Jackson Free Press

One of the most exciting things about a new year, other than a chance to wipe the slate clean of all those indiscretions from the previous year, is all the chances you get to party (and maybe start an all-new list of indiscretions). The wonderful thing is, you don't have to go to New York to see that ball drop in Times Square for a good party. If you want to go somewhere that requires you to wear sequins, there's a place to go in the capital city. Or, if you'd prefer to go some place where sparkles aren't required, that's here, too. It's all here, and there's no need for you to sit at home watching Dick Clark. Unless ... that's what you've been looking forward to all year.

930 Blues Café 930 N. Congress St., 601-948-3344

In a world full of color, 930 specializes in just the blues, and New Year's Eve is no exception. The Year End Blues Jam Sessions are Friday and Saturday night, and the weekend is rounded off nicely with the 2nd Annual 930 New Year's Eve Party featuring Rick Lawson.

Bon Ami 1220 E. Northside Drive, Suite 230, 601-982-5637

If your perfect New Year's evening is a quaint atmosphere, smooth jazz and delectable food, you should be at Bon Ami, Sunday, Dec. 31. The first course of the six-course meal is orange cinnamon winter squash soup with curried candied walnuts, swirled with truffle oil. See? Delectable. The restaurant offers 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. seatings ,and the cost is $75 per person. Music by the Russell Welch Jazz Trio. Psst! Don't forget to bring your own wine.

Bravo! 4500 I-55 N. #244, 601-982-8111

For the 12th year in a row, Bravo! will help you ring in the new year. Chef and owner Dan Blumenthal and Chef Louis LaRose are preparing even now for the six-course meal. The main course: pan-roasted quail breast, Granny Smith apple slaw, oven-roasted cipollini onion and wild-boar bacon drizzle. Early seating starts at 6 p.m., and late, 9:30 p.m. Early seating is $70/per person; and late, $90/per person (latecomers get champagne). Liquor and wine aren't included in the prix fixe price, but for a little extra dough, you can choose from five specially selected wines. Make your reservation now.

Couple's Entertainment Complex 4511 Byrd Drive, 601-923-9977

The New Year's Eve Gala at Couple's offers complimentary champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Musicians for the night are Billy Soul Bonds, Vick Allen and Dave Mack. Doors open at 8 p.m.; performances start at 10 p.m. You can also reserve an entire table; call 601-500-0667. $25 at the door.
Fairview Inn 734 Fairview St., 601-948-3429

The affair at the Fairview is black-tie optional, but why not opt for that black tie? New Year's Eve only happens once a year. A cocktail reception precedes the five-course dinner. Then you can dance the night away to music by the Earth Angels and make a toast at midnight. The evening begins at 7:30 p.m., and lasts until the last person leaves.

Jack & Jill's 3911 Northview Drive, 601-982-5225

Jack & Jill's New Year's Bash begins Friday night, Dec. 29, and the party doesn't stop until New Year's Eve. Guest DJ Tim Pfluger from OZ New Orleans gets the party started and will keep it going by "playing out the old and bringing in the new."

Mississippi TelCom Center 105 E. Pascagoula St., 601-973-7002

Sponsored by Jack Daniels and hosted by Jackson-N-Crowd, the TelCom Center will be one of several places for locals to spend wishing 2006 goodbye and welcoming 2007. Event coordinator Derian Knox says the party will be an "upscale event for everyday people." People who are at least 21, that is. Beginning at 9 p.m., DJ Mike Swift will get the crowd moving, and keep them moving until 2 a.m. Tickets can be purchased for $15 in advance at BeBop; $20, at the door. For more information, contact Derian at 601-473-9248.

Panino's 1855 Lakeland Drive, Suite H-10, 601-713-0383

With Fade2Blue playing in the background and good Italian food, you can't go wrong with an evening at Panino's Sunday night. Dinner and the music start at 8 p.m., but if you want a good seat, better go a little earlier than that. If you're going it alone, the price is $25. If you and your significant other intend to be together to kiss at midnight, the night will cost you $40.

The Parker House 104 East Madison Drive, 601-956-0043

It's a reservations-only affair. The Parker House offers a special menu prepared by Chef Andy Cook for the New Year's Eve weekend. For Sunday night, patrons can make reservations for 5, 7 or 9 p.m. seatings.

Schimmel's 2615 N. State St., 601-981-7077

Schimmel's offers three choices to their New Year's guests this year. Early seating offers the regular menu with a few additions for the special occasion between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. If you stay past 9 p.m., you'll be charged a $20 cover because you've stayed until the last seating and are about to hear some live music by The House Rockers and Willie King and the Electric Blues Band. If you'd like to have champagne and favors at midnight, splurge for $95. There's a VIP room, too, with a private bar, but it's limited to the first 50 people. Hurry and call Jay, Terri or a designated New Year's Eve reservationist to hold your spot.

