Let‘s Party: What‘s Happening ‘Round the Region on New Years Eve

Dec. 29, 2004

Some call it “Amateur Night,” in reference to the supposed first time drinkers out celebrating; but ringing in the New Year is accomplished in many different ways from simply changing the wall calendar to elaborate resort getaways and everything from dinner at home with family and friends to popping corks at nightclubs in between.
If you decide to hit the town, start with your favorite restaurant or club as just about everyone is hosting some sort of celebration. Reservations are usually required with some offering a complete dinner and entertainment package and others offering one or the other. You might want to consider a designated driver or hiring Majestic Limousine or if you have several in party consider a bus from By the Bay Tours. Both services will pick up and drop off everyone right at their home.
Here are a few highlights of the New Years Eve happenings:

Union Street Station in Traverse City plans to keep it simple with their regular cover charge and what is rumored as the last concert for Mike Moran and The Big Ones. Last year several people floated between Union Street and neighboring pubs Dillinger’s and Bootlegger’s so this triple treat option is great for those who decide to dine elsewhere. One dining option is just around the corner at Poppycock’s where they will feature baked seafood lasagna, Alaskan king crab and venison strip loin with a morel sauce. Another music only option in downtown Traverse City is at the Loading Dock with East Lansing based folk rockers Steppin’It taking the stage around 10 p.m.
Looking to mix with out of town guests? Try the Holiday Inn and their Midnight Mayhem II where Shimmers Lounge will convert into “The Silver Palace,” for the evening. Advance tickets are $20 and include bar munchies, the music of Risque and a champagne toast. The Top of the Park will offer an intimate New Years celebration with room for 40 couples. The evening will be highlighted by a 6-course meal and entertainment by Tom “Piano Man” Kaufman and friends. Both the Park Place and the Holiday Inn have overnight packages for those who want to imbibe without having to drive.
For the fan of the blues there are two options. The Big Easy Voodoo Lounge in Traverse City has a dinner and entertainment special for $50 a couple. Dinner for two includes prime rib with a choice of a lobster tail or crab legs, champagne toast at midnight and the blues music of regional Blues Challenge winner Mark Arshak.
When blues harmonica legend Rod Piazza and his Mighty Flyers played to a sold out crowd at the Milliken Auditorium last year Grand Traverse Resort general manager Andrew Bateman immediately after the concert booked the band for New Years Eve. The Resort is offering several weekend packages including a dinner and concert package for $110 per person. The five-course meal will feature filet mignon and a lobster tail with champagne at midnight. The evening will kick off with the Harry Goldson Quintet performing big band favorites. For regulars to the Trillium they will feature Dawn Campbell and the Ron Getz Quartet with a four-course dinner. In case you have New Years plans already Piazza and his band will perform a “Saturday Night Roadhouse Blues Show” with Mojo and the Boogieman on January 1.
Entertainer Dominic Fortuna is partnering with Chef Dan Kelly for a special celebration at the Williamsburg Dinner Theater. Calling it “Rockin In the Winter Wonderland” Fortuna and his performance troupe will feature songs that were released during the holiday season blending both seasonal and pop favorites. He as assembled another talented group that will serve as the wait staff for the night. The evening will conclude with a dance party. For menu selections call the Theater as reservations are required.
If you want to add some black jack or slot machines to your evening try anyone of the three area casinos, each is offering their own unique way to ring in 2005. Victories Casino & Hotel in Petoskey is having a “Hollywood Style” celebration with a cash prize of $1,000 being awarded for the “Most Glamorous Hollywood Couple,” with additional prizes for best female and male film idols. The Classic Soul All Stars will provide music and the Mukwa Café will offer both a dinner and post midnight breakfast buffet.
The Leelanau Sands Casinos Showroom will offer a “Las Vegas” style New Years with two shows featuring “Rat Pack” impersonators performing the best of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. The evening’s host is Marie Brisebois, considered to be Las Vegas’s top Cher impersonator. At the Little River Casino in Manistee, Root Doctor will rock in the New Year with a lavish dinner buffet and carving station.
Streeters Entertainment Center is bringing back their “3-parties in one” New Years Eve celebration. Local favorites Rumor along with live DJ’s will provide the entertainment. Partygoers will be free to roam Ground Zero, Liquid Lounge and Streeters all for one price.
In Petoskey try the City Park Grill with a special menu featuring Tortilla Crusted Whitefish, Raspberry Barbecue Pork Tenderloin and Roasted Duck as just a few of the entrée options available. Detroit garage-rap rockers Bump will provide the tunes to groove to. Midnight will feature a champagne toast and an appetizer buffet.
Mother nature has cooperated quite nicely so area ski resorts are open and after a day of hitting the slopes try any number of New Years Eve options. Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville has the perfect set up for the family. Slopes stay open until 11 pm with a torchlight parade and fireworks at midnight. The Crystal Café will host a Teen Dj Dance Party and there will also be a Dr. Seuss party for the little ones that includes dinner, games and stories. In the conference center there will be an adult DJ dance party or if you are looking for something a little more laidback acoustic entertainment will take place at the Vista, which has the best seats for the parade and fireworks.
Another great family option is in downtown Cadillac where the community offers the First Night celebration. It all begins at 1:30 with a community photo session followed by numerous cultural and entertainment happenings throughout the day. One highlight is a visit to the Sound Garden where kids of all ages will enjoy playing in this outdoor musical park. Evening highlights include a procession through town and several dances concluding with fireworks over Lake Cadillac. For additional information contact the Cadillac Visitors Bureau.
Options abound for celebrating New Years Eve. Please remember to call ahead as reservations are usually required and often discounts are available for advance ticket purchases. If alcohol is in the mix think about a designated driver or consider renting either a limo or a bus. Remember the H. Cox and Sons is sponsoring free cab rides home from 6 pm to 4 am, check with your local club to see if they are participating or have another ride home after the party program. Have fun, safe and Happy New Year.

Check out Express Nightlife and Hot Dates listings for additional New Year’s events.