New Year’s Eve Happenings: Party like it’s almost 2011
The year 2011 seems an odd one, no doubt, what with the approaching end of the Mayan Calendar, a longish recession and a slow-building recovery. Evidently, though, nothing makes for a good party like a hint of trouble, because party-planning Angelenos are stoking the fires for full-steam New Year’s Eve wildness. Yes, the massive street parties of recent New Year’s Eves are gone, but in their wake come dozens of more focused and pressure-cooked parties for all tastes, from well-curated indie rock shows to big DJ parties where you can dance yourself to exhaustion, from highbrow mansion parties to tiki-torch feasts. It’s looking like 2011 is getting a better-than-average kickoff in L.A., so don’t sleep!
DJ fave OM Records and KCRW-FM (89.9) roll into 2011 with style and swagger as the luxe Santa Monica sleep-away transforms its outdoor patio into a swanky play land, with dancing on top of the hotel’s covered pools to music by DJs Mayer Hawthorne, Classixx, Jason Bentley and Raul Campos. Tickets are all-inclusive: premium open bar, hors d’oeuvres and midnight toast. Viceroy Santa Monica, 1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica. 9 p.m. $200 presales, $250 at the door. (310) 260-7507; https://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com.
NYE at the Hollywood Roosevelt
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel has been a hot New Year’s Eve destination for some time, and this year is no exception. The festivities sprawl out over the entire property, including the Blossom Ballroom, the Tropicana Pool and the Grand Lobby, with house, nu-disco and electro dance music spun by EC Twins, Mei Lwun, Omar Cash, Zach Hill and more. Thinking about an upgraded New Year’s Eve? VIP ticketholders get into the ultra-exclusive Teddy’s Lounge and access to an open bar from 8 to 10 p.m. Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd. 8 p.m. Prices TBA. (323) 466-7000; https://www.thompsonhotels.com.
Cleopatra’s 2011 New Year’s Eve Ball
Walk like an Egyptian to Cleopatra’s 2011 New Year’s Eve Ball, held in the courtyard of Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre. This exotically themed party will have guests bathed in surreal red and amber lighting, surrounded by queens and pharaohs, and well-provided with Top 40, hip-hop and mash-ups tunes. A countdown will mark the New Year with a balloon drop, confetti blast and a giant projected LED light show. The Egyptian, 6712 Hollywood Blvd. 9 p.m. $125-$2,000. (323) 604-6030.
One of the best dance parties in the area, Bootie LA will be throwing its second-annual Bootie NYE, with DJ Paul V. and DJ Shyboy spinning top-shelf mash-ups, wacky dance crew R.A.I.D. offering up the eye candy, and the Lady Tigra (of L’Trimm fame) stopping by for a live performance at 1 a.m. Plus, a midnight balloon drop, a Champagne toast and CD giveaways. Echoplex, 1154 Glendale. 9 p.m. $10 before 10 p.m., $20 after. https://www.bootiemashup.com.
Don the Beachcomber’s Waitiki NYE
If tiki torches, pupu platters and tropical dance tunes sound like the perfect way to welcome 2011, then Don the Beachcomber’s Waitiki festival is just the ticket. The famous Hawaii-themed restaurant will be wrapping up a three-day music festival on New Year’s Eve, featuring the contemporary-yet-retro sounds of the Waitiki 7. Dinner packages include buffet, Champagne toast, party favors and (depending on how many clams you’re willing to shell out) front-row seating for the show. Don the Beachcomber, 6278 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. $40-$125. (562) 592-1321; https://www.donthebeachcomber.com.
The Raveonettes and Autolux at the Hollywood Standard
What better way to party like a rock star than to actually be around rock stars at the Standard? KCRW and the Fold present Autolux and the Raveonettes, a double dose of cool indie rock. The Raveonettes will be representing with their signature retro and raw sound, and Autolux brings its rough-edged shoe-gaze to the party. The Standard Hollywood. 8300 Sunset Blvd. Doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m. $50. (323) 650-9090; https://www.thefold.inticketing.com.
213 Productions NYE
It’s a pubcrawler’s dream come true: One ticket gets you access to eight open bars — the Broadway Bar, the CAÑA Rum Bar, Casey’s Irish Pub, Cole’s, the Golden Gopher, Las Perlas, Seven Grand and Tony’s Saloon. With different specialties from tequila to bourbon, and entertainment such as Gram Rabbit (at Casey’s ), the Deacon Jones All-Star Blues Revue (at Seven Grand) and DJs keeping it rolling, be sure to keep that taxi cab number tattooed to your wrist. Be one of the first 200 to purchase a ticket online, and receive $20 off the $119 price. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. https://www.NYEDOWNTOWNLA.com.
