Sunday, December 28, 2008
A+E, In this Issue...

NEW YEAR’S EVE SURVIVAL GUIDE

SP’s one-stop shop for the best parties, concerts and shows

C. Taylor Crothers
STS9

By Anne Lee Dabney

'Twas the night before New Year’s, and all through the town, Atlantans were looking for a place to get down. Parties and concerts were planned with such care, but with no information to get themselves there. Thanks, then, to SP, whose pages profess venues for  lip-locks or a midnight caress. Details on Cracker, improv, the Whigs—fun before promises of giving up cigs. Drop times for a peach and a bunch of balloons; this info was needed––the events are so soon. With a quick call for tickets (including liquor and wine), there’s naught else to do but welcome '09. Dear readers, drink less, avoid the sweet sorrow—or enter next year with a hangover tomorrow.

IT'S TRADITION . . .

PEACH DROP 2009: Ring in the New Year Georgia-style at Underground Atlanta, beginning with daytime family activities and continuing into the evening with live performances, including Julianne Hough, in preparation of the descent of the 800-pound peach and fireworks display. 404-523-2311. www.peachdrop.com.

DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWN: It's not an 800-pound peach, but it is our city's biggest balloon drop. This mega-bash also boasts five party areas; live performances from Cracker, Modern Skirts, Young MC, Reality Check and Martay Partay; DJs, comedians and an open bar (for more than five hours!) with snacks to nosh, carving and pasta stations, and a late-night breakfast to soak it all up. The famous event is back for its fifth year at the Hyatt Regency in the heart of Atlanta,  8:30 p.m.–2 a.m. Tickets are $120, $200 for VIP treatment (which includes access to two private areas in the main ballrooms, better views of the stage and an upscale bar and dinner menu). www.downtowncountdown.net.

HEATHEN CHEMSITRY: If the hotel party scene isn't for you, watch the Peach Drop and Times Square events on HD at Engine 11 Firehouse Tavern (in the former Spotted Dog location on North Avenue). Enjoy two floors of DJs (Moneyshot, Cannonball, Iain and With Wolves) as well as a full top-shelf open bar—and don’t forget the famous late-night breakfast buffet. We recommend you buy tickets soon, as this event has generally sold out, and only 350 tickets will be sold. Tickets are $80. For more info, visit www.ticketalternative.com.

MILE HIGH CLUB LOUNGE: The W Atlanta-Midtown offers a first-class party experience for 150 lucky revelers in the Mile High Club, an exclusive penthouse-level dance and lounge space. Live music by Samantha Jones and special guest Vikter Duplaix sets the mood. Celebrate in style for $150, or upgrade to a full room package that includes access to an open premium bar and a stylish crash pad. Lounge tickets are available at www.ticketalternatives.com. For the room package, call 877-822-0000. 

PERHAPS A LAUGH INSTEAD . . .

DAD'S GARAGE: Celebrate early as this local spot hosts its "wildest improv show of 2008." at 8 p.m. The bi-yearly Pants/No Pants game promises to help you get a head start on resolutions—what with all those calories you’ll burn via side-splitting laughter. Includes a 10 p.m. champagne toast. Tickets are $25 in advance, $27 at the door. 404-523-3141. www.dadsgarage.com.

THE FUNNY FARM: Comedian Tom Simmons provides the laughs at this 10:30 p.m. celebration, which includes party favors and a champagne toast, as well as access to a free buffet at the StarTime Sports Bar. 770-827-4242. www.funnyfarmcomedyclub.com.

WHOLE WORLD THEATRE: If poor dance moves have you feeling skittish, why not sit down while someone else takes over the entertainment? “Whole World Musical: A New Years Eve Celebration" features the award-winning Main Stage cast, prizes, a dessert bar and a midnight champagne toast. The 10 p.m. event, $50 per person, also offers dinner packages for a 7 p.m. meal at Front Page News in Midtown, $89 per person or $169 for a couple. 404-817-7529. www.wholeworldtheatre.com.

WILD BILL’S: Funnymen Marshall Chiles and Big Kenney present an early (7 p.m.) evening of stand-up comedy at the cowboy-themed nightclub. $20 at the door. 678-473-1000. www.wildbillsatlanta.com.

OR SOME FAMILIAR TUNES . . .

As always, Atlanta features a plethora of concerts, adding a soundtrack to the whole "out with the old, in with the new" experience. Here’s a brief list of highlights:

BAND OF HORSES WITH SPECIAL GUEST THE WHIGS: 10 p.m. at Variety Playhouse. 404-524-7354. www.variety-playhouse.com.

BILL GENTRY & THE LOST TRAILERS: 7 p.m. at Wild Bills. 678-473-1000. www.wildbillsatlanta.com.

FRONTIERS (JOURNEY TRIBUTE BAND): 7 p.m. at Andrews Upstairs at East Andrews Cafe & Bar. 404-869-1132. www.eastandrews.com.

HELLA HOLLABRATION WITH THE CRB, THE LUCKY DAWGS AND SOULHOUND: 8 p.m. at the Village Theatre. 404-688-8858. wwwvillagecomedy.com.

HOT WATER MUSIC, TIM BARRY (OF AVAIL), THE BASTARD SUNS: 8 p.m. at Heaven at the Masquerade. 404-577-8178. www.masq.com.

JASON MICHAEL CARROLL: 11:30 p.m. at Cowboy's Concert Hall. 770-426-5006. www.cowboysatlanta.com.

NOOT D’ NOOT, JUDI CHICAGO, DJS VIKKI V & SUZI Q: 9 p.m. at the Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge. 404-874-5756. www.thehighlandinn.com.

PACKWAY HANDLE BAND, LITTLE COUNTRY GIANTS, THE BARN RATS: 8:30 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic. 404-377-4976. www.eddiesattic.com.

THE RENT BOYS, HOWLIES, FIEND WITHOUT A FACE: 9:30 p.m. at the EARL. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com.

STS9 (SOUND TRIBE SECTOR 9) WITH PNUMA TRIO, KAP10 HARRIS AND DJ ROOTZ: 8 p.m. at the Tabernacle. 404-249-6400. www.livenation.com.

SOUL STEW REVIVAL WITH DEREK TRUCKS AND SUSAN TEDESCHI: 9 p.m. at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. 404-817-8700. www.foxtheatre.org. SP