky, The Sattalites, MadViolet, Jack Grunsky, and the Jazz Room Artists. An all access three-day pass is just $20.
A wide variety of music can be found in the major local clubs. You can save some dollars by booking in advance, and the cover charge (much higher than on regular nights usually) often includes a glass of cheap bubbly, party favours and snacks.
The Queen Street West strip will be hopping. The Rivoli is a reliable bet, and their Urban Bazaar 2005 event will feature sword-swallowers, contortionists and a DJ, plus sets by two top femme punk bands, Sticky Rice and Magneta Lane. Cover charge is $40.
Over at The Rex Hotel, Grooveyard features NOJO leaders Michael Occhipinti and Paul Neufeld in a funky vein. Cover of $40 includes finger foods and bubbly.
Fun is guaranteed at The Horseshoe via roots rock heroes The Sadies, who play two sets. This scribe has rung in the new year with the band before, and can recommend the experience. There's a reasonable cover of $17.50 (advance).
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