The countdown is on … have you made your New Year’s Eve plans yet?
It is tradition to stay up late and see the old year out. Its exit is usually noisy and your party options in Oceanside include everything from dancing to good old rock and roll or moshing to a metal band.
If you want to ring in the new year with some boogie fever you can get your groove on with ‘70s retro party band Wunderbread at The Beach Club Resort in Parksville. Wunderbread started in 1996 and since then the band made up of six talented Vancouver Island musicians has become one of the most popular dance bands in Western Canada. At last year’s New Year’s Eve extravaganza at The Beach Club, the disco band had guests hustle the night away as they brought funky town to the dance floor. This year they are bringing back the good times along with their hot pants and platform shoes.
Director of Sales and Marketing at The Beach Club, Wendy Sears said the gala dinner and dance will be the party of the year and they are encouraging people to book a room and turn the occasion into a mini retreat. She said they are offering a one night package for two people that includes the dance, complete with a gourmet buffet, a champagne toast, snacks at midnight, plus a New Year’s Day brunch for $399.
The resort is also offering a four course dinner at their Pacific Prime Restaurant for guests who want an oceanside dining experience. The set menu can be upgraded to include wine pairing and dancing. Sears said tickets are available for those people who don’t want an overnight package and as always the resort offers it’s complimentary shuttle. For tickets and reservations call 248-8999.
Tigh-Na-Mara will again be ringing in the start of 2012 as the resort hosts its annual New Year’s Eve Gala.
The gala will be held this year in the Cedar Room on Saturday, Dec. 31. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and run the duration of the evening until 1 a.m. and will feature Johnny Inappropriate.
The high energy dance/rock cover band which began in 2004, has quickly become one of Vancouver Island’s premier cover bands. Johnny Inappropriate is known for their sharp look, high energy and musical diversity. Garnering rave reviews everywhere they go, there is never a dull moment with Johnny Inappropriate.
Two meal options will be available before the festivities begin.
There is a five-course dinner in the Cedar Room and a Buffet dinner in the Walbran Room. Each year the event draws in large crowds where a night of great food, entertainment and dancing ensues.
Room nights are offered in package deals as well as individually for the evening.
The package includes the event ticket, a one night accommodation, and the New Year’s Day brunch that will be held on January 1, 2012. Because it can be difficult for parents to find a baby-sitter on New Year’s Eve, the resort has developed a holiday recreation program that includes a pajama party for children to keep them occupied with activities while their parents enjoy the Gala evening. As this year’s event promises to be as popular as the last, availability will depend on reservations. Advanced bookings are strongly encouraged to avoid disappointment.
The Malloomba Boogie Band bring their good old rock and roll to the Coombs Rodeo Grounds Saturday, Dec. 31.
The New Years Eve dance starts at 8 p.m. and winds up at 1 a.m. Advance tickets are $40 and include a buffet style dinner.
Phone for reservations 250-248-1009. No minors.
Classic rock band Identity Crisis will have the dance floor hopping at The Shady Rest New Years Eve celebration. Tickets are $25 each and include party favors, late night snacks and a champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 7 p.m. for ticket holders with the dancing going from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. Call 250 752-9111 for tickets.
Metal band Fear of the Valley with electronic beats DJ Westcoast will be playing at the Royal Canadian Legion in Parksville on Saturday, Dec. 31. Bass player Aaron McKenzie said even though they are a metal band they plan to keep the music bouncy so people can dance. The band has been together for a few years now and McKenzie said their music, which is mostly original songs, is geared toward the younger crowd. Tickets are $5 if you buy ahead or $10 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Shades of Green at 117 Craig Street in Parksville until Dec. 30. Doors open at 8 p.m.
New Year’s Eve at the Rod and Gun is promising to be a fun party. With music by Hummer, there’s going to be tons of fun and of course a champagne toast at midnight. Hummer’s goals are simple: Make you dance, make you have fun and make you come back. Hummer plays a wide range of songs from poplar artists such as Prince, Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz, Sublime, RATM and everything in between. Hummer’s live performance is full of energy, musicianship, spontaneity and even a little laughter.
The boys have played “The Gun” for close to six years now including playing New Years and the always eventful Boxing Day bash.
Having toured throughout B.C., Alberta and the Northwest Territories and opening for such acts as Loverboy, April Wine and Dr. Hook — Hummer always loves coming back to its home on the Island.
There will be a special New Year’s Eve Duo on Saturday, Dec. 31 at the Old Dutch Inn in Qualicum Beach. Ron Hadley accompanied by exquisite Victoria vocalist Miranda Sage will join guests in ringing in the New Year.
For reservations call 250-752-6914 or visit www.olddutchiin.com.