Here are some videos previewing a few of the many, many New Year's Eve events going on Friday night.
First Night Charlotte
The A List, Blue Goose, Inner Circle Events, The Sol Kitchen present The ILLUMINATI Collective.
MAZ Entertainment presents Midnight Morphosis.
Six Figure Entertainment presents Majestueux.
Editor's note: This is a 2010 article!! Don't make plans around a party that isn't happening! We think you might be looking for the QC After Dark New Year's Eve 2012 Party List ! See you post-apocalypse! - CL Staff
Alas, the year is coming to an end. And now that's it's December (although some folks had their information out before Thanksgiving, those eager Beavers), here's Creative Loafing's compilation of New Year's Eve parties. Hope 2010 has been everything you wished for and more!
(To have your New Year's Eve party listed, e-mail me at kimberly.lawson@creativeloafing.com.)
Uptown
• 1st Annual SOCIALFLOCKERS New Years Eve Extravaganza at Tilt. Enjoy top-shelf open bar and $2 shots, including Patron. Music by DJ Bob and there will be a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. $50 presale tickets, which can be purchased at any SocialFlockers event prior to NYE. For more info, check out their Facebook.
• 3rd Annual NBA/NFL New Year's Eve Extravaganza at Club 935. Hosted by Bobcats DJ Augustine, Desagana Dip, Panthers Charles Johnson, Captain Munnerlyn and video vixen Brooke Bailey. $20 in advance. 9 p.m. Club 935, 935 S. Summit St. Purchase tickets at www.ez-tixx.com.
• 5th Annual Customer Appreciation Blackout Party at Allure Lounge. Everyone free, including free champagne toast at midnight. Buffet until 10 p.m. Black attire recommended. Free. Doors at 9 p.m. Allure Lounge, 1508 S. Mint St. 704-333-8555. www.allurerestaurant.com.
• A New Year's Eve Celebration at Ember Grille - The Westin Charlotte. Enjoy open bar from 8 p.m.-9 p.m., passed hors d’oeuvres, a four-course dinner, live music and dancing. In addition, there will be a champagne toast at midnight. $199 per couple. Call 704-375-2600 to make a reservation. The Westin Charlotte, 601 S. College St.
• A New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Lobby Bar - The Westin Charlotte. Partake in hors d’oeuvres, live music & dancing, a champagne toast at midnight and party favors. Call 704-375-2600 to make a reservation. $49. 9 p.m. The Westin Charlotte, 601 S. College St.
• Annual Black Tie Ball at Mez/Kazba. Unveiling of 2010 movie star posters, balloon drop, confetti cannon, aerial artists, go-go dancers, more. $40 (goes up to $50 after Dec. 27) gets you entrance into both spots, a champagne toast at midnight and party favors. $120 (goes up to $140) gets you everything from general admission, plus open bar. For Mez's dinner menu, add $50 to any ticket. VIP sections are also available for $200-$400. Mez/Kazba, 210 E. Trade St. 704-971-2400. www.mezcharlotte.com.
• Back to the Future New Year's Eve Bash at Breakfast Club. Retro '80s and '90s Dance Video mix with DJ Jody Jam, plus a champagne toast and a confetti blast at midnight. $15 (before Dec. 27) to $20. Breakfast Club, 225 N. Caldwell St. 704-374-1892. Keep up to date for more information by checking out their Facebook page or www.that80sclub.com.
• Casino Royale at Whisky River. For the poker connoisseur, or maybe just those who like their odds, this red carpet event offers games, a food buffet at 6 p.m., and a champagne toast at midnight. For more info, text 980-333-3923. $30 advance tickets. Doors open at 5 p.m. Whisky River, 210 E. Trade St. www.whiskyrivercharlotte.com.
• Champagne Lyfe at Extravaganza Depot. Red carpet event for the grown and sophisticated LGBT. Complimentary hot buffet, heavy hors d'oeuvres and succulent desserts. Cash, prizes and giveaways throughout the night. Champagne toast and champagne fountain. $30 per person, $55 per couple. VIP ranges from $220-$320. 10 p.m. Extravaganza Depot, 1610 N. Tryon St. For more information, call 704-492-0069.
