Looking for the hottest New Year’s Eve party — or maybe something cozy and romantic? Lucky you: You’ve got options. Here’s a taste of what’s happening around town and in the area (check Clubland for complete listings):
• Akumi (28 Wall St.; 236-2577): A club representative promises “fun and exciting live entertainment” — though the mystery band is still TBA. Call for more details. Admission is free.
• Barley’s Tap Room (42 Biltmore Ave.; 255-0504): Jazz-influenced singer/songwriter Jaimee Tomas plays this casual party. Beer and pizza … need I say more? No cover, ever.
• Broadway’s (107 N. Lexington Ave.; 285-0400): Get down with a DJ dance party. DJ Robin Banks & the Valedictorians spin soul & hip-hop. No charge, but you’ve got to be a member of the club.
• College Street Pub (4 College St.; 232-0809): Groove to R&B and funk by West Sound. $5 cover.
• Cypress Cellar (321-C N. Main St., Hendersonville; 698-1005): Peggy Ratusz & the Daddy Longlegs ring in the new year with R&B favorites. Admission is free.
• Decades at Best Western (22 Woodfin St.; 253-1851): Dance band the Nightcrawlers gets the party started, with a little help from various DJs. Buffet dinner before 9 p.m. is $45 per person. Cover after 9 p.m. is $35 per couple and includes a champagne toast. Want to stay the night? A full package with a room (includes late check out and continental breakfast) runs $159.95 for two.
• The Emerald Lounge (112 N. Lexington Ave.; 232-4372): Asheville’s self-proclaimed funkiest band, Strut, gets a little help from DJ Tablesaw. Call for cover price.
• The Grey Eagle (185 Clingman Ave.; 232-5800): This New Year’s Eve celebration includes bluegrass/Americana acts Larry Keel Experience with Curtis Burch, Steve “Big Daddy” McMurry, Sassagrass and The Biscuit Burners. $20 gets you in. (See Smart Bets in this issue for details.)
• Gypsy Moon Sofa Bar (13 Walnut St.; 232-4454): The New Year’s Eve Gypsy Party comes complete with party favors, a champagne toast and tunes courtesy of a still-TBA DJ. Call for cover price.
• Hairspray (38 N. French Broad Ave.; 258-2027): Here’s the place to strut your stuff — compete for Best Dressed Couple (hey, it’s a $100 prize), check out a Cabaret Show w/ Luanna Landreth, and throw back a midnight champagne toast. Call for cover.
• The Hangar at the Holiday Inn (Holiday Inn Airport, Fletcher; 684-1213): Champagne, dancing and the Sharkadelics — what more do you need? Music gets started around 9:30 p.m., cover is $25 per person or $40 per couple. Throw in a hotel stay with late check out and breakfast for $109.95 per couple.
• The Handlebar (304 E. Stone Ave., Greenville, S.C.; 233-6173): Get down with some toe-sucking geek-rock provided by Southern Culture on the Skids. Special guests The Moaners and The Spinns round out the music offerings. $18 gets you in.
• Jack of the Wood (95 Patton Ave.; 252-5445): Celebrate New Year’s Eve with hometown boys Sons of Ralph. The party includes silly hats. $10 cover.
• Mo’ Jazz (48-B Commerce St.; 225-8810): Get down to MoTown sounds provided by Heavy-E. Call for cover price.
• O’Henrys (237 Haywood St.; 254-1891): Asheville Angels perform drag shows at 11:30 p.m. and 12:15 a.m. $5 at the door includes party favors and, of course, the champagne toast.
• The Orange Peel (101 Biltmore Ave.; 225-5851): New Year’s Revolution features tunes by Firecracker Jazz Band and DJ Sterling as well as a performance by Go Go Girlie Action. Champagne toast, party favors and breakfast buffet are included in the cover price of $18.50/advance, $25 at the door.
• Panther’s Paw (111 Joel Wright Dr., Hendersonville; 696-0810): Rock out with Deacon Jones Band, playing a mix of Southern and classic rock. Party favors, hats, etc. add to the party atmosphere. Cover is $10.
• Park Deli (437 N. Main St., Hendersonville; 696-3663): Tacklebox plays foot-stompin’ newgrass.
• The Purple Onion (16 Main St., Saluda; 749-1179): New Year’s Eve with rocker David Childers and his five-piece band The Modern Don Juans includes a six-course meal complete with hors d’oeuvres and dessert, champagne toast and decorations. Seating starts at 7:30 p.m., show runs 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets are $69 per person.
• Saratoga’s Cafe (2723 Soco Road, Maggie Valley; 926-1448): Saratoga’s regular, Randy Flack, performs original, Southern-flavored songs. Drop by for dinner, too.
• Stella Blue (31 Patton Ave.; 236-2424): Get geared up for the annual kick-ass show with The Goodies!, then top off the evening with champagne at midnight. $10 per person.
• Straps (237 Haywood St.; 254-1891): Nothing says “Happy New Year” like the Leather Levi Bar Fetish Night. No cover.
• Town Pump (135 Cherry St., Black Mountain; 669-4808): Grammy-award-winning fiddler Bobby Hicks returns for the 23rd annual New Year’s party. Hazel Creek joins the bluegrass extravaganza. $8 at the door.
• Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues (28 Broadway; 254-7072): Fata Morgana hosts a New Year’s Cabaret replete with guest performers. Dance music provided by indie-pop outfit Stephanie’s Id. A balloon drop, complimentary champagne and a Soul Food Buffet round out the night. Call for ticket price.
• Tribes (237 Haywood St.; 350-1195): Looking for the venue least likely to play “Auld Lang Syne”? Stop by the trance-influenced New Year’s Gathering with TOUCH Samadhi.
• Vincenzo’s (10 Market St.; 254-4698): Festivities start early, at 6:30 p.m. New Year’s specials on menu. Entertainment: Chip & Irv and Haden & Kohler.
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