Avalon’s NYE with John Digweed
The grand poobah of progressive house and techno, John Digweed will be taking over the reins at Avalon’s NYE. Digweed’s mastery of all things bpm-related, plus Avalon’s award-winning sound system equals an ace-in-the hole evening ... and morning, since this club stays open well past sunrise. Avalon, 1735 Vine St. $75 presales. 9 p.m. to 10 a.m. (323) 462-8900; https://www.avalonhollywood.com.
Miss Kitty’s Magic New Year’s Eve
Wondering when you were going to use that “naughty satyr” costume again? Here’s your big moment. An almost decade-long staple of deviant nightlife in L.A., Miss Kitty’s fantasy-themed fete never disappoints on New Year’s Eve. Invoking a pansexual fantasy world, Miss K promises two dance floors (sure to be packed), dancing slaves (go-go girls and boys), pleasure dens, a hookah lounge, fortune tellers, body airbrushing, live burlesque and fire shows, and free “nectar of the gods” (a.k.a. Champagne). The Dragonfly, 6510 Santa Monica Blvd. 9 p.m. $7 before 10 p.m., $15 after. (323) 466-6111; https://www.misskittysparlour.com.
This fabulously anachronistic downtown haunt has some surprises up its sleeve for New Year’s Eve, such as bringing in the Yard Dogs Road Show for an evening of its famous blend of burlesque, vaudeville, sideshow oddities, magic, song and dance. Ticket holders will also be treated to a Champagne toast and the Edison’s distinguished desserts. Table reservations are available. As usual, mind the dress code if you’re planning to go — this crowd doesn’t do “casual attire.” The Edison, 108 W. 2nd St. 8 p.m. $75. (213) 613-0044; https://www.edisondowntown.com.
Lights, camera, action! Enter 2011 like a movie star at the uber-glam W Hotel, with its classic and modern chic ambiance right at the intersection of Hollywood and Vine. Guests will be lavished with Champagne, hyped up with hip-hop and house music, and treated like royalty with the W’s “whatever you want, whenever you want it” service. 6250 Hollywood Blvd., 8 p.m. $60. (323) 798-1300; https://www.w-hollywood-new-years.eventbrite.com.
Party-making powerhouse Giant is planning its annual blowout at the historic Hollywood Palladium, with trance masters ATB and Gabriel & Dresden headlining. In the Champagne Lounge, Basic, Architects of Sound and Storm will be brewing dance beats. Night owls take notice: This party stretches until 4 a.m. Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd. 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. $75 and up. (323) 962-7600; https://www.giantclub.com/nye.
‘100 Percent Happy 88 Percent of the Time’
Why not start the new year laughing? Comedian and performance artist Beth Lapides’ new show, “100 Percent Happy 88 Percent of the Time,” combines comedy, personal storytelling, big ideas, edge science, New Age spirituality, multimedia and original songs. Following a sold-out run at the Improv, Lapides is adding a special New Year’s performance at MBar. After the show, the evening continues with a countdown, Champagne, music and dancing. Mbar, 1253 N. Vine St. Doors at 9 p.m., show at 10:30 p.m. $50. (323) 717-4731; http://www.bethlapides.com.
Bobby’s Psychedelic Death Rock New Years Eve
Psychedelic rockers the Warlocks spend New Year’s Eve at the Smell, playing in a lineup curated by lead singer Bobby Hecksher, including the Meek, Black Flamingo, Chelsea Wolfe and LANTVRN. There won’t be any booze for sale at this all-ages venue, but there’s plenty of bars within spitting distance. The Smell, 247 S. Main St. Doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m. $5. https://www.thesmell.org.
If warehouse parties, freaky duds and funky dance beats are among your New Year’s resolutions, then get thee to Nexus, a legit party with an underground vibe, featuring some of the city’s best DJs spinning breakbeats, electro, house, dubstep and more. Get gussied up in something worthy of Burning Man (a.k.a. “Playa wear”), and spend 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. roaming through five areas of music, art installations, mutant vehicles and fire-dancing performances. See the website for address. 9 p.m. $30 online, $40 at the door. https://www.ninjaskillz.net
New Year’s Eve at the Standard Downtown
Looking for a hip option, but strapped for cash? The party professionals behind Culprit Sessions are throwing a rooftop party at the downtown Standard for free, with RSVP. That’s gratis. Libre. Kein Geld. Tanner Ross and Sergio Santos will be spinning up top, while in the lobby, Dominic Carter, Dirty Dave, Pretty Paul and Dan Mancini will be on the decks. We suggest making a fashionably early appearance to avoid the long lines. The Standard Downtown L.A., 550 S. Flower St. No cover with RSVP. 9 p.m. (213) 892-8080; content.standardculture.com.