Pumpkin Pie plays at the Sportsman's Lodge (1220 E. Northside Drive #100) beginning at 9 p.m., but the party is from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. … Beginning at 7:30 p.m. at McB's (815 Lake Harbour Drive), Sanford plays into the New Year. …Three stages equals three bands at Fitzgerald's Bar (1001 E. Countyline Rd.): Johnny Crocker with Debbie Buie, Chris Gill & The Soul Shakers and Edward St. Pé. Performances start at 8 p.m. and last until you can't party anymore. … The Big Daddy Band plays Shucker's (116 Conestoga Rd.) beginning at 8 p.m. … The folks at Martin's Restaurant & Lounge (214 South State St.) are ringing in the new year with the Taylor Grocery Band, 9 p.m. … Mike & Marty take over Fenian's Pub (901 E. Fortification St.). ... Left Field (1198 Lakeland Drive) says "thank you" with their New Year's Celebration. Free swag, party favors, free cab rides home and a breakfast buffet at 1 a.m. ... Fire (209 Commerce St.) holds a Foam Party for the new year, 9 p.m. ... Cadillac's (318 S. State St.) Dash Rip Rock plays until midnight when the champagne toast is scheduled, 9 p.m. ... Dick & Jane's holds a Masquerade Ball, 9 p.m. ... Hal & Mal's (200 Commerce St.) features Shady Deal & Gunboat in the Red Room, cover $10, as they show the crowd how to make 2007 be an unforgettable new year.

Previous Comments

ID

90443

Comment

I know all you guys are young, hip, and happening kind of people. And, Natalie, this is an outstanding article. But is there anything to do for old fogies with kids?

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2006-12-28T10:19:35-06:00

ID

90444

Comment

I'm actually staying home with my folks--Mom's birthday is on January 1st, so we generally have a quiet New Year's Eve--but I have to say it excites me that stuff like this is going on. I just about laughed out loud when I saw there was actually going to be a foam party at Fire; I didn't realize we did that sort of thing in Jackson. Very nice. It'll be a much more popular idea in, say, July or August, I think--foam parties and freezing temperatures don't strike me as a natural mix--but doggone it, Jackson can definitely use some foam parties. If I were to go somewhere for New Year's Eve, I have to say the 930 would be my pick. That's a happening place. Stayed there til 2am last time I went. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-12-28T10:36:19-06:00

ID

90445

Comment

Old fogies with kids should get them in bed by 10 p.m. and then spend the rest of the night staring at the television as they sip on a 40 oz. malt liquor while tears roll slowly down their cheeks. Why, every parent should think then, why did I breed? As you can see, I am the wrong person to ask. Emily Braden must have some good ideas. Emily? Are you out there?

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2006-12-28T10:43:52-06:00

ID

90446

Comment

My wife and I are at my mom's condo in South Miami (now renamed "Cutler Bay") and are planning on doing our usual New Years Eve ritual- at 11:30 we will pour a glass of wine, go out on mom's little balcony, and listen to the gunfire that erupts at midnight. It's pretty romantic...

Author

Rico

Date

2006-12-28T10:51:46-06:00

ID

90447

Comment

Yup, Brian, you were the wrong person to ask. That's the one night the kids get to stay up really late: and they are really starting to understand the significance of the New Year. And, since we don't drink, we usually have a glass of sparkling grape juice: this is a huge sacrifice for my hubby, cause he hates the stuff. But he'll drink it for me. :) The fun of having children is sharing your lives with them.

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2006-12-28T11:08:25-06:00

ID

90448

Comment

Y'know, I'm not knocking people who want to go out and party with friends (especially folks who don't have family around here), but my feeling is that unless I have somebody specific I plan on smooching when the ball drops, that's a holiday I'd rather spend with family. Gotta say that what LH and Rico describe is much more consistent with how I tend to spend holidays like this than anything else...which means there are more of us than I thought. Hrm! Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-12-28T11:29:18-06:00

ID

90449

Comment

We have good friends who host a party at their house where kids are welcome and can mingle with adults; that's a great party, and where we start the evening. I would think a house party like that is the best option for the tykes, and it still offers great conversation and tantalizing wit (and bubbly) for the adults. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-12-28T11:38:00-06:00

