ONCE AGAIN, The Weekly comes through with
a nearly complete grab-bag of New Year's goodies for those of
you anxious to party down in the Naked Pueblo. Put on your crash
helmets, designate your drivers, and let the wild rumpus begin.
ANNIE'S BAR & GRILL. 7415 E. 22nd St. 290-8977. Expected crowd size: 150. Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name, and this friendly neighborhood bar is just the place. There will be a pot-luck buffet from 9 to 11 p.m., so bring along some food for sharing and Annie will toss in free party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Savant will provide the rock and roll from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., and everyone is encouraged to participate in this year's black-and-white theme. Once again, Annie's has no cover charge on New Year's Eve.
B-52 BAR & GRILL. 210 W. Drachman St. 620-0949. Expected crowd size: 200. Put no money down at the door, and you still get live music, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight. The grill will be cookin' up all of your B-52 favorites, including burgers and chicken for that extra stamina to get you through a night o' partying and on to the New Year.
BERKY'S BAR. 5769 E. Speedway. 296-1981. Expected crowd size: 200. Berky's is pleased to present the Blue Lizards, who'll rock you into '96 in proper fashion. Tickets are $10 and are available in advance at Berky's. They usually sell out, so don't wait until the last minute. Cover includes party favors, buffet and champagne toast at midnight. The party continues until 1 a.m.
BERKY'S ON FOURTH. 424 N. Fourth Ave. 622-0376. Expected crowd size: 200. This will be the first New Year's Eve for this venue. The Bad News Blues Band performs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., and the $5 cover includes free party favors and a champagne toast. We can't predict if this one will sell out, but if you want to be part of the hoppin' Fourth Avenue scene, don't risk it.
BOX SEATS GRILL. 8848 E. Tanque Verde Road. 760-6699. Expected crowd size: 140. On the more intimate side, snuggle up at Box Seats where they'll have a soft-rock band along with prix fixe full-dinner entrees and champagne toast. No cover charge.
BRANDO'S. 1310 S. Alvernon Way. 325-4401. Expected crowd size: 130. Borderline plays country and old rock and roll favorites. Tickets are $10 for buffet, party favors and a champagne toast. The festivities begin at 8 p.m. and go full steam until 1 a.m., with drink specials all night. Reservations are strongly recommended.
BUGSY'S. 4066 N. Oracle Road. 293-3134. Expected crowd size: 450. To satisfy the untempered cravings of the party goers, the Bloolyte Band plays classic rock, rhythm and blues 'til 1 a.m. Cover charge is $10. Drink and food specials will be offered along with a V.I.P. Lounge. We're not sure what the V.I.P. is all about, but we're sure it's impressive.
BUSHWACKER SALOON & DANCE HALL. 1302 N. Flowing Wells Road. 887-9027. Expected crowd size: 300. The Whiskey River Band plays your country and western favorites all night long, free of charge.
CAFE MAGRITTE 254 W. Congress St. 884-8004. Expected crowd size: 45. Camille says the cafe is in a "mystical mode" for this New Year's Eve. They will be offering 3-4 different types of hearty soups and stews to tempt you to come in before, after or during party time.
THE CAGE 5851 E. Speedway Blvd. 885-3030. Expected crowd size: 800. They've picked their top 3 DJ's to spin alternative/house and other intoxicating sounds for you to dance 'till ya drop. Drinks are cheap and the cover is only $7. Party favors galore and champagne toast at midnight. Get there early.
CARLOS MURPHY'S. 419 W. Congress St. 628-1956. Expected crowd size: 200-300. Celtic rockers The Mollys will have you dancin' on the tables at this jammin' fest. Cover charge is $10, with food and drink specials galore through the night and into the wee hours of the morn. Indulge yourself with party favors and a big room to take in all the action.
CHICAGO BAR. 5954 E. Speedway. 748-8169. Expected crowd size: 200. Reggae monsters Neon Prophet perform from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Cover charge is $7, which earns you the rights to complementary eats and a champagne toast to chase the merry melodies. Drink specials will include two-dollar Red Stripes. It is the only way, mon.
Club Congress. 311 E. Congress St. 622-8848. Expected crowd size: 500. This one sells out fast. The Phantom Limbs make their annual appearance with the Zsa-Zsas opening. Music begins at 9 p.m. and goes 'till 1 a.m. Lots of wild decorations, fizzy champagne toasting and party favors are included in the $10 cover charge. Oh yeah, we've been told this year will include "live animals and men in uniforms." Hilarity ensues. Tickets are available in advance at Club Congress, and they're going fast. It's already too late to book a room for the night, so make wise alternate plans.