My House Black and White New Year’s Eve Ball
There is one simple rule at the My House Black & White New Year’s Eve Ball: Anything goes. Prepare for a sensual odyssey as surprise DJs and performers play contemporary and old-school hip-hop, mash-ups and more. Like an old Hollywood night, the dress is upscale, but leave your modesty at the door. Rumor has it that the party will also be attended by a surprise celebrity guest. My House, 7080 Hollywood Blvd., 9 p.m. $155. (323) 960-3300.
Here’s a recipe for chaotic delirium: a concert-style stage, live aerialists, a dance floor for 3,000, and three special guest DJs to motivate until 4 a.m. This is Vanguard’s fourth annual Epic Hollywood New Year’s Eve party, where one is encouraged to dress up and party down. Vanguard, 6021 Hollywood Blvd. 9 p.m. Presale at $40. (323) 463-3331; https://www.vanguardla.com.
Paris New Year’s Eve at Playhouse
A temporary “City of Love” will be burning at the Midnight in Paris NYE celebration at the Playhouse. with sounds by DJ Cedric Gervais. Fusing culture and vibe, the Playhouse is a palace of stylish escapism voted by Reuters International as the No. 4 club in the world. Playhouse, 6506 Hollywood Blvd., 8 p.m. $125. (323) 656-4600; https://www.playhousehollywood.com.
Rage all night to pummeling dance beats — with 50,000 of your closest friends — at the 13th annual Together as One. Superstar DJs pack the roster, including Laidback Luke, Markus Schulz, Wolfgang Gartner, Major Lazer, Richard Vission, Dada Life and many more. Three arenas of music, plus a multimedia fireworks display at midnight. Los Angeles Sports Arena, 3939 S. Figueroa St. 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. $60-$150. (213) 747-7111. https://www.newyearsevela.com.
The Monte Cristo turns into a delightfully dark speakeasy as Vendetta’s Prohibition-Era Mobster Party takes over the posh Wilshire-district playpen. DJ Xian will be playing darkwave and industrial, while DJ Steven Andrew handles the electro, indie and synthpop. Go-go dancing by Suicide Girls and LADead. Monte Cristo, 3100 Wilshire Blvd. 9 p.m. Price TBA. https://www.myspace.com/vogueelite.
Crowne Plaza New Year’s Eve Gala
With panoramic views of the Redondo Beach Pier, the Marina and the Pacific, the New Year’s Eve Gala 2011 will impress with its beautiful location, vibrant aesthetic and surplus of premium liquors served at multiple bars. The 2,000-person capacity assures that everybody has plenty of room to mingle and boogie, and with its track record (the event was sold out last year), this party is expected to be nothing less than a SoCal spectacle. Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach and Marina Hotel, 300 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach. 9 p.m. $40. (310) 318-8888; crowne-plaza-new-years.eventbrite.com.
Celebrate the right way at the biggest club Hollywood has to offer. Boasting four floors, the Kress offers grit and grind on the basement dance floor, VIP rooftop cabanas with a Hollywood sign view, and two floors in between to make sure not a single drop of energy goes unspent. DJ Coolwhip, DJ Sir Marcus, Grammy-nominated DJ Dave Aude and Mike Palmieri will team up to help guests rage. The Kress, 6608 Hollywood Blvd. 9 p.m. $25. (323) 785-5000; http://www.clubzone.com.
For a more relaxed celebration, the Cabana Club Jet Set NYE party offers a Mediterranean ambiance with palm trees towering over a reflecting pool, a 10-foot cascading waterfall and curved walking bridges to the poolside island bar. Indoors is a traditional dance floor. This classy party will run smooth and steady, letting all savor the final moments of 2010. The Cabana Club, 1439 N. Ivar St. 9:30 p.m. $60. (323) 463-0005; https://www.cabanaclubhollywood.com.
New Year’s Eve aboard the Majestic
Toast the arrival of midnight beneath a spectacular fireworks display aboard the Majestic, a 140-foot luxury yacht with three levels, including outdoor decks and two dance floors. Inside, DJ Circuit Bangers and DJ Emtee spin hip-hop, electro and Top 40, but guests may also choose to dance beneath the stars on the scenic deck or enjoy an appetizer buffet court. The Majestic, 100 Aquarium Way, Dock 3, Long Beach. 9:30 p.m. $150. (949) 278-9971; https://www.newyearscruise.com.
Over at the J Restaurant and Lounge, the Party like a Rock Star NYE Bash is headlined by DJ Ravidrums, whose unique drumming and mixing of music has wowed audiences on “The Tonight Show” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and who has performed with Will.I.Am and Paula Abdul. With elegant décor, two floors, three bars and an open smoking lounge, the J Lounge plays the perfect host to New Year’s Eve. J Lounge, 1119 S. Olive St., L.A. 8 p.m. $60. (213) 746-7746; https://www.jloungela.com.
