Should auld acquaintance be forgot? Certainly there are a few things about 2010 that some of us would like to put behind us. However, the party’s the thing, and as we go out with the auld, we also come in with the new, and there’s myriad opportunities for celebrating the calendar switch in the Hostess City.
It’s New Year’s Eve. Let’s peruse our possibilities.
Should you be on River Street – a distinct possibility, all things considered – the Savannah Riverfront Association’s big fireworks display, launched from a barge right there in the river, takes place at midnight.
Savannah Riverboat Tours has a couple of packages that include birds–eye views of the pyrotechnics – one, at 8:30 p.m., is a full–tilt dinner cruise, with champagne and pretty much everything you’d expect, the other is a “party cruise,” launching at 10 p.m.
Chatham County’s other fireworks show launches at the stroke of midnight from the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion. Get a good spot – that shouldn’t be difficult – to watch the multicolored ‘works paint the frigid night sky over the ocean.
Parking is free on Tybee through Dec. 31.
At noon on the 1st, everyone is invited to participate (for a $25 entry fee) in the annual Polar Plunge – jump in the water, shiver, shake ‘n’ shimmy, and welcome 2011 with goosebumps of optimism.
City Market rings in the new year with its always well–attended street party – with confetti cannons! Things start rolling at 9 p.m. There’s live music outside, and the Lloyd Dobler Effect – the Maryland band that’s been visiting Savannah for more than six of its eight years in existence – is onstage inside the warmth of Wild Wing Cafe.
It’s a safe bet that every restaurant, club and nightspot in town will be celebrating with one sort of bash or another.
Here’s a quick rundown of those that are featuring live entertainment – or some sort of musical merriment – for your New Year’s pleasure:
A Nickel Bag of Funk has a party set at Tantra Lounge; Sinister Moustache is at the Wormhole Bar, while Jubal Kane is in residence at Live Wire Music Hall (see this week’s Noteworthy for more on these shows); The Jinx precedes its annual New Year’s Eve DJ dance party with an early set from Whiskey Dick & the Hard–Ons; Bottles & Cans have the stage at Isaac’s on Drayton; the Hitman Blues Band will be rocking the Warehouse; and Harry O’Donoghue will ring things as only he can at Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub.
On Tybee Island the Trainwrecks play an 11 p.m. set at the Tybee Island Social Club, while the electronica duo Thumbprint is at Huc–a–Poos.
If you sign up for the big NYE bash at the Westin Harbor Resort, you’ll get a rockin’ live show from Mike & the Mixers for your merrymaking (and hey, you’ll also grab a great view of those fireworks over the Savannah River!).
Should you be out Port Wentworth way, Bad Justice plays at Silverados Saloon, followed by a live DJ. And there’s a breakfast buffet at 2 a.m.
There’s a masquerade party at J.J. Bonerz; belly dancing at the Casbah; and the “Eyes Wide Shut” Masquerade Ball at the Crypt Pub.
When the noisemakers squawk and the champagne is raised at Murphy’s Law Irish Pub, the dancing – to a live DJ – won’t stop. In fact, look for DJs spinning everywhere you turn – at Rocks on the Roof, on the upper level of the Bohemian Hotel; at Molly McGuire’s on Wilmington Island; at Seed Eco–Lounge; and many, many others.
See Soundboard for a complete musical listing.
