All about (New Years) Eve
Oy, snow bunny and ski bum slackers, I bet you havent organized anything to do on New Years Eve yet, have you? Too busy carving and shredding are we? I know, I know, apres ski takes up so much time. But a word of warning, dont leave your social calendar too wide open on the last day of the year or youll be singing solo in your soggy thermals as the clock strikes 12.
Doesnt sound like fun, does it? Avoid the full-house blues by studying up for the big day with our quintessential guide to the good times.
Lets start by the golden rule of behaving yourself. Dont drink and drive. Police are warning you will get caught. Road checks will be in effect. Local buses will be free from 8 p.m. Consider it an opportunity to meet some prospective party partners along the way.
Now to the events. Almost every bar, pub, restaurant, café and club in Whistler has something on. This list is limited to events with live music or DJs. They are in alphabetical order, by no means exhaustive, and prices are subject to change. Phone numbers have been included for more information. Be prepared that some of these events have already sold out but in the meantime, lets go shopping shall we
AMSTERDAM PUB
Its a Masquerade Ball so wear a mask. This party includes a picollo of champagne, party favours and a midnight buffet of canapes and hors doeuvre. Tickets are $75. Ph: 604-932-8334.
BEARFOOT BISTRO
An adults-only glamorous gathering offering guests Beluga Caviar and sabering of Vintage Dom Perignon on arrival. A five course "gastronomique" menu devised by head chef Brock Windsor. A four-piece jazz band and dancing all night long. There is only one seating for the evening and guests may book from 7 p.m. onwards. Tickets are $375 per person, required in advance. Ph: 604-932-3433.
BOOT PUB
Voted the best live venue in Whistler yet again and easily one of the cheapest nights out around. For a rockin good time, join Sweaty Cheddar who ssshh, dont tell anyone are most of the members of She Stole My Beer. Funk and groove with champagne at midnight. Doors open 8 p.m. Tickets are $40. Ph:604-932-3338.
BREW HOUSE
With a backdrop of boutique beer vats, a big log fire and a belter of a band, this gig is going to go off. Frost Heave, are well known as the Led Zeppelin tribute band Whole Lotta Led, but tonight theyre playing more than that. From the 60s to now, youll sample it all. DJ Miguel Sanchez will keep the crowd busy between sets. Tickets to the show are $35 but dinner and the show is just $45 for a set menu. A-la-carte is also available. Two seatings only at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Ph: 604-905-2739.
BUFFALO BILLS.
Toast in the new year with your own bottle of champagne and yes, Cristal and Dom Perignon are available. You will be treated to a gourmet collection of delicious appies and munchies all night. Doors open at 8 p.m. A fine collection of mainstream music will keep you dancing until 3 a.m. Tickets are $195. Ph: 604-932-6613.
CRAB SHACK
Celebrate New Years Eve with the West Coasts crowned guitar king, Will Mimnaugh. Hes an incredible talent and with a sumptuous menu on offer, itll be a night to remember. Tickets are $25 for the show or $99.95 including dinner. Seatings at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m for the restaurant or 8:30 p.m. for the lounge buffet. Ph: 604-932-4451.
CRYSTAL LOUNGE
Contemporary rock and pop covers and a few originals from local legend Suzanne Wilson. Spend the night with good people in a cosy cottage setting by a roaring log fire. Champagne, nibblies and party favours as well. Ph: 604-932-2221.
DUBH LINN GATE PUB
Whistler's only Irish pub have the Bowen Boys Trio, featuring Moritz Behm on Celtic fiddle & mondolin plus Rob Thompson on vocals. A spectacular buffet dinner, midnight snacks and party favours included. Tickets are $125. Ph; 604-905-4047.
DUSTYS
Creekside cranks it up with the WDC, a.k.a. Whole Damn County. Pique readers voted these guys the band of the Millennium in 2000. With three CDs under their belt and a national tour out of the way, theyre ready to rock in the new year with their contemporary cover set. This event will suit the whole spectrum of ages, from 19 to 65. Tickets are $75. For that youll get an authentic slow, wood smoked BBQ, party favours and champagne at midnight for the adults. Doors open at 8 p.m. Ph: 604-905-2171.
