Lisa Denton and Barry Courter
BARRY COURTER: Do you remember just a few years ago when there were very few New Year’s Eve events around town? Going out on the town seemed to have fallen out of favor.
Well, it’s back. You won’t be able to swing a dead cat – though I’ve never understand why anyone would do such a thing – without knocking into some sort of NYE party. And there are some pretty good ones. Heck, at the Choo Choo alone there are four.
LISA DENTON: Seriously, who needs Carson Daly? If you’re just going to watch people party on TV while a ball drops in another city, you might as well go on to bed. Better to rock while the clock counts down.
And like you said, there are plenty of places. We ran a list in Thursday’s ChattanoogaNow – a list that’s still online at timesfreepress.com – and we’ll repeat it again this Thursday. But Thursday is New Year’s Eve, so time’s a’wastin’.
BARRY: Some events have already sold out, so folks should call or check before just heading out. But let’s look at the variety. Like I said, the Choo Choo is going to be busy Thursday night. They have comedian Julie Scoggins at The Comedy Catch and then three age-defying groups in three other places.
The Velcro Pygmies have been one of the most popular regional touring acts for more than two decades and they’ll rock the Revelry Room. The Beaters have been arguably the city’s favorite dance/party band for about the same amount of time; they’ll be in the Imperial Ballroom. And then there’s Here Come the Mummies, the band that has been bringing the funk for more than 2,000 years. They are at Track 29. The lifespans of these bands is mind-blowing.
LISA: I guess when you find what works you stick with it. Which is especially true for Here Come the Mummies. Who woulda thunk they’d still be funkin’ it up dressed up as mummies? As business plans go, that one’s pretty weird.
BARRY: Well, for the one or two people around here who aren’t familiar with them, they are a band of Nashville session guys who are contractually limited to where and when they can play, so they dress up. Whatever the back story, they are great fun.
LISA: Don’t forget that the Hunter Museum is also doing a Party on the Bluff on New Year’s. And the Colonnade will have a gospel concert with Brian Free & Assurance. There seems to be something out there for every taste.
BARRY: Oh, there are plenty more options. Another longtime favorite local party band, Peace, Love & Happiness, is at The Chattanoogan. Danimal Planet and indie noise pop duo (I didn’t make that up) Hank & Cupcakes are at The Honest Pint. And if you prefer something a little quieter, Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant next to the Tennessee Aquarium has singer/songwriter Arlo Gilliam.
This doesn’t include all the bars and restaurants that will have parties with special offers like champagne and party favors.
LISA: Don’t forget to grab a noisemaker. It’ll remind you of me.
Get event details every Thursday in ChattanoogaNow or online anytime at www.Chattanooga Now.com.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354. Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.