• Cheers to the New Year at Pub at Gateway. Open bar all night, complimentary appetizer buffet and complimentary champagne, with Video DJ 8.1.8. Advance tickets $40. 10 p.m. Pub at Gateway, 710 W. Trade St. To purchase tickets, call Emily at 386-864-2015.
• First Night Charlotte. An evening (free of alcohol, perfect for the family) of music, arts, dance and so much more, held Uptown in various locations. Wristbands are $10, $5 for children 7-12. Click here for more information.
• Happy Endings New Years Celebration at Wok Bar. Enjoy food and premium open bar at Wok Bar. Sake bomb toast at midnight. $150/couple, $100/person. 9 p.m. 127 N. Tryon St. 704-887-9720. www.wokbarnc.com.
• Howl at the Moon New Year's Eve 2011. Early party bookings encouraged. "The Champagne Supernova" is $75 per person/$280 per table: champagne toast at midnight, one round of drinks, buffet from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., party favors, balloon drop and door prizes. "The Big Shot" is $60 per person: reserved rail seating, champagne toast at midnight, buffet from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., party favors, balloon drop and door prizes. Standing room tickets are $30 per person, admittance after 6:30 p.m. General admission is $25 and entry after 8:30 p.m. Howl at the Moon, 210 E. Trade St. 704-936-4695. E-mail charlotteevents@howlatthemoon.com. www.howlatthemoon.com.
• Live From Bar Square at Bar Charlotte. 18 and up. Bar Charlotte, 300 N. College St. 704-342-2557. www.barcharlotte.com.
• Moment 4 Life New Year's Eve at Club Ice. Presented by DTLR. Music by DJ Chuck T. Enjoy a balloon drop, live Times Square feed, champagne toast, raffles and party favors. Limited $20 advance tickets available at all DTLR locations. 9 p.m. Club Ice, 300 Stonewall St. www.facebook.com/clubicenc
• New Year's Eve Midnight Morphosis at BofA's Founders Hall. Brought to you by MAZ Entertainment. General admission gets you access to three bars, red carpet photography and entry into a raffle. VIP admission gets you access to two VIP bars, buffet and more. Advance tickets $20-$35. For more information, visit www.mazentertainment.net. 10 p.m. Founders Hall, 100 N. Tryon St.
• New Year's Eve 2011 at Town Tavern. Includes hors d'oeuvres and top shelf open bar, party favors and midnight champagne toast. Ladies $60, men $70. 8 p.m. Town Tavern, 200 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3324. www.towntaverncharlotte.com.
• New Year's Eve 2011 at Buckhead Saloon. Live music from Bling Crosby. Champagne toast at midnight and free party favors, plus a cash balloon drop. $10 until 9 p.m. $20 after. Buckhead Saloon, 201 E. 5th St. For more info, check out their Facebook profile.
• New Year's Eve at Latorre's. Cup stacking contest with a $1,000 dollar prize. Cash-filled balloons with music by DJ Cali. Free champagne. 10 p.m. Latorre's, 116. W. 5th St. 704-377-4448. www.latorresdisco.com.
• New Year's Eve at The Wing. Live music with The Newz. Free party favors, champagne toast, and special champagne cocktails. Wild Wing Cafe, 210 E. Trade St. 704-716-WING. www.wildwingcafe.com.
• New Year's Eve Bash at Dixie's Tavern. Ticket price includes food, beer, liquor, wine and select shots. $65. 6 p.m. Dixie's Tavern, 301 E. 7th St. 704.374.1700. www.dixiescharlotte.com.
• New Year’s Eve Party at Uptown Cabaret. “No cover, no tops, no brainer” is this year’s motto. Enjoy $3 Long Necks and $4 U-Call-Its. Also enjoy party favors and champagne toast at midnight. Free admission. Uptown Cabaret, 108 E. Morehead St. 704-344-0802. www.uptowncabaretclubs.com.
• New Year Extravaganza at Morehead St. Tavern. Music by DJ Philly, with drink specials of $3 Mimosas, $3 vodka drinks and more. $5. Morehead St. Tavern. 304 E. Morehead St. 704-334-2655. www.moreheadsttavern.com.
