Pop & Hiss guide to New Year's Eve shows
Christmas has come and gone, but now there is New Year's to plan, which, as everyone knows, is a big stinking albatross of social stress. Where will you go? Who will you kiss? Will that champagne cork take out an eye? Can you really go to three parties in opposite corners of L.A. without ever taking the 10? Should you just stay home and watch "200 Cigarettes" instead? We do not know the answers to these big questions, but we do know of a few shows around town, some of which are not precisely on New Year's Eve but will get you in the spirit. And now, let our list complicate your decision even further:
Robin Thicke: The suave singer has put blue-eyed soul firmly back on the pop map with the kind of natty, vintage-leaning but wholly contemporary crooning that no one but Ne-Yo seems to be interested in anymore. Club Nokia, 800 West Olympic Blvd. Suite A335, Los Angeles. 7 p.m. Dec. 29. $41.50-$71.50. (213) 765-7000.
Gipsy Kings: The veteran band plays its particular blend of pop-inflected rumba catalana and danceable Romani folk at this rowdy New Years' Eve (and warm-up) show. Conga Room, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. 11 p.m. Dec. 30; 11 p.m. Dec. 31. $150-$225. (213)749-0445
The Wailers: The stalwart reggae band can't bring back Bob, but even with only a few of the original members left, it will nonetheless rock steady with a performance of "Exodus" in its entirety. If you plan on driving home that night, bring a face mask to keep the crowd's smoke out. The Roxy, 9009 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 8 p.m. Dec. 31. $76.50. (310) 278-9457.
Stone Temple Pilots: The '90s grunge stars, led by mercurial frontman Scott Weiland, run through the classics for New Year's. Club Nokia, 800 West Olympic Blvd. Suite A335, Los Angeles. 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31. $75-$125. (213) 480-3232.
Snoop Dogg: The Doggfather, in the final installment of a surely raucous spate of year-end shows, will regale the crowd with gin and juice-soaked oldies, plus newer, more silky cuts that find the reality TV star in a Roger Troutman-inspired loverman mood, defined by an unprecedented concern for his lady's pleasure. House of Blues, 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 9 p.m. Dec. 31. $115. (323) 848-5100.
New Year's Eve with Pink Martini: Ring in 2009 with the witty, global-lounge stylings from this Portland-based (upscale) party machine. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 10:30 p.m. Dec. 31. $65-$195. (323) 850-2000.
And for more club-based events, check out The Guide's list of New Year's Eve parties.
--August Brown and Margaret Wappler
Photo: Snoop Dogg playing in Australia earlier this year. Credit: Lisa Maree Williams / Getty Images
No mention of The Henry Clay People at Spaceland? Really?
Oh, this list is only for overpriced New Year's Eve Shows. My bad.
Posted by: Who? | December 30, 2008 at 02:48 PM