3 City Halls 3D imaging
FOURTH ANNUAL GRAND PARK + THE MUSIC CENTER’S N.Y.E.L.A.
The city of Los Angeles’ goal to make this Grand Park event the Times Square of the west coast seemed awfully grandiose four years ago, but with spectacular 3D light projections on city hall and acres of music and events, this free event has definitely lived up to that dream.
The night will include three stages with live music, DJs, dancing, large scale inflatable art, and food trucks. The Music Center’s N.Y.E.L.A. takes place from 8:00 p.m. on December 31, 2016 to 1:00 a.m. on New Year’s Day, and will cover 90 acres from The Music Center Plaza to City Hall (Hope Street to Spring Street) and from Temple Street to 2nd Street. No alcohol, family-friendly. Check out the website for event schedules and their extremely detailed rules (No vaping, no selfie sticks, no costumes, no coolers).
X AT THE ROXY
X is one of LA’s most revered institutions, first-wave punks who still bring the sweat and the danger to every show they do. Going just as strong after 40 years, they will be helping you ring in the new year at The Roxy for the highly reasonable price of $35. As of this writing, there are still tickets available.
THE MELVINS, REDD KROSS, OFF! AT PAPPY AND HARRIETS
Sure, Pappy and Harriets is more than a 2-hour drive on the 10, but check out the bill! This is a night people will be bragging about attending for years to come. Steven McDonald goes for the trifecta, playing bass in all three bands to create a one-man rock festival for the ages.
THE GEARS, MORMONS, AKAID, SOMOS MYSTERIOSOS AT CAFE NELA
Cafe NELA’s spacious outdoor patio is a swell place to unwind and take in the LA night air in between sets from some of LA’s most true-blue punk rock hearts. The Gears have been a party favorite since 1977, and be sure to get there early for the dark beauty of Somos Mysteriosos. This is the gig that will most resemble a rowdy house party, if that’s what you’re looking for.
MR. AIRPLANE MAN, THE ZEROS, DIRTY EYES AT THE REDWOOD
How many seventies punk bands can LA host on New Year’s Eve? The Redwood Bar will be joining in with the Zeros, one of So Cal’s best and most festive, most recently spotted at the Bootleg last year tearing it up in grand style. Be aware that you will be right in the midst of the giant Grand Park event, which could go either way.
CLIFTON’S REPUBLIC’S NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION
Clifton’s Cafeteria in downtown LA is taking advantage of its stunning makeover by hosting huge Polynesian-themed bashes. And NYE is the bashiest of them all. Enjoy a traditional luau feast “followed by the most extraordinary Polynesian performances on five full floors.” Clifton’s offers several different “itineraries.”
Starting at $75, “The Beachcomber” includes entry to four floors of South Seas adventure and a bottle of Champagne to ring in the New Year. The “Flying Clipper ticket” ($150) entitles the bearer to the above, plus reserved seating and a Polynesian feast Clifton’s style with Kalua Pork, Huli Huli Chicken and Hawaiian Meatloaf. The “First Class Flying Clipper ticket” ($175) entitles bearer to all of the above, plus VIP seating. The “Ali’i Royal Suite” is for high rollers. It is the only ticket to allow exclusive access to the Legendary Pacific Seas Tiki bar, a special luau feast served in our exclusive Tree Tops Lounge. along with other perks for $350. Yes, the rest of you can go everywhere but the tiki bar. For the tiki-themed party.
Exclusive Tree Tops Royal Luau and Deco Luau feasts to be served 8pm-11pm. “Doors open at 8pm and will close at 3am. This event is for adults aged 21-103, so please bring a valid ID! We request you respect our special environment and dress in proper upscale Resort, Vintage, Vintage Hawaiian, Pinup or formal attire. Please, no flip flops or athletic shoes.”
THE GROUNDLINGS’ NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
This premiere improv comedy troupe was the training ground for most of the comedians you have ever loved on skit-based shows like Saturday Night Live. The Groundlings’ New Year’s Eve Celebration will be directed by Lisa Schurga with an all-star cast of current Groundlings and Groundlings alumni. Besides the entertainment, guests will enjoy specialty cocktails, margaritas and a gourmet taco bar.
Tacos will be served at 9:00pm and the performance beginning at 10:00pm. Following the show, there will be a midnight champagne toast. Tickets are $100.00 and available on the website or you can call (323) 934-4747. Ages 21 and over.
NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA AT THE CASINO ON CATALINA ISLAND
OK, so this may not be a last-minute decision for some people, but why not be spontaneous and steal away for an exciting night on LA’s very own island? Most visitors to Avalon are enchanted by the Casino, but rarely get to visit. Imagine dancing the night away in the glamorous ballroom after dining on a gourmet buffet. Tickets are $185, not counting transportation and hotel. Check out the website for hotel specials. Then you can start the new year off in an equally memorable way by joining the annual Polar Bear Plunge.
RESTAURANTS
For all of you foodies and people looking for something a little more mellow, check out these NYE specials at some of our favorite restaurants:
