If you want to ring in the new year with some boogie fever you can get your groove on with ‘70s retro party band Wunderbread at The Beach Club Resort in Parksville.
Wunderbread started in 1996 and since then the band made up of six talented Vancouver Island musicians has become one of the most popular dance bands in Western Canada. Earle Gibson who plays trombone, keyboards and guitar for the group said the band is still having fun after 15 years performing together.
“We have always been about being connected with the crowd,” said Gibson who added they are looking forward to returning to Parksville and ringing in the new year at The Beach Club.
At last year’s New Year’s Eve extravaganza at the Beach Club the disco band had guests hustle the night away as they brought funkytown to the dance floor. This year they are bringing back the good times along with their hot pants and platform shoes. Gibson said there is a good chance he will be sporting his glittering platform shoes.
“I bought those shoes in Seattle at a great shop on Broadway. We like hunting through thrift shops. The band has a lot of fun putting together the outfits,” admitted Gibson.
Gibson who is on Vancouver Island for the holidays will be traveling back to Santiago Chile on January 6 where he has been teaching English and studying jazz since mid September. He said although he doesn’t reside in these parts anymore, the band is still together and if a touring gig comes along he can show up from anywhere in the world. He said the band loves the small venue at the Beach Club and they are ready to bring back the party.
“The room is a wonderful fit for what we are doing and we are thrilled to be coming back.”
Director of Sales and Marketing at the Beach Club, Wendy Sears said the gala dinner and dance will be the party of the year and they are encouraging people to book a room and turn the occasion into mini retreat. She said they are offering a one night package for two people that includes the dance, complete with a gourmet buffet, a champagne toast, snacks at midnight, plus a New Year’s Day brunch for $399. Sears said $99 single tickets are available for those people who don’t want an overnight package and as always the resort offers it’s complimentary shuttle. For tickets and reservations call 248-8999.
If Mardi Gras is more your thing, The Fairwinds Golf Club Resort in Nanoose Bay has a New Year’s Eve party that is sure to put you in a carnival mood. Bring your party beads and feathers for this fun ball.
The Mardi Gras Dinner and Dance includes a New Orleans-style buffet dinner in the Arbutus Room, followed by dancing with champagne and snacks at midnight. Cocktails are at 7 p.m., with dinner at 8 p.m. Tickets are $80 per person and can be purchased by calling 250-468-9915.
Tigh-Na-Mara’s annual New Year’s Eve Gala will be held this year in the Cedar Room on Saturday, Dec. 31. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and run the duration of the evening until 1 a.m. and will feature Johnny Inappropriate. The high energy dance/rock cover band which began in 2004, has quickly become one of Vancouver Island’s premier cover bands. Johnny Inappropriate is known for their sharp look, high energy, and musical diversity. Garnering rave reviews everywhere they go, there is never a dull moment with Johnny Inappropriate.
Two meal options will be available before the festivities begin. There is a five-course dinner in the Cedar Room and a sumptuous buffet dinner in the Walbran Room. Each year the event draws in large crowds where a night of great food, entertainment and dancing ensues.
Room nights are offered in package deals as well as individually for the evening. The package includes the event ticket, a one night’ accommodation, and the New Year’s Day brunch that will be held on January 1, 2012. Because it can be difficult for parents to find a baby-sitter on New Year’s Eve, the resort has developed a holiday recreation program that includes a pajama party for children to keep them occupied with activities while their parents enjoy the Gala evening. Call 250-248-2333.
The Malloomba Boogie Band bring their good old rock and roll to the Coombs Rodeo Grounds Saturday Dec. 31. The New Years Eve dance starts at 8 p.m. and winds up at 1 a.m. Advance tickets are $40 and include a buffet style dinner. Phone 250-248-1009 for reservations. No minors.
Classic rock band Identity Crisis will have the dance floor hopping at The Shady Rest New Years Eve celebration. Tickets are $25 each and include party favors, late night snacks and a champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 7 p.m. for ticket holders with the dancing going from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. Call 250 752-9111 for tickets.
Metal band Fear of the Valley with electronic beats DJ Westcoast will be playing at the Royal Canadian Legion in Parksville on Saturday, Dec. 31. Bass player Aaron McKenzie said even though they are a metal band they plan to keep the music bouncy so people can dance. The band plays mostly original songs which are geared toward the younger crowd. Tickets are $5 if you buy ahead or $10 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Shades of Green at 117 Craig Street in Parksville until Dec. 30. Doors open at 8 p.m.
New Year’s Eve at the Rod and Gun is promising to be a fun party. With music by Hummer, there’s going to be tons of fun and of course a champagne toast at midnight. Hummer’s goals are simple: Make you dance, make you have fun and make you come back.
Hummer plays a wide range of songs from poplar artists such as Prince, Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz, Sublime, RATM and everything in between.
Hummer’s live performance is full of energy, musicianship, spontaneity and even a little laughter.
The boys have played “The Gun” for close to six years, including playing New Years and the always eventful Boxing Day bash.
Tickets are $15.
There will be a special New Year’s Eve Duo on Saturday, Dec. 31 at the Old Dutch Inn in Qualicum Beach. Ron Hadley accompanied by exquisite Victoria vocalist Miranda Sage will join guests in ringing in the New Year. For reservations call 250-752-6914 or visit www.olddutchiin.com.