New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day at Rush Street
If your main priority this year is to avoid the hassle of an overcrowded bar, you might want to consider Culver City’s Chicago-style pub and grill, Rush Street. They’ll be limiting their capacity to reserved tables only, serving up hearty favorites such as petit grilled lamb racks with pomegranate and chimichurri sauce, tuna tataki nachos and crispy parmesan calamari. After dinner, the place heats up with two dance floors, two full-service bars and patio areas. Next morning, Rush Street opens at 9 a.m. with a full brunch menu. Bloody marys, anyone? Rush Street, 9546 Washington Blvd., Culver City. 5:30 p.m. Free with dinner reservations. (310) 837-9546; https://www.rushstreetculvercity.com.
It’s a pirate’s New Year’s Eve down at the Redwood, where the drinks are cheap and stiff, and the company is always lively. Musical guests include the Gene Taylor Blues Band (featuring Dave Alvin, Johnny Bazz and Bill Bateman) with special guest and host Phil Alvin, plus Frank Fairfield. Come early, stay late, wear an eye patch. Redwood Bar & Grill, 316 W. 2nd St., L.A. opens at 11a.m., show at 9 p.m. No cover. (213) 680-2600; https://www.theredwoodbar.com.
Strictly for the brave of heart and strong of constitution, the Ecco Lounge rounds up the after-hours crowd for a 3 to 10 a.m. dance party. DroidBehavior’s Acid Circus, Steve Loria, DJ Reza and Darius Alexsandar will be playing tech house, minimal beats and tripnotica until it’s almost lunchtime. That’s one way to cure a hangover. Ecco Lounge, 1640 N. Cahuenga Blvd. 3 a.m. $20 with RSVP, $30 at the door. (323) 464-2065; https://www.eccohollywood.com.
HARD is back and sure to be banging. The party lands at a relatively more intimate venue this year, the Music Box, but is still boasting a killer lineup: Mr. Oizo, Brodinski, DJ Falcon, Congorock, Destructo, and Harvard Bass. Mike Messex and Sean Perry will be on the decks in the Funk Room. The Music Box, 6126 Hollywood Blvd. $60, VIP tables $2,000. https://www.hardfest.com.
Luminary Productions New Year’s Eve Mansion
A mansion cocktail party with fire dancers, acrobats, four bars and a Champagne fountain — it sounds like something that should be narrated by Robin Leach. Luminary Productions offers that and more in a Hollywood Hills mansion with a full panorama of nighttime L.A. Guests can opt between the main room where Dr. Fun will DJ or the tented rooftop with its unbeatable view. Check-in and shuttles will begin promptly at the parking lot on Alta Roma Road and Sunset Boulevard at 8 p.m. $125. (310) 988-2848; https://www.luminaryproductionsnye2011mainsite.eventbrite.com.
Black and White Masquerade Ball at Wokcano Santa Monica
Spend the night in disguise at the Black & White New Year’s Eve 2011 Masquerade Ball at Wokcano Santa Monica, a two-story venue with chic Asian décor and a huge multilevel patio. Brazilian samba dancers and fire dancers will entertain throughout the night, along with DJ Frankie. A delicious menu that includes spicy crabmeat tempura roll, fresh tuna with truffle oil on flatbread, yakitori chicken meatballs and more will also keep guests satiated through to the New Year. Dress in black and white, wear a mask, and get ready for a night of anonymous high jinks. Santa Monica Wokcano, 1413 5th St., Santa Monica. 9 p.m. $40. (310) 458-3080; https://www.wokcanorestaurant.com.
Playboy Magazine Party
With flowing champagne and playmates a’ plenty, Playboy’s official NYE bash will be held at the recently-renovated Hotel Shangria-La. Playmates Monica Squillante, Nikki Ziering, Tiffany Selby, Patrice Hollis, Heather Smith and Pilar Lastra will host and entertain the crowd, along with dance tunes courtesy of DJ Rhiannon, DJ Heather Van Viper and DJ Allie Layus, plus a special guest performance by Listen Deep DJ Mikie Smithers. Balloon drop and midnight toast? Pampering VIP and hotel packages available? Naturally! This is Playboy we’re talking about. Hotel Shangri-La, 1301 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica. $75. (310) 394-2791; www.listendeepmusic.com/playboy.
St. Regis Monarch NYE
Luxury is the motif at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort’s NYE celebration. Start off with a sumptuous prix-fixe menu at the StoneHill Tavern, then continue the festivities at the Lobby Lounge, complete with DJs, dancing, signature cocktails and midnight toast. Next morning, Motif restaurant will host breakast, complete with the St. Regis Bloody Mary Buffet. Check their website for prices, VIP packages and complete information. St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point. Prices vary. (949) 234-3272; www.stregismb.com.
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