FIRST NIGHT
The jewel of Whistlers New Years Eve carnival crown is this alcohol-free, family celebration. More than 50 performing and visual artists will be on hand in a variety of venues simultaneously throughout the village. Concerts with Whistlers best bands, circus acts, plus loads of hands-on hijinks from hat, flag and lantern making to face-painting and psychic readings. Tickets are $15 or $4 for kids under 12. Minors must accompany an adult. Ph: 604-935-PLAY.
GARFINKELS
Walk into a winter wonderland. A silver and white theme is the order of the day, as Garfs goes snowy. Dress accordingly. Each guest will receive a mini bottle of champagne on arrival. Hors doeuvre will be served for most of the night. Tickets are $100 pre-sold, more at the door.
GARIBALDI LIFT COMPANY
Two talents for the price of one. Taylor James plays contemporary covers with his bluesy, rock edge and in between DJ PC will lay down his funky, lounge lizard muzak. A free bevvie greets you on arrival. Tickets are $88. Ph: 604-905-2220.
FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER
Bal du Moulin Rouge, an unforgettable evening of elegance and fantasy. The décor will conjure up the joie de vivre and beauty of a bygone era. With extravagant lighting, artfully decorated buffet, thrilling music, dancers, actors and interactive entertainment, this truly is a gala experience not to be missed. As the great bells of Paris strike 12 midnight the evening reaches its climax in true bohemian style. The escapade begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $325 for adults, $150 for children over 10 years-old. Younger children are welcome until 11 p.m.
LA BRASSERIE
Its Carnival Night, complete with masquerade style masks, Latino fare, Piper Heidsick champagne and the soulful sounds of DJ Ghetto Boy. Located right on the edge of Village Square, this place is awesome for viewing the village festivities. Tickets are $60. Ph: 604-932-3569.
MAXX FISH
A super-sized sexy dance party hosted by internationally acclaimed DJ Keph, who will fill the room with his soulful funk, R&B and hip hop. A midnight buffet and champagne should keep you going all night. Tickets are $100. Ph: 604-932-1904.
MERLINS
Get back to your rock n roll roots with the hard driving Dave Crowley Band. Goth, metal, long hair, tight pants, black T-shirts are all welcome. Expect AC/DC, Guns n Roses, Black Sabbath and everything in between. Tickets are $60 and include party hats, appies and champagne at midnight. Doors open at 9 p.m. Ph: 604-905-2220.
MOE JOES
Celebrate First Night with resident DJ Tone Ballone, with his unique take on contemporary dance, house, R&B and disco classics. Tickets are $75 including champagne at midnight, party favours and light snacks. Ph: 604-935-1152.
PEMBERTON HOTEL
The 10c Heads. Tickets $20. Ph: 604-894-6313.
ROUNDHOUSE ON WHISTLER MOUNTAIN
Heavenly White Out what better way to begin 2003 than atop a snowy mountain? Dust off your formal attire and take the Whistler Village Gondola all the way up to a sumptuous setting of fine gourmet food, champagne and dancing among friends. A fireworks display will light up the valley below. A live DJ will keep guests dancing, who must be 14 years or older to attend. Tickets are $190. Ph: 604-932-3434.
SAVAGE BEAGLE
One of Whistlers longest running spinners, DJ Seanski, will fill your biggest night of the year with all your favourite tracks, from hip hop, to R&B and beyond. Each patron receives a mini bottle of champagne and nibblies throughout the night. Tickets are $175. Ph: 604-938-3337.
TAPLEYS NEIGHBOURHOOD PUB
This is a locals hangout so its sure to be a relaxed but real good time. Its the quintessential drop by place for the night. Champagne at midnight with party favours and lots of familiar faces. Free entry before 9 p.m., $10 after. Leafs vs Canucks at 7 p.m. Ph: 604-932-4011.
TEX CORLEONES
New Years becomes a hot August night as the amazing Nearly Neil Diamond struts his stuff on the stage. The voice, the side burns, the glittery shirt youll think youre in Vegas, baby. The show is $40 or $99.95 with a three course dinner. Ph: 604-938-8009.
TOMMY AFRICAS
Music through the Ages. Dress in style from the 80s to now. Go Retro with DJ Ryder to start, then DJ Milton heats things up a notch with house and dance till the end. Therell be festive decor, go-go dancers, champagne at midnight plus plenty of hors d'oeuvre. Tickets are $89 in advance or $125 on the day. Ph: 604-932-6090.