ID

90450

Comment

Yep. My best suggestion is to go in with other adults and host a kid friendly party. Just RSVP'd for one. My parents had that party when I was little, and it was so much fun. I remember watching Grease in the family room with all the kids while the parents mingled. House party is best. We were child-less last year and did Hal and Mal's. Also something fun for the kids is to get a few safe fireworks, let them stay up a little later and then on New Year's DAY introduce them to the black-eyed peas tradition and make resolutions together. It's also a good time to go back over the year and talk about how much the family has changed/grown. Of course, we're blended, but we've come a long way! Good time to talk about what we can work on, etc. I'm hokey like that. I'm also thinking of having everyone write on paper something they did/won/etc. and have everyone guess who did it. For example, I doubt my kids know that I won an Easter bunny coloring contest when I was six. Regardless, kids LOVE to cook. You could make a special dinner and give each kid a dish. I still love the NYC countdown. I've spent many a new year vegging on the couch with Monkey and just kicking back. I'll come back if I hear of anything JUST for the kids. I would love to take them to dinner where kids are welcome, but I haven't found that yet.

Author

emilyb

Date

2006-12-28T11:51:23-06:00

ID

90451

Comment

"Jackson can definitely use some foam parties." - Tom If there's one thing Jackson doesn't need, it's foam parties! Ick. Tom, I'm guessing you've never been to one... If you had, you'd know that the drunken, dancefloor grinding only gets scarier and in dire need of latex when there's foam involved. ;-) Not to mention it is usually all shades of wrong and by wrong I mean the wrong people running around half-naked blitzed out of their minds. Puke. I suspect the only foam parties that are a beautiful site only occur in Portugal, Miami and Ibiza... Even the ones in NOLA are a slithering mess. But, I'm with you... Why December/January rather than say August? Lady Havoc, why not take the kids out for a frolic in the foam? ;-)

Author

kaust

Date

2006-12-28T12:33:23-06:00

ID

90452

Comment

Knol, you're right that I've never been to a foam party--but they look so great on Wild On! Okay, ahem, point taken. You had me at "dire need of latex." ;o) Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-12-28T12:39:27-06:00

ID

90453

Comment

LH, husband just told me another thing. My bonus daughter is going to a "sleepover" at a child care center. I'd rather her be with us that night, but it's not my decision to make ;) She's excited though! All her friends will be there. So if you're willing to let the kids go and plan your own night, there's that option. Call around in Clinton. Stay and Play in Brandon usually has a party for kids, but it's a younger age group than mine. P.S.-The jig is up on Santa. Monkey knows the truth now. I just did my last Santa Christmas :(

Author

emilyb

Date

2006-12-28T12:41:02-06:00

ID

90454

Comment

It's okay; when he gets to be of a certain age, it'll be somebody else's job to fill the stockings and he'll be able to have Santa Christmases again. My grandmother, who will be turning 90 in a week, just had one. :o) Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-12-28T12:43:50-06:00

ID

90455

Comment

Emily, you're doing some good and interesting writing - creative, insightful, making come alive subject matters many would consider boring, and a keen wit to behold. Full-time writing is becoming of you. You're about to inspire me to do better. But somebody told me the real test is whether you can still do it when you don't know where your next meal is coming from or you know too well where it's coming from (rich).

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-12-28T12:50:16-06:00

ID

90456

Comment

Dear RC, :P Some of my best writing WAS when I didn't know where my next meal was coming from. Don't forget the newly single mom living in poverty era. Or maybe you didn't read me then. This full-time writing is becoming me for two reasons 1.) I've let go of fear of getting FIRED for something I write or it coming up in court (I'm at one with that now) and 2.) I'm less of a full-time writer and more of a full-time mom. I'm working harder than I've EVER worked managing a brand new household. One must have a sense of humor to endure this hardship.

Author

emilyb

Date

2006-12-28T12:57:32-06:00

ID

90457

Comment

I have to chime in on the foam party thing... I chuckled when I saw that, too, because the only one I have ever been to was in Destin, FL, in the summertime. It was fun, but definitely wet, and there are always undesirables sloshing around with you. That would probably be fun for the college kids or something, though. Also, did I hear correctly that Carson Daly is hosting the New Year's Rockin' Eve? I know Dick Clark has been sick... Carson is so annoying to me and will never be DC!!

