Sophie DuvernoyNew Year's is upon us soon, and with that, the angsty debate about what to do in order to make it the most epic night of both the last and the new year begins (no pressure attached, of course).
In order to take some of the stress out of planning the big party, here are LA Weekly's picks for L.A.'s top ten New Year's Eve events.
10. New Year's Eve Revue at the Santa Monica Playhouse
The Santa Monica Playhouse is featuring its annual New Year's Eve Revue, with dances, comedy, and songs — plus the requisite glittery outfits and wigs. There's a family friendly show at 6, plus a later one to usher in the new year with showbiz dazzle.
Early show at 6 pm; late show starts at 9.30; Tickets from $39.50-49.50. More information here: santamonicaplayhouse.com.
Credit: Courtesy of Villains Tavern
9. The Beginning of the End of the World Party at Villain's Tavern
If you fear the day the Mayan calendar will end, why not celebrate the end at Villain's Tavern? Arguably the coolest bar in the Arts district, the Tavern will have live bands, as well as Punchfest — a delicious deal for your wallet, in which the price of the Tavern's signature punch will go down by one dollar, every hour until midnight. Doors open at 5 pm; no cover charge. More information here: www.villainstavern.com.
Credit: Christopher Victorio
8. Bootie L.A. at the Echoplex
Celebrate New Year's the classic way and just dance your heart out. The Echoplex is hosting its traditional Bootie L.A. night, full of funky bootleg mash-ups (plus a special live mash-up performance by DJ Shyboy, and free Bootie CDs for the first 300 guests). Ball drop, champagne toast, and great tunes — a simple recipe for a good night. Doors open at 9 pm; tickets are $20 pre-sale, $30 at the door. More information here: www.attheecho.com.
7. Cleopatra's Ball at the Egyptian Theater
Sure, you can take your pick of the big club bashes in Hollywood. But if you're looking for a more interesting place to party, the Egyptian Theater's decadent revival interior is too good to pass up, and who hasn't dreamed of dancing with King Tut?
Doors open at 9 pm; Tickets from $75-1500. More information here: californianightlife.com.
Joe Rogan — Tae Kwon Do champion, Fear Factor host, and all-around BAMF — also happens to be a first-class stand-up comedian. Catch his special New Year's performance at the Improv, and ring in the new year with some belly laughs.Show starts at 10 pm, tickets from $60-90. More information here: www.laughstub.com.
Credit: Adam Levey
5. Pink Martini at the Disney Concert Hall
Catch slick lounge chic ensemble Pink Martini, who are back by popular demand at Disney Concert Hall. With their chic mix of classical, jazz, latin and pop, they'll usher in the new year with style. Doors open at 7 pm; Tickets from $78-209. More information here: www.laphil.com.
Credit: Autumn de Wilde
4. Jenny and Johnny with Cults at the Standard
If you didn't catch them at Coachella this year and need your dose of mixing with the beautiful people, go check out Jenny and Johnny's set at the Standard in West Hollywood. The mellow boyfriend-girlfriend indie duo is headlining KCRW's sponsored New Year's party, with New York band the Cults starting off the night. Doors open at 8 pm, show from 9 pm – 1.30 am. Tickets from $75-125. More information here: Jenny and Johnny, Cults, DJ Marion Hodges.
3. Bootlegger's Ball at the Edison
If you're looking to go luxe for New Year's, and are searching for options that are somewhat more debonaire than the average party fare, the Edison may be the place for you. This legendary bar — so named because it occupies the site of L.A.'s first private power plant — is well-known for its delectable cocktails and louche retro atmosphere. The Bootlegger's Ball is a good reason to bring out pencil skirts, garter belts, and ring in the New Year with old-fashioned decadence. Doors open at 6 pm; Tickets at $75. More information here: www.edisondowntown.com.
Credit: Photo of Best Coast by David Black; both images courtesy of Club Nokia.
2. Best Coast and Wanda Jackson at Club Nokia
We can't think of a much funner set than the First Lady of Rockabilly and the fuzzy surf-rock of indie darling Bethany Cosentino. They might make an odd match, but one thing is sure — it'll make for a sophisticated retro night, with good music guaranteed.
Doors open at 8 pm, concert starts at 9 pm. Tickets from $28.50-45. More information here: www.clubnokia.com.
1. Marina Del Rey Fireworks
It's simple — nothing is quite the same as fireworks on New Year's Eve. Head to Marina Del Rey to enjoy one of L.A.'s only public fireworks displays, and celebrate their with your friends. More information here: marinadelrey-ca.blogspot.com.
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