Compiled by Julie Weaver
photo by Bruce Dye | It’s time again to ring in the New Year. There’s plenty of activities for young and old, both during the day and nighttime hours. Old stand-bys are featured, like NYE productions from Zach Scott and Capitol City Playhouse (oh, and Sixth Street — yawn!), as well as unique new activities, such as the Hill Country Flyer’s two-hour train ride. Taxi cab numbers (including a number for a free ride home) are included at the end of this column to help ensure everyone a safe and happy holiday. |
Events ROCKIN’ CHRISTMAS PARTY returns the bigwigs of Beehive to the
Paramount stage with plenty of tinsel atop their towering ‘dos. The pop singers
from the Zachary Scott Theatre Center’s phenomenal hit revue give the Top 40
hits of the Fifties, Sixties, and Seventies another hot go-round in this
seasonal sequel that’s like the most glossy, sparkling, hepped-up, hyper Winter
Prom you’ve ever dreamed. A gala New Year’s Eve Casino Party follows the Dec 31
show. Dec 31, Sun, 8pm, at The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress. Tickets:
$75. 476-0541.
SHEAR MADNESS is a murder mystery/comedy that’s as well-crafted as a
Disneyland amusement and even more entertaining for the two-hour ride. A crazy
pianist is murdered upstairs from the Shear Madness Salon and we the audience
become part of the action, part of the investigation with the police, and are
asked to bear witness to the events we’ve seen. Every night is different, and
only the audience knows for sure whodunit. A gala New Year’s Eve Casino Party
follows the Dec 31 show. Dec 31, Sun, 8pm, at the Zachary Scott Theatre
Center Whisenhunt Arena Stage, 1510 Toomey. Tickets: $75. 476-0541.
VINNIE AND SISSY’S WEDDING is the saga of a match made in hell, as an
East Coast Romeo ties the knot with the Pflower of Pfulgerville, and the clash
of cultures leads to spats, fits, and — gasp! — murder. It’s your
comedy/mystery gift for New Year’s Eve from the Capital City Mystery Players,
with lots of laughs and a crime you help solve. ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY! Dec
31, Sun, 8pm, at Allie’s American Grill, the Marriott at the Capitol, 701 E.
11th. Tickets: $45, plus tax & gratuity. 404-9123.
ALWAYS… PATSY CLINE is based on the true story of a friendship between
Cline and Louise Seger, a devoted fan who met Cline and kept in contact with
her until Patsy’s death in 1963. But it is really just an excuse for two hours
of country soul and honky-tonk. Rusty Rae, who plays Cline, does an admirable
job and if you close your eyes, you can almost hear the hiss of a needle as it
drags across an old 45. This crisp production offers a flattering postcard
portrait of an era, a time when a common woman could meet her idol, when an
idol could feel common again. Dec 31, Sun, 8pm, at Capitol City Playhouse,
214 W. Fourth. 472-2966.
THE CAPITOL CITY COMEDY CLUB offers a heaping of “Tater Salad” on
New Year’s Eve, with the homespun humor with Ron “Tater Salad” White,
the comic of whom Jeff Foxworthy says, “No one makes me laugh harder.” With
White are feature act Robert Hawkins and emcee Ed Gossling.
Dec 31, Sun. 8pm show (with appetizer buffet): $17.50; 10:30pm show (with
party favors, champagne, breakfast buffet): $35. 8120 Research Blvd. 467-2333.
COMEDY ESCAPADES carries local stand-up beyond the Austin city
limits to give a good laugh to residents of surrounding communities and show
them just how funny Austin comics can be. New Year’s Eve, a confab of eight
jokesters return to Georgetown for another show. Scheduled to perform are
Kay Ahtic, Terrie Blackman, Daniel Frank, Weldon
Gaines, Oscar Glass, Bill Hass, Jesse Pangelinan, and
Amanda Doan as headliner. For mature audiences. Limited seating;
reservations recommended. Dec 31, Sun, buffet: 8pm, show: 10pm, at El
Palacio, 806 S. Austin, Georgetown. 512/863-6590.
ESTHER’S FOLLIES There are some incredibly polished, hysterical moments
in the current edition of Austin’s beloved musical comedy revue. Aunt Edith
drops by with some last-minute craft tips. You get the news in a five-minute
musical revue. Patsy Cline rises from the grave for a last number about an
unfaithful boyfriend. Chi Chi La Bomba (Margaret Wiley) coaxes an unwilling
participant through his paces. Ray Anderson proves that a gun, an audience
member, and some well-timed patter make great magic. For New Year’s Eve, expect
plenty of the Follies favorites from 1995, plus special guests Ray
Anderson and Kerry Awn. Dec 31, Sun, 7, 9, & 11pm. Call for
ticket prices. Esther’s Pool, 525 E. Sixth. 320-0553.
THE VELVEETA ROOM rings out the old year with the wild and the whimsical
in the comedy of artiste Joey Waldon, along with Charlie Shannon and guest laughmakers. Both New Year’s Eve shows feature party favors and free
champagne. Dec 31, Sun, 8:30pm ($8) & 10:30pm ($12). 521 E. Sixth.