Author

andi

Date

2006-12-28T15:00:30-06:00

ID

90458

Comment

The wife and I try to get home as soon as possible so that we won't be outside or on the road when the drunks and revelers are partying and trying to get home wasted. Years ago while driving in downtown Houston I stopped at a intersection where traffic was supposed to be going only in one direction. An Angel told me to look in the other direction too before pulling off just to be safe. When I looked I saw an old gigantic chevrolet car shoot by us going about 100 miles per hour. We clearly would have been killed instantly had I pulled out. Don't get me wrong. I wish y'all the best. I even know why people drive drunk. You won't catch me asking anybody why you drive drunk. You do it because you drunk too much then realized you had to get home. And you would have made it had the police not pulled you over or you had that accident. Enjoy yourself and be safe. Cheers. I'll have the grandkids entertain us.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-12-28T16:26:03-06:00

ID

90459

Comment

Well put, Ray. I don't drive, so I have no right to complain about anybody, but it always freaks me out to see an otherwise intelligent person leave a party obviously impaired and get behind the wheel. And it seems to be almost universal that This is What One Does, to the point where I avoid a lot of parties simply because I know I won't be able to get a ride home without ruining somebody's evening, since apparently most people can't enjoy themselves at parties unless they're sloshed. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-12-28T19:02:03-06:00

ID

90460

Comment

One addendum to this... I don't drive myself because of a neurological condition that I could have ignored a long time ago, the same way somebody might ignore Bacardi shots before going out on the road, and obviously that decision has cost me an awful lot. I've always believed that it was worth it to prevent me from being a danger to myself and others. The fact that someone would take on that kind of impairment on purpose, and then still get out on the road late at night on New Year's Eve without even thinking twice about it, freaks me out. The fact that I know some folks who lost family members to well-meaning and otherwise intelligent drunk drivers, who will have to live the rest of their lives knowing they've killed innocent people, makes it hard for me to take this subject lightly. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-12-28T19:22:22-06:00

ID

90461

Comment

Knol said, Lady Havoc, why not take the kids out for a frolic in the foam? ;-) I kinda draw the line at a 7 and 8 year old being around half-naked latex covered people. :) I don't have a clue what a foam party is, but I have a feeling it's highly inappropriate. andi said, Also, did I hear correctly that Carson Daly is hosting the New Year's Rockin' Eve? I know Dick Clark has been sick... Carson is so annoying to me and will never be DC!! Agreed: thankfully, Ryan Seacrest is again hosting New Year's Rockin' Eve. Dick Clark is scheduled to make an appearance, as he did last year. Carson Daly is hosting the other New Year's Eve party.

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2006-12-28T21:26:06-06:00

ID

90462

Comment

Oh, Emily. Last Santa Christmas? I really hope this isn't our last one, but our two are getting old enough to figure it out. And we don't want to be separated on New Year's Eve. It's nice to have the family around that night. Besides, they say whatever you are doing at midnight you will be doing all year long. Kissing is a good start for midnight. :)

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2006-12-28T21:32:29-06:00

ID

90463

Comment

I'm kinda in Ray's boat. Come Midnight I want to be far away from civilization. I recall some years living downtown where the fireworks and gunfire fought it out for supremacy. All the pops and booms sound alike, until someone pulls out the automatic noisemakers. Then it's show over. Let's not talk about drunks. They're the only people left I can recommend the death penalty for.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-12-28T22:30:59-06:00

ID

90464

Comment

I won't be doing anything New Year's Eve. I will be getting ready for the Sugar Bowl Bash. New Year's Eve is for amateurs. You want a real party? www.bltparty.com Every Friday before Mardi Gras at the Landmark in Metairie

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-12-28T22:54:17-06:00

ID

90465

Comment

He flat out asked LH, so I had to fess up. I always promised him honesty. Sigh. We talked girlchild out of the sleepover! She'll be with us now! YES!

Author

emilyb

Date

2006-12-28T22:58:40-06:00

ID

90466

Comment

I plan to be deep in the MS woods at a deer camp enjoying the evening with friends & family. Listening & smelling natures beauty. We'll shoot some fireworks, hang around the camp fire. Swap some outrageous stories about the Bambi that got away. Most of all, I plan to avoid the gestapo of the roads. The last time I got stopped this many times for riding, I was in a modern day communist country. Wonder what the New Year will bring?

Author

Doc Rogers

Date

2006-12-28T23:15:34-06:00

ID

90467

Comment

I did see that Ryan Seacrest is hosting the Dick Clark NYE show. He's tolerable, at least. Glad that the man himself will make an appearance! I think the BF and I are staying home this year, too, and avoiding the crazies out on the road.

Author

andi

Date

2006-12-29T09:42:02-06:00

ID

90468

Comment

They could hire George Carlin, and rename it to New Year's Bleepin' Eve. That would be amusing for all the wrong reasons. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-12-29T09:51:47-06:00

ID

90469

Comment

Okay, Seven Studio's New Year's Bash. Looks interesting.... I'd want to be there too!

Author

emilyb

Date

2006-12-29T12:34:35-06:00

ID

90470

Comment

Yeah, that one looks good!

Author

Izzy

Date

2006-12-29T12:38:16-06:00