DAISY MAE'S AT THE BARON'S. 2401 S. Wilmot Road. 745-9250. Expected crowd size: 110. Dance the night away with the West River Band, who'll play a variety of popular tunes to get your feet movin' in all directions except toward the door. Cover charge is $5. Food specials will be offered along with surprise give-aways.
THE DEPOT. 3501 E. Ft. Lowell Road. 795-8110. Expected crowd size: 270. Trick Rider twangs country music from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. There's a special late-night, three-course dinner package, served from 7 to 10 p.m. The package deal is $79.95 per person, and includes party favors and champagne.
EL MARIACHI. 106 W. Drachman St. 791-7793. Expected crowd size: 200. Mariachi America performs at 6 and 7:30 p.m., with Cumbanchero taking the stage from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The $25-per-person cover includes a tequila shrimp fry with your choice of top sirloin or chicken. Reservations are required. Bring your dancing shoes and greet '96 in grand Southwestern style.
EMPIRE. 61 E. Congress St. 884-9779. Expected crowd size: 350. Only a little over a month old, this new venue has already been packing them in on weekends. If you're looking for new suroundings to ring in the New Year, this is the place. They have a special guest lined up in addition to the DJ, but they're not giving anything away. They break out the complimentary hors d'oeuvres a little before midnight, chased down with music and a champagne toast to see you through 1 a.m. Call for ticket information.
FAMOUS SAM'S. 7129 E. Golf Links Road. 296-1245. Expected crowd size: Big. Time Pilots play classic rock and roll, so get up and shake a tail feather once or twice. Food and drink specials are planned and party favors will be passed out. Make sure you're not. No cover charge.
FAMOUS SAM'S. 2840 W. Ruthrauff Road. 292-0492. Expected crowd size: 180. This Sam's has classic rock and rollers Loco Chevelle to entertain y'all on the west side. Food and drink specials are in the works, along with party favors. Relax, shoot some pool and have a good time. No cover.
FROG & FIRKIN. 874 E. University Blvd. 623-7507. Expected crowd size: 150. Look forward to 1996 with a chance to win the raffle for a trip to San Carlos, Mexico, during spring break. A $10 cover includes rock/blues entertainment courtesy of Johnny Faber & the Road Kings. Appetizers, champagne toast and party favors will have everybody in the mood for a trip to San Carlos. Best of luck.
GALLERY OF FOOD. 256 E. Congress St. 884-5033. Expected crowd size: maximum capacity, 45. This is the fourth annual New Year's Eve Art Dinner, where palate meets palette in an inspired union of art, jazz and cuisine. There will be three choices of five course meals, one of which is vegetarian. Seatings will be at 6 and 9:30 p.m. Cost is $49 per person, with early reservations recommended.
GRAN GUADALAJARA. 2527 S. Fourth Ave. 620-1321. Expected crowd size: 150. Dinner starts at 6 p.m., with live music featuring the Perez Brothers and Miguel Diaz following at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per person and reservations are advised.
GRUB STEAK RESTAURANT & BAR. 2851 W. Valencia Road. 578-9009. Expected crowd size: 125. Polish your belt buckle and your boots and head south to catch the nationally acclaimed country band, Zo Carroll & the Last Ride, who play from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Cover charge is $6 for music, party favors and a champagne toast. They'll even rustle up some pizza from Johnnie's at 12:30 a.m.
HEC AND WINKS. 51 S. Pantano Road. 885-3350. Expected crowd size: 100. High-energy band High Rise plays a variety of music for your listening and dancing pleasure. Choose between $30 per couple for guaranteed seating or $10 to get your lone-self through the door. Champagne toast, hors d'oeuvres and party favors are free for all.
HIDEOUT SALOON. 1110 S. Sherwood Village Drive. 885-6443. Expected crowd size: 200. Rock with The Rowdies, featuring the ex-band leader of Gary Puckett and the Union Gap. Party favors, champagne toast and food toward the end of the evening prove the free lunch does exist, if you're willing to eat it in the middle of the night.
THE HOUSE. 1135 N. Park Ave. 620-1825. Expected crowd size: 160. Jazz up your night from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. with Mike Eckroth. A special prix fixe menu is offered, with three courses going for $65, including wine ($45 sans the fruit of the vine). No cover charge.
JAIME'S. 536 N. Fourth Ave. 624-0233. Expected crowd size: 260. Reggae band One Blood kicks it all off at 8 p.m. Cover charge is $3, including party favors and champagne toast.
JAMAICA BAY 6350 E. Speedway. 296-6111. Expected crowd size: 160. DJ will be playing a variety of songs so there will be something for everyone here. Prime rib dinner for two is $75. $10 cover charge for the bar.