469-9116.
IMAGINE A NEW WORLD FOR THE NEW YEAR The 10th Annual World Healing
Meditation will be held on Sun, December 31, 6-7am. Millions in over 50
countries will gather at the same hour (noon, Greenwich Mean Time) to pray,
meditate, and envision peace on earth. The meeting will be held at the State
Capitol Building, Main Rotunda, 11th & Congress. 480-0251.
NEW YEARS EVE 1, a special new year’s party benefiting
Christopher House, will be held Sun, December 31, 9pm-12:15am, at the
Headliner’s Club, Bank One Bldg., Sixth & Lavaca. Festivities include a
full open bar and champagne, gourmet breakfast buffet, dancing in the Main
Ballroom featuring DJ Zachary Cochran, jazz and torch songs by Julie Burrell on
the 20th floor, and much more. Tickets are $60 and dress is formal.
479-0257.
AN EVENING OF TEXAS MUSIC will be presented by the Austin Symphony,
joined by C&W star Larry Gatlin. ASO Assistant Conductor Timothy Muffitt
will conduct the performance, 8-10:30pm at Palmer Auditorium, S. First &
Barton Springs Rd. Gatlin and the orchestra will be joined by fiddler Johnny
Gimble, singer Christine Albert, and others for parts of the program, which
includes hits such as Faded Love, Peggy Sue, Houston, Broken Lady, and
many other Gatlin favorites. Tables for 10 are available on the auditorium
floor at $29 per person; individual seats are $15 in the balcony.
476-6064.
SFUZZI RESTAURANT features a special menu and prix
fixe menu to celebrate the new year. Early seatings at the prix fixe menu are $32.50 per person; gala seating at 10pm features a prix fixe menu, DJ entertainment, champagne toast, and party favors, priced at $45 per
person. Oh, and the menu is outrageous! I can’t possibly name everything
without taking up this whole page, but here’s some examples: spicy oyster and
sweet corn chowder with red pepper pur�e, oak roasted pumpkin ravioli
with lobster and tarragon cream, roasted portobello mushrooms with asparagus
and tomato vinaigrette, roasted rack of lamb with rosemary dijon glaze and
acorn squash risotto, grilled beef tenderloin with garlic mashed potatoes and
portobello mushroom sauce, creme brul�e with orange ricotta frolla and
raspberries, double chocolate flourless cake with hazelnut brittle gelato and
raspberry sauce, and much, much more! 311 W. Sixth. 476-8100.
THE HILL COUNTRY FLYER, Austin’s own excursion steam train, will
celebrate the new year with a two-hour, non-stop train ride on December 31,
7-9pm. Passengers will enjoy strolling musicians, a light snack, and party
favors. 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 include a
bottle of champagne. Reservations are required. 477-8468.
A NEW YEAR’S DANCE will be sponsored by the St. Louis
Catholic Singles Club, 8:30pm-12:30am, at the church, 7601 Burnet Rd. Single
Christians from all over Austin have been invited. Semi-formal/formal. Cost is
$10 per person. Participants are asked to bring a canned good to help the food
pantry. 836-3634 or 453-5968.
THE SAN ANTONIO SYMPHONY will present “A Night in Old
Vienna,” their annual New Year’s Eve concert, featuring an all new program of
music by Johann Strauss, Jr. and Josef Strauss. The performance will be held at
Majestic Theatre, 224. E. Houston St. in San Antonio, TX. Tickets range from
$15-46; or, package deals at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel are offered at $195 per
couple. 210/554-1010.
Hotel Packages
AUSTIN HILTON will present Mardi Gras Magic, a new year’s celebration
benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Their overnight package includes
two tickets to the Mardi Gras Party, dancing, a deluxe room, complimentary
Cajun food, six drink tickets, a costume contest, a “River Boat Casino,” $25
per person in chips (to benefit MDA), and more. Cost is $265 per couple; or
$125 for the party only. 6000 Middle Fiskville Rd. 451-9712.
COURTYARD MARRIOTT will offer a package featuring accommodations for two
and a breakfast buffet for $99. 5660 N. I-35. 458-2340.
DRISKILL HOTEL will offer several discounted room rates
for the holidays, as well as a four-course prix fixe dinner featuring
beef wellington with lobster medallions. Cost is $80 per couple for the dinner;
you’ll have to call for room rates. Dancing will be held in the Lobby Bar, with
music by Connie Blake. Sixth & Brazos. 474-5911.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL offers several choices for the new
year. The Caf� will serve a prix fixe dinner with two seatings —
the first at 6pm ($75) and the second at 8:30pm ($95). The first seating
includes an aperitif glass of champagne; the second, live music and dancing to
the Sparks and Friends, trio, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight.
Reservations are recommended. The Lobby Lounge will feature live music and
dancing to the Margaret Wright Trio from 9pm-1am. $15 minimum per person. Call
for special room rates. 98 San Jacinto. 478-4500.
HOLIDAY INN NORTHWEST is offering a New Year’s package featuring
overnight accommodations for two, a prime rib buffet for two, admission to
their New Year’s eve party, a bottle of champagne, breakfast, party favors, a
late check out, and more. Cost is $196 and reservations must be made by
December 28. 8901 Business Park Dr. 343-0888.
