New Year’s Eve is almost upon us. There will be plenty of entertainment options on the evening with something for just about every musical taste. Those who prefer DJ-led fun have numerous options, including dance music aboard The Bahia Belle as it cruises around Mission Bay, or a night of Salsa music with DJ Sonero at Tio Leo’s. However there are also many standout live music events happening. n One of the most beloved things about legendary San Francisco band, The Grateful Dead’s touring days, was their annual New Year’s Eve shows. So, it’s only natural that the area’s top band dedicated to the music of Jerry Garcia and company, Electric Waste Band, would stage something similar. By coincidence, NYE falls on a Monday this year, perfectly timed to be part of the group’s nearly three-decade-long residency at Winston’s. winstonsob.com.
n For fans of classic pop, Beaumont’s will offer 1980s-inspired cover band Manic Fanatic. The five-piece band includes male and female vocals, dressing up in vintage-era costumes, and serving up a good mix of new wave and dance hits from the likes of Blondie, Paul Abdul and The B-52’s. “We have the ultimate ’80s New Year’s Eve bash planned,” said guitarist Maxx Danger. “It’s going to be totally rad if you love the ’80s and love having a good time.” beaumontseatery.com.
n Meanwhile, still in the realm of cover bands, anyone looking for soul and groove will want to head to Humphrey’s Backstage Live for music from The Detroit Underground, featuring singer Stellita Marie and a terrific horn section. The scenic venue is located right at the water’s edge, with the night’s soundtrack full of dance-floor-filling hits ranging from Earth, Wind & Fire to Bruno Mars. humphreysbackstagelive.com.
n Finally, there are several rock ‘n’ roll options around town this NYE, but nothing is likely to top the adrenaline charged performance of Schizophonics at The Casbah. The trio mixes up soul, punk and garage rock, one of the most exciting combos to hit the music world in some time, with guitarist Pat Beers and an incredible mix of Hendrix and James Brown. “We have a few things planned with some friends jumping up on stage and doing a song or two with us so it will have some surprises,” said Schizophonics’ drummer Lety Beers. Making the show extra fun, also appearing are costumed rockers The Creepy Creeps, as well as The Widows, and New Year’s is one of Beers favorite holidays. “My favorite thing about New Year’s Eve is busting out the lavish outfits,” she said. “It’s the only night of the year where it’s highly encouraged to glam up.” She also notes the camaraderie inherent in the evening. “I was talking to (guitarist) Dave Warshaw from the Creepy Creeps when we were figuring out what to do (with the show) and we were both on the same page of ringing in the new year at our favorite club with our good friends, like a family night,” Beers said. casbahmusic.com.
casbahmusic.com.