LAFFS COMEDY CAFFE 2900 E. Broadway. 323-8669. Expected crowd size: 300 per show. You can bet co-headliners Patrick Candelaria and Russ Rivas will have you stitches during the two dinner shows. The first begins at 7:30 p.m. at $59.95 per couple and the second at 10:30 p.m. at $69.95 per couple. Price includes food and entertainment. In addition to the party favors and champagne toast there will Las Vegas trip giveaways. Reservations are required. This is a popular spot, so you are encouraged to make reservations early.
LA FUENTE. 1749 N. Miracle Mile. 623-8659. Expected crowd size: 250. El Mariachi Nuevo de la Fuente performs from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. They'll be serving all night from the regular menu. No cover charge.
LARIAT STEAK HOUSE & SALOON. 16666 N. Oracle Road. 825-9987. Expected crowd size: 200. Dance to country and western band Haywire beginning at 8:30 p.m. Reservations are being accepted; cost is $40 per couple and include a down-home dinner.
LI'L ABNER'S STEAKHOUSE. 8501 N. Silverbell Road. 744-2800. Expected crowd size: 600. Yeeeehaaww! Dean Armstrong & the Arizona Dance Hands play 'till midnight at this truly authentic southwestern restaurant and watering hole. There's no cover at the door, and they'll be serving from their regular menu.
THE MAVERICK, KING OF CLUBS. 4702 E. 22nd St. 748-0456. Expected crowd size: 300. Whether you're two-steppin' or swingin', you're bound to have a blast dancing to Scotty Freel & Lickity Split. Cover charge is $15 in advance; $18 day of show. Arrive early for the dinner buffet at 6 p.m.--it's a first-come-first-serve affair. The band takes over at 7:30 p.m., with party favors and champagne passed around at midnight.
NEON MOON. 5150 E. Speedway. 881-7500. Expected crowd size: 200. Tony & the Torpedos and Anna Warr usher in the new year to the smoky hue of the blues. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Complimentary food, party favors and a champagne toast will have you forgetting the old and looking forward to the new in no time.
THE OUTBACK 296 N. Stone Ave. 622-4700. Expected crowd size: 1500. DJ will play your popular favorites. Tickets including dinner are $19.50; without dinner, $12. Advance tickets on sale now, so get 'em while they last. Party favors and champagne toast.
PACK 'EM INN WEST. 2740 S. Kinney Road. 883-6461. Expected crowd size: 200. Country house-band Open Range performs. Snacks will be offered throughout the evening, along with champagne and party favors. There will also be raffle drawings, with the big-basket giveaway taking place at the stroke of midnight. No cover charge.
POST TIME PUB. 2545 S. Craycroft Road. 748-7253. Expected crowd size: 280. Dance to the Tex-Mex Hot City Band. The party rages from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., with party favors and a champagne toast. Cost is only $30 per couple for one heck of a good time.
PRESIDIO GRILL AND HACIENDA DEL SOL. 5601 N. Hacienda del Sol Road. 690-2123. Expected crowd size: unknown. Presidio Grill and Hacienda del Sol present a jazzy New Year's Eve Supper Club they're calling Fly Me To The Moon, with the Jeffrey Haskell Trio and special guest Mary Baker. Drawing from popular American song, this should prove to be an unforgettable way of greeting the new year. Cost is $75 per person, which includes a three-course dinner specially preapared by Presidio Grill chefs, one complementary glass of champagne, tax and gratuity. Seatings are at 6:45 and 10 p.m. Tickets should be purchased in advance from Presidio Grill, 3352 E. Speedway. Call 690-2123 for reservations and information.
THE RIALTO THEATRE. 318 E. Congress St. 795-1420. Expected crowd size: 800. Grab yer partner and get ready for some major action as the Rialto presents Billy Bacon & the Forbidden Pigs, Tailgators and The Paladins. Show begins at 9 p.m., with each band playing a 50-minute set. They'll merge for an unprecedented midnight jam that promises to be a whoopin' musical extravaganza. Party all you want, 'cause the Rialto has struck a deal with the Park Inn-Santa Rita hotel, where they'll give you a special rate to Rialto revelers. Advance tickets are $10, available at Hear's Music and all Zia Record locations. They'll jump to $12 day of show.
THE ROCK. 136 N. Park Ave. 629-9211. Expected crowd size: 200. Get down and boogie-oogie-oogie with your friends the Boogie Knights, for a mere 10-spot at the door. Drink specials throughout the night will provide the proper specs to dig those platform shoes and bellbottoms. Come prepared to work up a sweat.
SAN FRANCISCO BAR & GRILL. 6548 E. Tanque Verde Road. 886-8391. Expected crowd size: 130. Bring your appetite for good food and a good time. Specially priced steak and lobster is sure to please the hungry reveler. A solo guitarist will play classic rock and roll while you're munching away. No cover charge.
