The A.V. Club’s nearly complete Madison New Year’s Eve guide
Sherrie Thai
Some years slip quietly away with a final rattle of a noisemaker when the clock chimes midnight on New Year’s Eve, while others are long remembered for momentous cultural and political upheavals. 2011 marked widespread demonstrations of democracy like the Arab Spring and Occupy Protests throughout the country but also the departures of iconic figures, including Steve Jobs, Elizabeth Taylor, and Amy Winehouse. Oh, and there won’t be anymore Harry Potter movies. To celebrate the highlights of 2011 and raise a glass in remembrance, The A.V. Club assembled a list of Madison New Year’s Eve parties you won’t want to miss.
New Year’s Eve at the Orpheum Theatre
This year, Madison’s own DJ group, Dirty Disco Kidz, will be raging and raving at the Orpheum, leading people into the New Year in a most sweaty fashion. After several tours outside of the Midwest and starting weekly “Lobby Nights” at the Orpheum during the summer, DDK are notorious for throwing one hell of a party. Also spinning across two stages are Team Bayside High, Von, Swampp Cat, Mad Major Melvin, and more, with a champagne toast, free glowsticks, and coffee and donuts for the morning after.
’80s Vs ’ 90s New Years at the Majestic Theatre
Relive the neon spandex, acid wash, and crop tops of the ’80s and ’90s this New Year’s Eve at the Majestic Theatre. DJs Nick Nice and Mike Carlson will be spinning throwback tunes while music videos light up the big screen. Carbo-load with $5 pretzel dogs available from the Underground Food Collective. Toast the New Year with champagne at midnight.
WJJO Acoustic New Year at Madison Marriott West
If you are looking for some acoustic, emotive rock groups, WJJO is sponsoring its “Acoustic New Year.” Playing are Pop Evil, Bobaflex, and Sand. At $45 a ticket, the evening includes dinner. Also available are $250 overnight packages for two.
WORT Nasty New Years at Alchemy
For fans of things funky and free, the Alchemy Café will be hosting the second-annual WORT Nasty New Years with Madison’s the Mustache. The nine-piece, self-described “nasty funk” band will add some groove to the last night of 2011.
New Year’s Eve at The Frequency
The Frequency has a suitably grungy evening planned. Rounding out a bill of punk and hard rock is local group Whisky Pig, and with its members having pseudonyms like Scuzzbucket, Switchblades, Trashbag, and Break Shit, this band will surely try to fill the night with some dirt and debauchery.
Dillon Francis at Segredo
Few endorsements ring louder in the DJ world than that of Diplo’s, a badge Dillon Francis can proudly tout. Diplo thinks so highly of the Los Angeles-based upstart that he signed him to Mad Decent. Francis specializes in moombahton—an abrasive, mid-tempo take on Dutch house. He has only MP3 remixes, this year’s Westside! EP, and the new “IDGAFOS” single to his name, but if you take into account the amount of praise tastemakers are heaping on his output and the spins he’s getting from big names like Steve Aoki, Diplo, and, uh, Will.i.am, it seems like a safe bet that the upcoming Masta Blasta will be a breakout.
New Year’s Eve Walk at UW Arboretum
Looking for some laid back, family-friendly activities before the rowdiness of the night gets bad? The UW Arboretum has its New Year’s Eve Walk from 6:30-8 p.m. In addition to a nice tour of the arboretum, “brief scientific explanations for various ecological concepts” are included. Also, free hot chocolate.
New Year’s Eve at Merchant
People looking to blow an entire week’s pay on some of the best cocktails in town will find what they need at Merchant. DJs Jeremy Thomas and Homewrecker will provide tunes to go along with complimentary punch, party favors, and champagne toast.
N.Y.E. 2012 at the Comedy Club on State
If you’d rather laugh than get all tired and sweaty from dancing, settle in for one of the Comedy Club’s three shows on Dec. 31. Chris Barnes, Mike Gardner, and Stefan Davis will be serving up the yucks, with champagne and party favors getting broken out for the final performance of the night.
New Year’s Eve at Crystal Corner Bar
Blues masters the Cash Box Kings will form a powerful bill to kiss 2011 goodbye along with Oscar Wilson and Joel Paterson.
New Year’s Eve at Mickey’s Tavern
Wrap your arms around the New Year with an immersion experience into eclectic music. Sexy Ester, Lonesome Savages, The Manginas, Jakeleg, and Baristacide will help fans taste-test genres from rockabilly to nu-jazz. Don’t forget to sample Mickey’s famed Sexy Fries, potato chips drizzled with truffle oil dressing and grated Parmesan cheese.
New Year’s Eve Bash at High Noon Saloon
Ring in the New Year by celebrating the past. Stop by the High Noon to hear Hell Toupée, Grinder, Sabbra Cadabra, and I’m Cramped pay tribute to Turbonegro, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, and The Cramps. Between sets, WORT hostesses Jenni Lad of the Leopard Print Lounge and Rev Velveteen of Psychoacoustics will spin a mix of tunes from garage rock to R&B.
Black & White Masquerade Ball at Inferno
Welcome the New Year in style at the Inferno’s Black and White Masquerade. Masks and themed attire are requested. Costume contests will recognize the best-dressed male, female, and couple along with the person with the “most fabulous accessory.” DJs Mazi & Zeez, Psychotron, and Weaztek will take care of the music.
New Years Eve Celebration at Essen Haus
What better place to ring in 2012 than the Madison bar with the most imported bier? The night of Dec. 31 the Essen Haus will host a feast of kings with an all-you-can-eat prime rib buffet and open bar. Mike Schneider will play at 9 p.m. Stop by to celebrate, eat, and drink beer out of a boot, in true German custom.
Rock Star Gomeroke at Brocach Irish Pub on the square
Assemble the co-workers, friends, and relatives to partake in the time-honored tradition that promises to delight and embarrass: karaoke. Join The Gomers for their seventh year playing a selection of 2,500 tracks from Madonna to Tenacious D for any brave souls who want greet 2012 in song.
New Year’s Eve at Arthur Murray Dance Studio
Shimmy, strut, tap, or tango, get ready to step out at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio New Year’s celebration. Hats and noisemakers will be available to ring in 2012. Prime Time Live Band will serenade dancers as they await the balloon drop at midnight. Door prizes will be given out throughout the night, including a dance program valued at $1,000.
U.S. Bank Eve at locations throughout Madison
U.S. Bank Eve promises fun for the crowd that won’t be toasting the New Year with champagne and cheap wine any time soon. Events range from face painting to rides on the holiday trolley. The festivities will conclude with a firework display over Lake Monona. View the complete listing of participating locations and events at www.usbank.com.
Kwanzaa Celebration at Olbrich Gardens
Kwanzaa was created in the late ’60s to celebrate African American culture. Visit the Kwanzaa festivities in Evjue Commons to add a cultural flair to your New Year’s Eve plans. Event-goers can expect dancing, drumming, and singing. All are welcome, but seating is limited.
Piano Fondue Dueling Pianos at The Brink Lounge
Fans of classical instrumentation with a twist get ready to soak in the percussive sounds of ebony and ivory keys at the New Year’s Eve Celebration with Piano Fondue dueling pianos. The all-request rock show will entertain patrons right into 2012 with a champagne toast at midnight. Party favors are included.
