New Year's Eve party guide
Dewey Beach
Dewey Beach Club -- As he's done in previous years, veteran local disc jockey Dave Lemmon will spin oldies. Admission is free, but call for reservations; seatings are at 7 and 9 p.m., with "open" seating at 5 p.m.
Lighthouse Raw Bar -- New Year's Eve Bash (free admission)
Baycenter (at Ruddertowne) -- The umpteenth annual New Year's Eve performance by Love Seed Mama Jump (with guests Burnt Sienna and Kristen & the Noize) at Ruddertowne will go on as usual -- with a few slight changes. The Rusty Rudder has closed for the winter for the first time, but the show will go on next door at the Baycenter (and its downstairs sister business, Crabber's Cove). Tickets are $115; they started at $75 or so back in the summer months, but have gone up about $10 per month since then. As the Beachcomber went to press, Ruddertowne entertainment director Vikki Walls said 621 tickets have been sold. The entire left side of Dickinson Street bayside classified as Ruddertowne was recently purchased by new owners, but they're keeping the "no cover" tradition at the Lighthouse Raw Bar for those who would like a cheaper night out in Dewey.
Starboard -- Yes, the Starboard is technically closed for the season, but it will re-open Friday, Dec. 28 (with music all weekend long) and remain open until New Year's Eve. DJ John Hardy takes control of entertainment for the big night. Tickets are $25 and include a light buffet from 7 p.m. to midnight and a champagne toast.
Rehoboth Beach
Arena's -- The deli and beach bar in Rehoboth will present a double-bill of music by two of the area's favorites psychedlic jam bands, Minos Conway and The Permilla Project.
The Adriatico -- The downtown Rehoboth location of The Adriatico will be a "dinner only" affair, but its sister location in the Midway Shopping Center on Route 1 will be bopping with the sounds of music. The 5 p.m. seating ($48) includes a performance by lounge vocalist Cathy Gorman, while the 8:30 p.m. seating ($102) will feature DJ Michael Harrell 'til 12:30 a.m.
Atlantic Sands Hotel -- The hotel on the boardwalk in Rehoboth is puttin' on the ritz. Live entertainment will be provided by local party act Electric Velvet as well as DJ Chris Mal -- and it doesn't stop there. The $125 tickets come with a deluxe dinner buffet, cocktail reception, five hours of open bar and a champagne toast.
Blue Moon -- Five-course dinners are on tap at 5:30 p.m. ($100) and 7 and 10 p.m. ($130); the later seatings will include music by lounge vocalist Pamela Stanley.
Dogfish Head -- Beer lovers just might find themselves at the Dogfish Head brewpub in Rehoboth, where patrons can fill up on a five course beer dinner. Two seatings (one at 6 p.m. for $65 and a second at 8:15 p.m. for $75) are offered to accomodate crowds. Later in the evening, Nate Myers & the Aces will churn out its brand of funky blues (there's no cover to see the band).
Frogg Pond -- New Year's Eve at the Frogg Pond starts at 7 p.m. and means open bar (excluding shots and shooters), a 5-course meal and TBA music for $99 ($50 deposit required, with 20-percent gratuity added to each check).
Gray Hare Tavern -- Located about 100 yards west of Route 1 (just south of Midway), the Gray Hare will feature DJ Porky from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. -- and admission is free.
Purple Parrot Grill -- For one of the most uniquely themed New Year's Eve parties in Rehoboth, head to the Purple Parrot's '80s Retro Prom Night party. In addition to some undoubtedly fabulous outfits, the evening also features an open bar reception, dinner and crowning of the prom king and queen (which comes with a wopping $200 prize and dinner for two). Limted tickets are available to ensure a good time, so call soon.
Rehoboth Beach Convention Center -- The sixth annual Starburst Gayla will feature dance music for the ladies-only event. General admission tickets are $50, but package deals are available; call 302-227-5620.
Wahoo Raw Bar -- Located on Route 1 south of Midway, Wahoo will feature a national funk/hip-hop act for a mere $10. XZel & Laze is a Long Island, N.Y. act with a blend of music which recalls everything from Outcast to Eminem to the Roots to Blink-182. Wahoo owner Anthony DiDomenicisis said a friend turned him on to the group and he figured the eatery's regulars would enjoy something fresh. "The music is really hard to categorize," DiDomenicis said. "It's kind of hip hop, but then the next thing you know there's a saxophone solo. I think people will enjoy it."
Lewes
Irish Eyes at Angler's -- The Lewes nightspot which burned to the ground earlier this year was scheduled to re-open Dec. 21-22 with a whole new, refurbished look. New Year's Eve plans had yet to be announced; call 302-645-6888 for updates. (P.S., a representative of the Greene Turtle chain told us their new Lewes location will finally open in mid-January.)
Milton
Iguana Grill -- The recently-opened Milton location of the Iguana Grill will host a freebie featuring live music by Hindsight 20-20. The band's members are also Cape Henlopen School District faculty members.
Long Neck
Why Cook? -- The restaurant on Long Neck Road will feature dinner-only seatings at 5 p.m. ($40) and 7 p.m. seating ($50). Rock band Fuzzbox Piranha hits the stage at 9 p.m. ($15 in advance, $20 at the door) and there will be a breakfast buffet at last call. Why don't more venues offer late-night munchies?
Bethany Beach
Cottage Cafe -- The adventurous Cottage Cafe customer can spend New Year's Eve at its annual pig roast and New Year's Day in the Atlantic Ocean; the Bethany Beach restaurant on Route 1 puts together a "Swim Like the Eskimos" team each year, offering a free breakfast, free T-shirt and free transportation to the swim. After the swim, the restaurant will hold an open house with another cover band and another pig roast. Prior to the swim, party down to the sounds of the Aaron Howell Band and DJ Blazzin' Hott, who will be keeping the crowd dancing all night on New Year's Eve.
The Chalkboard -- Fill up on the Bethany restaurant's regular menu all evening before taking in tunes courtesy of High Maintenance rockin' some acoustic covers.
Fat Tuna -- Dance it up at this locals' favorite on Route 26 (technically in Millville) where a DJ will be spinning all night.
Mango's -- Mango's on Garfield Parkway is offering two seatings Monday, one from 5 to 8 p.m. and one from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. "The majority of our reservations are for people who have come in previous years, because they've had so much fun," said manager Tom Lannon. The first seating is $35 per person, or $12 for children. The second seating is $89 per person, and includes food from a limited menu, drinks and live entertainment in the form of the Island Boyz.
Steakhouse 26 -- The restaurant on Route 26 (technically located in Millville) will highlight a 4-course dinner, open bar, music courtesy of DJ Steve, dancing, champagne toast and party favors. Limited tables available.
source: delmarvanow.com
