illustration by Ben Anglin
The
year has rolled by
quickly, and it’s already time to plan for ringing in the New Year. Some people
make resolutions of things they’d like to do or be (which usually last about a
week), some eat black-eyed peas for luck, some drink into the wee hours of the
morning until they end up worshipping the proverbial porcelain goddess (I think
I’ll try and skip that one this year!). Whatever your personality, there should
be something in town to fit your idea of a good time. Just remember — have
fun, be safe, and whatever you do, please don’t drink and drive.

Events:

VINNIE AND SISSY’S WACKY WEDDING is the saga of a match made in hell, as an
East Coast Romeo ties the knot with the Pflower of Pflugerville, and the clash
of cultures eventually leads to — gasp! — murder. It’s the signature
comedy/mystery hit from the Capital City Mystery Players, and they’re bringing
it back so you can ring out the old and ring in the new with these kooky
newlyweds. 8pm, at the Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel, 15th & Guadalupe.
Tickets: $49. 404-9123.

A TUNA CHRISTMAS extends the glow of the holiday for a few days more, with
masters of mirth and generally classy fellas Jaston Williams and Joe Sears
bringing back to the Paramount stage the residents of Texas’ third smallest
town in all their Yuletide glory. Deck your halls again with Aunt Pearl, Vera
Carp, Helen Bedd, Inita Goodwin, and the rest of Tuna’s howlingly funny,
masterfully evoked citizens in this gem that just gets smarter and more
delightful every season. 8pm, Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress. Tickets:
$19-$30. Runs through Jan. 5. 472-5411.

THE ZACH NEW YEAR’S EVE CASINO GALA offers delectable dining, to-die-for
desserts, spectacular entertainment, dynamite dancing, a silent auction of
terrific trips and treasures, and, of course, plenty of bubbly, all in an
exciting casino atmosphere. It’s the Zachary Scott Theatre Center’s New Year’s
Eve tradition. 9pm at the ZSTC Whisenhunt Arena Stage, 1510 Toomey. Tickets:
$75. 476-0541.

CYRANO DE BERGERAC has the quickest arm of any swordsman in France, the deepest
soul of any poet, and the largest nose… well, best not to talk about the
nose. Edmond Rostand’s drama is one of the most spirited romantic adventures of
the Western stage. Reviving it is The Public Domain, with Robi Polgar directing
a cast led by PD Managing Director Michelle Polgar and Michael Stuart.
Special New Year’s Eve late matinee: 6pm, The Public Domain, 807 Congress.
Runs through Jan. 11. 474-6202.

CAPITOL CITY COMEDY CLUB rings in the new with Chaz Elstner, a former
Ringling Bros. Circus Clown-turned-comedian. Elstner has appeared on MTV, VH-1,
the Fox Network, and Showtime. The 8pm show includes a light appetizer buffet
at $17.50 per person; the late “party show package” includes party favors and
champagne at midnight, plus a breakfast buffet after the show at $35 per
person. Both shows’ ticket price includes an “admit one” pass good for 1997.
The club is located at 8120 Research Blvd. 467-2333.

COMEDYSPORTZ is ready to ring in the new year in their very own club.
The veterans of improv comedy are hosting a New Year’s Eve bash in the
ComedySportz Playhouse at Northcross Mall. Count down to midnight among the
Electrolux vacuum light fixtures, real Dart Bowl tables, and bank vault lounge,
while enjoying beer, wine, coffee drinks, or bubbly and a special improv show
from you-know-who. ComedySportz Playhouse, 2525 W. Anderson. 266-3397.
Call for times.

CHRISTOPHER HOUSE’S NEW YEAR’S EVE 2 PARTY and Breakfast will be held at the
Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto. Ring in the new year for a good cause with
an open bar, DJ Zach Cochran, jazz by Leslie Bonnell, a silent auction, gourmet
breakfast buffet, and magical memories. Dress is formal, so wear your best
digs. Tickets are $75 per person, and all proceeds benefit Christopher
House, a residential AIDS hospice. 473-8566.

SFUZZI’S NEW YEAR’S FEAST is back for another year, featuring a variety of
scrumptious choices on their special and prix fixe menues. Early seatings run
from 5-8pm, at the rate of $32.50 per person; gala seatings begin at 9pm, and
features dancing, a full-course menu, entertainment, noise makers, and a
champagne toast at midnight. $50 per person. The menu contains a wonderful
variety of items, including Blackened Shrimp and Fennel Bisque, Rungeness Crab
Ravioli, Pan Seared Crab Crusted Salmon w/Asparagus, Roast Rack of Veal,
Chocolate Molten Cake w/Raspberries, Creme Brulee w/Orange Ricotta Frolla, and
much, much more. Yum — I’m hungry already! The restaurant is located at
311 W. Sixth. 476-8100.