HYATT REGENCY HOTEL offers a variety of ways to ring in
the new year. You can choose between the Texas Package, featuring a deluxe
riverview room, grand dinner buffet, atrium balloon drop featuring Austin band
Duck Soup, an open bar, and more Cost is $295 per couple; The Hill Country
Package includes the same as the Texas Package, except a Hill Country guest
room is offered. Cost is $270; the Atrium Package features a Hill Country guest
room, fajita dinner buffet, and more. Cost is $220; and if you don’t wish to
spend the night, the Atrium Party features a fajita dinner buffet, open bar,
and balloon drop featuring musician Mark Winston Kirk. Cost is $65 per person.
All packages feature a champagne toast at midnight, party favors, and more. The
hotel also provides childcare for the young ones while you attend the party.
Cost is $29 for one child; $10 per additional child. 208 Barton Springs Rd.
477-1234.
MARRIOTT HOTEL offers a New Year’s package, featuring a guest
room, diner buffet for two, six drink tickets, cash bar, party favors, music
and dancing to Hotcakes, a champagne toast, and more. Cost is $249 per couple.
11th & N. I-35. 478-1111.
STOUFFER HOTEL will offer a special New Year’s party and meal
featuring a four course Northern Italian dinner, a classical guitar performance
by Kevin Mooney, party favors, and more for $150. For only $25, the hotel will
offer a new year’s party in Tangerine’s, with party favors, champagne toast,
continental breakfast, and a cash bar. 9721 Arboretum Blvd.
343-2626.
WYNDHAM AUSTIN HOTEL offers a special package for two,
including a deluxe guest room, two tickets to the NYE party in the ballroom
with music by Al Dressen’s Super Swing Revue, cocktails, champagne toast at
midnight, breakfast, party favors, late checkout, and more. Cost is $219.96 per
couple. S. I-35 & E. Ben White Blvd. 448-2222.
Music
See “City Beat” for club addresses and phone numbers. 311 Joe Valentine
ANTONE’S Storyville, Toni Price, Lou Ann Barton, Sue Foley
ARTZ Central Texas Bluegrass Association Jam*
AUSTIN MUSIC HALL Ian Moore’s Modernday Masquerade Ball w/Mojo
Nixon
BABES STAGESIDE Litzbomb
BACKYARD Bloodfest 5
BATES Gilson Viator*, Headhunters
BITTER END Stephen Doster Trio
BLACK CAT Steamroller
BROKEN SPOKE Alvin Crow
CAROUSEL NY’s Party w/special guests
CATFISH STATION Tom Webb, Jug Ellis, Al Freeman
CEDAR STREET 12-Piece Big Band
CHELSEA ST. LAKELINE Billy Pritchard
CHELSEA ST. PUB Dazzling Weasel Faces
CHEZ FRED CROSSROADS Rich Harney Trio
CHEZ ZEE Sandy Allen*, Marty Allen
COFFEE PLANTATION Box of Rockets
CONTINENTAL Black & White Ball: Naughty Ones, 8 1/2 Souvenirs,
De Orfeo
EGO’S Bobby Doyle Trio
ELECTRIC LOUNGE Gay Sportscasters, Spoon, Stretford, Nashville
Bill Wise
ELEPHANT ROOM Tony Campise & Sandy Allen
EMO’S Recliners, Chumps, Euripides Pants, Starfish
FLAMINGO CANTINA Killer Bees, E.R. Shorts
GILLIGAN’S CMB Jazz Trio
GINGERMAN PUB Cubano
GINO’S Ted Hall’s Blues Jam
GRUENE HALL Thad Backman*, Jerry Jeff Walker
HEADLINERS Alan Haynes
HOLE IN THE WALL Wannabes, Loose Diamonds
JAZZ Third Degree
JOE’S Texas Radio, Jim Talbot
LIBERTY LUNCH Little Sister, Dahveed
MAGGIE MAE’S Dirty Oliver, Lee Person
MANUEL’S Paul Glasse*
MOTHER’S CAFE Chris Vincent*
MOZART’S Chuck Pinnell
O’BRYAN’S Two O’Clock Courage
PEARL’S Lisa Tingle & Plan-C
RITZ UPSTAIRS Cindy Hoskins & Blue Monks
SAXON Leeann Atherton, Omar & Howlers
STEAMBOAT Will Sexton*, Johnny Goudie, Breedlove
TEXAS BAR Sensat Blue
TOP OF THE MARC Brew
TOULOUSE Little Fish
VOODOO LOUNGE New Year’s Party
WHITE RABBIT Larry, Flounders w/o Eyes
Taxi Cab Numbers
Fare Taxis:
American Yellow Checker Cab: 452-9999/472-1111
Austin Cab: 478-2222
Roy’s Taxi: 482-0000
Free Ride Home: Dec 21-Jan 2, 7pm-3am: 434-7788
Check out “Champagne Strife” by Robb Walsh to bring home the best bubbly.This article appears in December 22 • 1995 and December 22 • 1995 (Cover).