SAN FRANCISCO BAR & GRILL. 3922 N. Oracle Road. 292-2233. Expected crowd size: 140. Latin jazz guitarist Ismael Barajas will play from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. His sultry, melodic and sensual music will inspire many passionate midnight kisses for the San Francisco crowd. Champagne toast? Who cares. Food and drink specials will help to satisfy other primal cravings. There's $5 cover charge.
SHERATON EL CONQUISTADOR. 10000 N. Oracle Road. 544-5000. Expected crowd size: Big. The Dayna Wagner Band performs classic rock, blues and jazz throughout the night at the Country Club. Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails are served at 7 p.m. followed by dinner at 8 p.m. You will have a choice of two entrees, soup, salad and desert. Champagne toast at midnight. $70 per person. The Last Territory has party favors and a dance contest beginning at 10 p.m. Dinner and desert is inclusive in the cover charge, which is $75 per person. Reservations only for these festivities.
THE SHELTER 4155 E. Grant Road. 326-1345. Expected crowd size: 125. This is a groovy little happening, man. A swingin' soiree of champale wishes. Only the coolest music from the lounge realm of the '60s and '70s make the cut here. Party favors will adorn those packed to the walls. Champale toast at midnight if they can find a case of it somewhere. No cover charge.
SOUTHWEST CENTER FOR MUSIC. 2175 N. Sixth Ave. 884-1220. Expected crowd size: 500-600. Master of last year's New Year's party, Rich Encinas, returns to present a Tejano good time featuring the band Festival, with a DJ to keep things cookin' in between sets. It all starts at 7 p.m. and goes until 1 a.m. Tickets are available at Southwest Center for Music; $12 in advance; $15 day of show.
SWING INN LOUNGE. 1618 W. Wetmore Road. 292-2201. Expected crowd size: 175. Think you're hot? Enter the Sexiest Dressed Couple contest, or grab the spotlight by yourself in the Sexiest Dressed Lady contest. $3 per person; $5 per couple. Daria and the Mezcal Band will help you strut your stuff.
TUCSON MCGRAW'S CANTINA. 4110 S. Houghton Road. 885-3088. Expected crowd size: 130. A special New Year's Eve party is planned featuring live entertainment with drink and dinner specials. No cover charge.
VAN GOGH'S. 7895 E. Broadway. 722-5518. Expected crowd size: 150. Jazz trio Danny Byrne and the Stylists. Special New Year's Eve menu is planned. No cover charge.
WESTWARD LOOK RESORT. 245 E. Ina Road. 297-1151. Expected crowd size: 300. Chuck Wagon & The Wheels will shake things up in the ballroom from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. where sequins and stetsons are the theme. The champagne reception begins at 7:30 p.m. followed by a five-course dinner at 8 p.m. Fireworks light up the sky starting at 11:45 p.m. with a champagne toast at midnight. $185 per couple. The Gold Room is preparing a four-course dinner to be served between 5:30 and 10 p.m. Party favors and a champagne toast will take place between 11:45 p.m. and 12:15 am. $110 per couple. Reservations are recommended.
SPECIAL NOTES
SOUTHWEST CENTER FOR MUSIC 2175 N. Sixth Avenue. 884-1220. The Sweatlodge presents "Tales from the Hotel Arizona" on Thursday, December 28 at 8 p.m. Nick Seivert, Danny Boskowitz, Dave Fitsimmons, Fish Karma and Mike Sterner make up the Sweatlodge and all have performed stand-up comedy. This new show is destined to become a Tucson classic. Sketches include "Vegetarian Cowboys of the Old West", " The Oro Valley Historic Home Tour" and "Dashboard Cooking." Songs are to include "The Night They Burned Old Tucson Down" and "Lute's Blues." The new show will always be changing and evolving. (Just depends on who becomes the next Alan Lang.) Don't miss this first in a series of hilarious takes on life here in the Old Pueblo. Tickets are $6 per person, $1 discount for donations to the Community Food Bank. Call for reservations.
TUCSON CONVENTION CENTER NORTH EXHIBIT HALL 260 S. Church Ave. 791-5223. Tucson Parks and Recreation Department will host "Midnight Jam", a pre-New Year's Party for ages 13-19, from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m., Saturday, December 30. The cost is $2 per person and $3 per couple. Enjoy dancing, hangin' with friends, playing pool, video arcade games, ping-pong, and a basketball shoot-out. Concession stands will be available. Free giveaways throughout the evening. Call for transportation information. Midnight Jam is co-sponsored by Tucson Parks and Recreation Department, Pima County Parks and Recreation Department, and Peace on the Streets.