• New York New York A Big Apple New Year's Eve at Black Finn. Admission includes complimentary buffet, champagne toast at midnight and party favors. $25. 9 p.m. Black Finn, 210 E. Trade St. 704-971-4440. www.blackfinncharlotte.com.
Before you succumb to the stress that is associated with family holiday "fun" next week, you might want to kick it at one of these nightlife events.
Friday, Dec. 17
• An album release party featuring a live performance by Keyshia Cole at 5th Element
• Las Vegas resident DJ Five returns to Suite
• Ladies night at Jet Ultra Lounge -- featuring Biz Markie
• Santa's Naughty Helper Open Bar party at Tilt
• Grown Up Avenger Stuff CD Release Party at Amos' Southend
• Snow Ball at Whisky River
Saturday, Dec. 17
• Culture Initiative presents: Cake + 2 an art & music celebration at Dharma Lounge
• The Sol Kitchen and friends present a holiday party benefiting men's and women's shelters: The Gathering 3 at Sunset Club
• Marigny hosts a fashion show that asks, "What would Jesus wear?"
• Bakalao Stars perform at Neighborhood Theatre
• Tacky X-Mas Party at Lebowski's
After suffering through three weeks of withdrawal from the “bro-downs” the well-established west side music venue The Milestone has become famous for offering, the renovation and sanitation is complete and Dec. 12 marked the grand re-opening of the spot under the new ownership of Jonathan Hughes.
Since I've grown up going to the Milestone, I couldn’t even think about missing my first opportunity to witness the changes resulting from almost a month’s blood, sweat and love. And wow, it was completely baffling to walk into a place I have been countless times before and have to do a double-take.
For the first time ever, I can honestly say that the Milestone is clean. Yes, I said it: The Ghetto Fortress is clean. I wouldn’t go as far to say it's safe to sit on the toilet or roll around on the floor (as I have seen many drunken people try before), but by Lord the prized graffiti adorning the walls is no longer covered in layers of ancient filth. And the bathrooms seem to have lost their permanent smell of stale urine. In fact, the air felt fresh and moderately sterile, truly reminiscent of the new chapter this historic establishment has ahead of it.
Despite the fresh appearances, not much else seemed different since this great change of hands. Doors still opened at 8 p.m., and the show started roughly at 9 p.m.; Andy the Doorbum was still there to greet you; and there was still awesome music from regular acts: Blossoms, The Young, Quiet Hooves, Whatever Brains and Yardwork. Joyful faces of loyal patrons and show-goers lined the bar and stage, drinking, dancing and celebrating the fresh start and shocking cleanliness of a well-loved and appreciated venue. (A venue so appreciated that students sat studying for their upcoming finals in between taking ganders at performances and laughing with friends.)
By the end of the night, it was so packed that it became difficult to navigate through the crowd. I must say, although it was very sad to see Neal MF Harper turn in his hat, the Milestone era that lies ahead appears just as amazing as the one before it.
— Jennifer Bement
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, Dec. 16, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
• 10th Annual Blitzen's Holiday Party at Dilworth Billiards
• 30 + Thursdays / Customer Appreciation Party at Club 935
• Pijama Party at Halo
• Tehranium: The Social Mettle (a house/world music party featuring DJ That Guy Smitty, belly dancing exhibition and more) at Grand Central
• Sinergy College Night at Marigny
Dixie’s Tavern isn’t my usual scene, but with a friend guest-bartending and a crowd of out-of-towners in for the ACC Championship Game, chances were I’d have a lot more fun than I’d had in the past.
Surrounded by a pro-Virginia Tech crowd, the drink specials were on point. All of my ballin’-on-a-budget friends racing to get as many as possible down before the 11 p.m. cutoff, it got to the point where I was just handing my bartender friend cash and saying, “I don’t care, get me drunk!” He responded with two double vodka cranberries. My man.
The music at Dixie’s was its usually schizophrenic mix of old hip-hop, current top 40 and pro-America anthems, (in other words, more hit than miss) but when you’re getting drinks down at record pace, it’s all palatable to you.
Less than an hour in, we were standing on chairs, singing along and making it rain napkins. To blank stares by some and encouragement from others.
When the “DJ” dropped Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA” we started a “USA” chant that seemed to hit right at home with Hokie and Armed Forces sensibilities.