TANGERINE’S, a nightclub next to the Renaissance Austin Hotel, will
present a New Year’s Eve extravaganza, including party favors, a champagne
toast at midnight, and dancing to hit music. Cost is $25 per person.
8am-2pm. 9721 Arboretum Blvd. 343-2626.

RIDE IN THE NEW YEAR on the Hill Country Flyer, Austin’s own excursion
steam train. Celebrate with a two-hour, non-stop train ride on New Year’s Eve,
7-9pm. Passengers will enjoy a light snack, party favors, and strolling
musicians. Fares for regular coach are $50 per couple, with a cash bar of beer,
wine, and champagne. Pullman Lounge fares are $75 per couple and includes a
bottle of champagne. Reservations are required. 477-8468.

A NEW YEAR’S REGGAE BALL will be held at the Flamingo Cantina, 515 E.
Sixth. Entertainment is provided by the Killer Bees and Raggamassive, and
delicious Jamaican food by Stitche and Wilson is also featured.
474-9336.

Music:

ANTONE’S Toni Price, Guy Forsyth, Breedlove
AUSTIN MUSIC HALL Robert Earl Keen, Loose Diamonds
B-SIDE Seth Walker
BABES/BABES STAGESIDE Dale Watson, The Hit, Freak House
BACK ROOM Dangerous Toys, Johnny Law, 50 Mission Crush
BLACK CAT LOUNGE Lonely Child, Self-Righteous Bros.
BROKEN SPOKE Alvin Crow
CAROUSEL LOUNGE Rocket 69
CONTINENTAL CLUB 81/2 Souvenirs, Ronnie Dawson
DONN’S DEPOT Donn & the Stationmasters
EGO’S Recliners
ELECTRIC LOUNGE Sincola, Horsies, not daniel johnston
ELEPHANT ROOM Derrick Edmonson & Rodney Lee
EMO’S Man… or Astroman?, Hamicks, Phantom Creeps
FLAMINGO CANTINA Killer Bees, Raggamassive
FLIPNOTICS Herman the German
GINO’S ITALIAN GRILL Rusty Wier
HOLE IN THE WALL Wannabes, Spoon, Damnations
LA ZONA ROSA Storyville
LIBERTY LUNCH Dah-veed, Shoulders
LUMBERYARD Lonesome Dove
RUTA MAYA COFFEE HOUSE Michele Solberg
SAXON PUB Rusty Wier
STEAMBOAT Sister 7, Billy White
STUBB’S BBQ Gourds, Derailers
SULLIVAN’S Hank Hehmsoth Trio
TEXAS BAR & GRILL Robin’s Roux
TOP OF THE MARC Lucky Strikes, Elias Haslanger
* Visit City Beat Interactive for updated New Year’s Eve listings!

Hotel New Year’s Packages:

AUSTIN HILTON, 6000 Middle Fiskville, 451-9712.
COURTYARD MARRIOT, 5660 N. I-35, 458-2340.
DRISKILL HOTEL, Sixth & Brazos, 474-5911.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, 98 San Jacinto, 478-4500.
HOLIDAY INN NORTHWEST, 8901 Business Park Dr., 343-0888.
HOLIDAY INN SOUTH, 3401 S. I-35. 448-2444.
HYATT REGENCY HOTEL, 208 Barton Springs Rd., 477-1234.
MARRIOTT HOTEL, 11th & N. I-35, 478-1111.
OMNI SOUTHPARK, 4140 Governor’s Row, 448-2222.
RENAISSANCE HOTEL, 9721 Arboretum Blvd., 343-2626.
RED LION HOTEL, 6121 N. 1-35 , 323-5466.
SHERATON FOUR POINTS HOTEL, 7800 N. I-35, 836-8520.

Taxi Cab Numbers:

FARE: American Yellow Checker Cab: 452-9999
Austin Cab: 478-2222
Roy’s Taxi: 482-0000

FREE RIDE HOME: Now through Jan 2, 7pm-3am: 434-7788

This article appears in December 20 • 1996 and December 20 • 1996 (Cover).

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