There are plenty of nights to party and celebrate each year, but undoubtedly the biggest is New Year’s eve. Perhaps it’s the thought of starting over the next day with a clean slate and a new year, but celebrations on Dec. 31 always tend to be among the rowdiest and the most sentimental of occasions. Before we head into 2016, here are some of the festivities happening in the area, with something on offer for just about every music fan. – Jam band The Brothers Gow have a special show set for Dec. 31 at Winston’s, with the band set to perform their second annual Time Travel show, playing hits from 1966 to today. The band has been building an impressive following across the U.S., with fans packing legendary venues such as Los Angeles Orpheum, drawn by their improv prowess and funky beats. For this show, however, the band plays exclusively covers, turning in great versions of such unlikely songs as David Bowie’s “Fame,” Aha’s “Take on Me,” and KC & The Sunshine Band’s “Get Down Tonight.” With a keen sense of humor that shines through in their performances and the musical chops to play some tricky tunes, these guys will have the dance floor filled from start to finish. winstonsob.com – Also involving a bit of time travel, music aficionados heading to the Turquoise will find a themed event, Chicago Meets Prohibition. With the look and feel of the 1920s through 1940s, the night includes all drinks and tapas, with a big band, Ragtime Meets Swing, set to provide the soundtrack of tunes from the era. Other entertainment is set to include a DJ, with more modern sounds, as well as a video presentation of classic music clips through the decades. The night’s highlight, in fitting with the vintage era theme, will likely be the staging of a full burlesque show set to live music. With so much activity and a fun menu, this could be the year’s ultimate date night.
theturquoise.com/nye – Heading over to the waterfront, anyone wanting a fun night of soul and funk dancing will find Humphrey’s Backstage Live to be the perfect option.
Great food, a spacious dance floor, fantastic views and plenty of parking highlight an evening that will feature one of San Diego’s top dance bands, Detroit Underground. Featuring singer Stellita Lindgren and a full horn section, the group plays a wide range of material, but where it excels is in mid-’70s through 1980s tunes by the likes of The O’Jays, Earth Wind & Fire or Anita Baker. The whole band is topflight, but Lindgren’s passion for the music and engaging stage presence put Detroit Underground a notch above the rest. humphreysbackstagelive.com Other fun options
– As the name indicates, The Reflectors, who will be appearing at Tio Leo’s, are influenced by the hits of the ’80s, particularly rock-oriented numbers by the Cult, Billy Idol or U2. Perfect for anyone who grew up watching MTV during its infancy. tioleos.com – Meanwhile, female-fronted quintet The Jones Revival will perform at Beaumont’s. The mix of female and male vocals makes for incendiary version of tunes by Led Zeppelin, Neil Young and more modern fare such as Alabama Shakes. beaumontseatery.com/events – Classic rock aficionados may also want to head to The Kona Kai Resort, which will host music from Fish & The Seaweeds in its Vessels restaurant. Led by guitarist Mark Fisher, you’ll hear favorites by Santana, Creedence and more. resortkonakai.com – Finally, The Harp will feature a night of music from Ron Houston and friends. Houston is best known for his work with country band Sick String Outlaws, and that spirit carries over to his solo work. Anyone who enjoys blues, roots rock or Americana in general will enjoy this show. harpob.com