With our drink mission accomplished, the move was Elizabeth Billiards, but before I could even get to my car, I underestimated the wall outside of Dixie’s, tried to jump over and failed. I got up and high-fived the people who saw it like I was a daredevil and not embarrassed ... then jogged to the whip.
I swear EB’s is quickly becoming my very own Cheers. All was good: We were singing along to Toto’s “Africa” and having a good time. Then I asked a girl walking by why she was drinking Natty Ice. She said a dude bought it for her, to which I laughed, “That’s a shitty dude.”
She scoffed, telling me that dude was her boyfriend. My response? "Let’s go talk to him.”
We walk up to bruh and he was one of the people who’d migrated from Dixie’s with us. He laughed, saying it was the cheapest thing, to which other eavesdroppers replied, “What about High Life or PBR?”
He was stuck. She still defended his honor but once she walked away, he laughed and confessed, “I don’t care, that’s not my girlfriend!” to which we all laughed.
Before I left, I got my eyes on a drinks wheel spec the guys behind the bar have in the works. Can’t wait to see how that turns out.
The holidays are the time of year when more people open up their pretty little eyes and see the less fortunate among us.
And thus, we have The Gathering, happening this Saturday at the Sunset Club. Do a good deed and check out this party, three years running.
The goal of the evening is to bring a little something to the table for someone else. The Sigmas of Charlotte & My Sister's House TLC will be collecting toys for children, non perishable foods and items for the Men & Women shelters.
Wondering what to bring?
For men: Toiletries, clothes, just the basics.
For women: The organizers are looking to get 26 winter scarves and hats. In addition, they're also collecting toiletries.
For children: New, unwrapped toys.
And as always, canned goods are great for families in need.
For your charitable good deed, enjoy tunes by DJ BroRabb. Admission is free until 10:30 p.m., and trust me, if this event is anything like last year's, the place will be bumping.
For more information, check out www.thesolkitchen.com.
The top five nightlife-related events going down tonight, Dec. 14, as chosen from the folks at Creative Loafing.
• A Yuletide Beer Tasting : Deck the Halls w/Hops & Barley at Crave Dessert Bar
• Open bar at Tilt with DJ Drock
• Rob Kardashian at Whisky River
• Who's Who Networking Event at Apostrophe Lounge
• Tuesday Trivia with Robyn O’Ladies at Petra's Piano Bar
There are only two weeks left until Christmas Eve! Sheesh, where did the time go? If you need a night of fun to escape the stress of all that holiday shopping, here are some events going on this Friday and Saturday.
Friday, Dec. 10
• For the ladies, it's your night at Jet Ultra Lounge tonight. Free entry and complimentary drink for ladies until 11 p.m.
• Toys For Tots at Town Tavern. Free drinks (if you donate a toy) and great drink specials ($1 drafts all night).
• Carolina Chocolate Drops and The Low Anthem perform at Neighborhood Theatre
• SocialFlockers and Buckhead present Open Bar White Trash Christmas Party
• Dixie's Tavern celebrates its 12-year anniversary. (From 8 p.m.- 10 p.m., there will be free beer, free well liquor and a free buffet compliments of Full House Productions.)
• Jingle Bell Jam at Grand Central
The folks in Plaza Midwood are sooo interesting!
Found this event on Facebook this morning: COMMON MARKET 8TH ANNIVERSARY BYE BYE JOGGERS PARTY!!!!
Not only is Common Market apparently celebrating its 8-year anniversary tonight, but the "PBR crowd" is celebrating the leaving of the "joggers." Apparently these two groups of folks clashed a bit, and the "joggers" have left to find a new place to congregate.
Needless to say, I'm sure a member of the "PBR crowd" posted the event invitation. Haha.
Celebrating 8 solid years of the coolest place to hang out in the neighborhood. Plus the joggers are officially gone forever for complaining about the "PBR crowd" so lets show Tom and Blake some gratitude by coming out to party. Also there's a free show featuring Bart Lattimore and the Mill Hill Revival, Modern Primitives, and DJ Matt. Dress up like a jogger and get a FREE TALLBOY OF PBR!!!!!
Common Market is located at 2007 Commonwealth Ave.
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