Or don’t… we’re not too bothered either way
Clearly the big deal this week is New Year’s Eve. Unless you plan on spending 2009 in a champagne-fuelled stupor the idea that New Year’s sets the tone for your next year is a little silly but it does provide an excellent excuse to party a little harder than you would on your average Wednesday night.
Before we get to exploring your options though don’t forget that New Year’s Eve isn’t the only party in town. There’s Thunderheist at Broken City on Saturday December 27 for one. Their high-speed electrocrunk is sure to be a late-year concert highlight.
On to the year-end celebrations. Punk rockers have a pair of fine options this year. Known for their sense of humour as much as their music (they sold pro-Bush T-shirts on the 2004 Van’s Warped Tour) California’s Guttermouth will be tearing up The Underground. With two decades of touring under their collective belt these guys know how to start up a solid circle pit. And at Broken City Sharp Ends and Dirty Dirty North will prove that Calgary is still a hot spot for pure punk rock. It’s a perfect night out for folks who prefer Pilsner to Dom Pérignon.
For a slightly more upscale night out there’s always Merqury at Hotel Arts. A Queen cover band with members from Germany and Canada Merqury will have you drunkenly wondering if you’ve stumbled into the late ’70s. Or if you’d rather be transported to the ’80s there’s always Loverboy at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino. Yes the real Loverboy not a tribute. It was originally supposed to be April Wine but they had to back out due to medical issues so Calgary’s favourite weekend-workers will be turned loose instead.
You say you’d rather look to the future than the sweatband-addled ’80s? Calgary’s Green Fools theatre company has you covered. Its party at the Auburn Saloon encourages attendees to “dress for futuristic time and space travel.” If you’re going to set the tone for a new year why not 2099?
