This weekend it’s all about New Year’s Eve in the Crescent City. With all the parties, concerts and balls presenting some of the best grand finales to 2011 in the country, the last night of December is like a hyperactive cheerleader in New Orleans. It may be hard to decide between seeing one of the many New Orleans music luminaries, theme parties or simply roaming the streets exploring, but any way you slice it, the beginning to 2012 will be unforgettable in New Orleans.
Saturday, December 31 – Sunday, January 1:
Ring in the New Year with Galactic at Tipitina's!
1. Galactic with Anders Osbourne – To intensify the thrill of anticipation leading up to the stroke of midnight, let Galactic fuel your endorphins. The native funk veterans bring along New Orleans rock icon Anders Osbourne for the ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration at Tipitina’s. General Admission is sold out, but the VIP packages left are the best premium tickets in town, and at $201 including a full dinner catered by Jacques-Imo’s, a full open bar with Champagne at midnight and an exclusive opportunity to meet Galactic, they are well worth the price!
2. Dr. John at House of Blues – New Orleans blues legend Dr. John and his Lower 911 band play the House of Blues on New Year’s Eve. This is a special opportunity to see a New Orleans and international treasure as well as recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee perform, and what better night then on New Year’s Eve? Mac hits the keys at 10 p.m. and general admission is $105 including an open bar.
3. Crescent City Countdown Club New Year’s Eve – The Crescent City Countdown Club hosts an all in one New Year’s Eve bash including a mini music festival in front of Jackson Square, the magnificent fleur de lis drop at Jax Brewery with a countdown led by Mayor Mitch Landrieu followed by a sensational fireworks show over the picturesque Mississippi River. The bands take the stage at 9 p.m. and the party goes til the last firework pulverizes in the midnight sky.
4. Party Like It’s 1945 – Step into the era of swing, Old Hollywood and Sinatra at the Stage Door Canteen’s New Year’s Eve soiree. The party comes with complimentary wine service, a three course meal and a performance by the Victory Belles for the early seating and the Victory Big Band at the late seating to put you in the lively 40s mood.
5. Krewe of Kolossos Apocalypse Ball – Instead of paying a $200 cover charge to go to an “all inclusive” New Year’s Eve party that has a 30 minute wait time per drink, you could spend $25 at a costumed ball at the cave-like and eclectic Siberia on St. Claude Avenue. See the Krewe of Kolossus, a whimsical performance troupe premiering as a new take on the traditional Mardi Gras parade krewe this Carnival, executing their daring and inventive feats at this special advanced show. Wear your best Ancient World threads to the party from 10 p.m to 2 a.m.
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