The end of 2011 is upon us – it’s time to say goodbye to all the stresses of life and have a jol. However, it’s tough deciding where to party on New Year’s Eve to make it the most memorable. If you want ideas to get your jive on, here’s a guide to help you choose what best fits your needs.
lWith Cape Town regarded as the party destination of choice for many South Africans come year’s end, the options for a good party are plentiful. The biggest non-mainstream musical gig is the Rock the River SA Festival, now in its third year.
Music lovers can enjoy SA music in an intimate, safe and healthy environment with this outdoor festival from December 31 to January 2 at the Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, a 20-minute drive from Cape Town along the N7, towards the West Coast.
More than 100 acts on three stages will entertain the crowds. The headline act is Fokofpolisiekar supported by Hog Hoggidy Hog, Reburn, Half Price, Peachy Keen, Stonecollar, The Modes (PE), Junkyard Lipstick, CY.STR, Jackal & Wolf, Thought Police, Witness to Wolves, Woodstock Mafia, as well as the 420 Comedy Troupe. More acts to be confirmed.
Tickets: at the gate or Computicket: three-day weekend pass: R300 pre-sale, R350 at gate, Sunday pass: R150 (at gate only). Gates open 3pm on December 30 for camping. See www.rocktheriversa.co.za
lFor a more mainstream party you can party with top local DJs including Glen Lewis (Metro FM), DJ Naves (Metro FM), and DJ SPHEctacula at The Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Cape Town Rocks the Mother City New Year’s Eve street party.
It takes place on the private pool deck of the hotel, and you can party the night away as you overlook the Mother City. R120, pre-sale, or R150 at the door. VIP tickets R300 pre-sale, or R350 at the door. VVIP tickets R1 500, which includes a bottle of Mumm Champagne, delicious food for the evening, access to the entire event, as well as to the private upper pool deck.
Tickets available at the door on the night. Doors open 8pm.
lOne of the biggest parties will be the Ministry of Sound New Year’s Eve Music Festival to be held at the CTICC.
It will feature four arenas and local and international artists, including Chicane, Abomination, Skazi, Ray Foxx and Kissy Sell Out.
Tickets: R280 to R800 at Computicket. 7pm to 10 am. Call 021 410 5000.
lFor a grand side of life, Grand Daddy’s 1920s Glitz & Glamour New Year’s Eve Party takes places at L’Apero Restaurant, which will be transformed into a 1920s themed lounge with a sexy blues singer, piano player and customised 1920s cocktails.
The venue will boast old black-and-white movies, burlesque dancers, mimes and other surprises.
Dj Fred Spider and Honey B will play a mix of swing, electro swing, funk, soul and Latin grooves from 8pm until very late in The Daddy Cool Bar. Upstairs on The Rooftop the seven-piece swing band The Shimmy Shakers will entertain guests from 9.30pm to 11.30pm.
Tickets: R650, available from the hotel, at [email protected], or call 021 424 7247.
lA night in Ibiza can be experienced at the One Night of Pacha event at the Grand Café and Beach, Granger Bay, Cape Town, with leading Pacha DJ Andy Baxter, local DJs, and the Pacha dancers. Tickets: R750. Bookings: 021 425 1826 or visit [email protected]
lJoin in on more New Year’s celebrations the next day with a sunset performance by Goldfish, the Pacha dancers and supporting local DJs from 2pm to late. Tickets: R500.
lIf it’s wining and dining under the stars you’re looking for, then music by the likes of Judith Sephuma and Edmondo Rahme at Nederburg in Paarl will do the trick.
The outdoor concert will feature music by the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Richard Cock. Gates open at 7.30pm. Concert starts at 9.30pm.
Tickets: R150 for adults, R75 for teens and free for children under six, at Computicket, Shoprite Checkers outlets. In the event of rain, the concert will be held the next day, Sunday, January 1, at 9pm.
lRock act Prime Circle will headline the Kirstenbosch Summer Concert for the evening. No One’s Arc will open, followed by Idols winner Elvis Blue. Gates open at 7pm.
Concert starts 8pm. Tickets: R250 at www.webtickets.co.za or call 021 761 2866.
lTheatre lovers are in for a treat with a three-show feast at the The Baxter Theatre. Music and comedy are on offer for the whole family with the six-piece band Chapter keeping the audience dancing in the foyer.
lDavid Kramer’s musical comedy, Some Like it Vrot, Nik Rabinowitz’s hilarious Stand and Deliver and Alistair Izobell’s toe-tapping Vocal is Lekka make up the entertaining line-up for the night.
All the shows will start later and finish just in time for audiences to count down 2011 and cheer in the new year with the casts and witness the spectacular balloon drop in the foyer.
For bookings visit Computicket and for more information about the line-up visit www.baxter.co.za
lEnjoy a night of high-energy, fun entertainment as you count down to the new year with the energetic brothers of the award-winning Big Boys Don’t Dance at Kalk Bay Theatre.
On New Year’s Eve, Kalk Bay Theatre will celebrate in style by offering Sandi’s delicious deluxe picnic hampers. Doors will open at 7pm and the show will start at 9.30pm.
Tickets: R285 a person for the show and Sandi’s deluxe picnic basket, or R360 for the show, Sandi’s deluxe picnic basket and bottle of sparkling wine per two hampers ordered.
lTo blues the night away catch the Boulevard Blues at Die Boer restaurant theatre in Durbanville. Boulevard Blues is widely regarded as the tightest, most professional and well-rehearsed blues band around.
Tickets: R130. Book at 021 979 1911 or 083 406 0111. Info: www.dieboer.com
lYou can bring in 2012 with Idols 2010 runner-up Lloyd Cele at the Golden Valley Casino.
Cele is one of SA’s most popular singers and will perform songs off his debut album, One. Starts at 9pm at Winner’s Action Bar, Golden Valley Casino. Tickets: R80.