The big blow-outs
Adieu 2002
Palais des Congrès, 201 Viger, 388-0483
Get an early start on New Year’s fun with cocktails at 7 p.m. followed by a four-course meal and some rockin’ franco dinner theatre. DJs, dancers, comedy, live music and surprise guests will keep you entertained for over five hours, highlighted by a performance and midnight countdown with classic Quebec band la Bottine Souriante. “Ça va swinger!” The soirée is $89.50 after 10 p.m.; $169.50/$179.50 for the whole shebang.
Akopalypse 2003
Location TBA, 957-2284
Get festive with the fuzz at this New Year’s bash by KOPS Productions. Live performances are due from Rhythm Mercenaries and Trip the Off, while eight DJs take the tables, including Maysr, White Hype and Mister Mostest. A $15 donation gets you entry plus two complimentary bevvies. Go to www.rhythmmercenaries.com for all the details.
Apocalypse 2003
Centre Pierre-Charbonneau, 3000 Viau, (450) 625-7000
If the end of the world is nigh, party like it counts at this epic Ray Junior production, running from 8 p.m. to noon on Wednesday, and costing $45 in advance, or $65 at the door. The headlining DJ team is Belgium’s Push, apparently the world’s top trance act, who’s joined by a dozen other DJs (like J-Flash, Mike James, Angelboyz, and Lady Melodie vs. Indica) spinning hard techno, trance and progressive house. Lasers, giant screens and “complete and total darkness” are guaranteed, along with water fountains, “friendly security” and Red Cross first aid for messed-up folks. Call or visit www.rayjunior.com for all the juicy details.
Bal des Boys
Sona Main Room, 1439 Bleury
Now that fire inspectors have put the fizzle on this party’s original location, the Darling Foundry, the Bad Boys are crashing Sona’s party. The Main Room will be Bad Boys only, with a special entrance for Bal-goers. Dress in black and white for this eighth annual Bal des boys, which features pumping tunes by DJs Alex Lauterstein, Mat Ste-Marie and Luc Raymond with a special countdown by Radical 5 and a medley of the year’s musical hits by “virtual stars” Mistress Verushka, Sheena Hershey, Kiki Lee and the BBCM Dancers, all between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. Video projections, sparkling wine at midnight, a light breakfast in the morning and lots of surprises makes it worth your while, and worth your $60, $65 through Admissions, or $140 for a VIP pass. If you’ve already forked, your old tix are still good for the new location. Check www.bbcm.org
Blast
Sona, 1439 Bleury, 282-1000
Sona’s got it going on this New Year’s with hip hop in the house, featuring live performances by Muzion and les Architekts and DJ sets by Shades of Culture, Triple Tek Soundcrew, Shortcut and more, all in the hip hop room. At the bar, Mike Tobin and Eddie Jasmin will turn your tables, while Luc Raymond and XL handle the after hours. Have a Blast for $25, $55 for open bar treatment (9 p.m. to 3 a.m.), or $75 for all you VIPs. Check out www.514productions.com for sales info.
Break 2003
Aria, 1280 St-Denis, 987-6712
Break in the new year with a four-hour set by local turntable master Mistress Barbara, who’s joined by Mateo Murphy, Maüs and Yaz vs. Miko in the main room, while the urban room gets its fill with Guru, Afu-ra (with Perverted Monks), Kwite Sane, Red Dredd and more. The sounds start at 10 p.m., and advance tickets cost $50, but visit www.arianightclub.com for the complete price breakdown.
Cashmere 2003
Le Windsor, 1170 Peel, Suite 100
Formal ball, anyone? Evening gowns and sharp suits or tuxes are a must for this swanky soirée, featuring eight DJs on the hip hop tip - including Kwite Sane, Mystik and Venom - an open bar from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., party favours and a midnight countdown and balloon drop. Tickets to this Desi Dynasty presentation are only available in advance (see the Web site) and cost between $45 and $130 (that’s full VIP treatment). And save those stubs for the party’s after party on Thursday, Jan. 2. Check www.cashmere2003montreal.com
Celebration 2003
Bell Centre, 1260 de la Gauchetière, 790-1245
Live your New Year’s large at the venue formerly known as the Molson Centre. British DJ Max Graham will rock the house with a four-hour set, while local DJs Laflèche, Miche & Sultan, Genie and Joubin take it home, all for $65 or more at the door. Food and bev will be available throughout, but the booze train stops at 2:30 p.m., and the organizers politely ask that there be no drugs - you will be searched.
Elevation 2
Location TBA, 480-1866
Yes, it’s the old-school rave, shrouded in mystery and high on concept. Three rooms, 23 DJs (and counting) and a guaranteed unique atmosphere are promised by Tiny Productions (last year’s event was at the Cosmodome). Local starlet DJ Mini and Toronto’s Marty McFly are featured in the D&B/electro room, Suburban Knight and Android in the techno/acid room and Israel’s DJ Yair delivers a four-hour set of “psytrance” behind the third door. It all gets going at 10 p.m., and at $45, including an Elevation promo CD, this is a steal. Call the infoline within 24 hours of party time.
Fluid 2003
Club Soda, 1225 St-Laurent, 731-9157/934-5509
The organizers of this fourth annual New Year’s party aren’t kidding about the “fluid.” Not only is there an open bar, there’s a premium open bar offering Jäger, vodka, martinis and much more, as well as hors d’oeuvres and on-site masseurs and masseuses (licensed, hopefully). Let’s not forget the music, namely old-school hip hop and house spun by DJs Andy, 4Play and Slipmat. Live entertainment surprises and bongos are also in the cards, so come on down at 8:30 p.m. and be prepared to spend $100+ at the door (it’s $95 in advance, call or check www.fluid2003.com for details).
Living
4521 St-Laurent, 286-9986
With three rooms, three styles of music, open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight and a draw for a trip to Cuba, along with a special live performance by Toronto’s Dr. Draw, all for $50, or more at the door - why not leave your living room for theirs? DJ Frank Famery delivers the house fix, while Blast brings the R&B in the Velvet Room and Blaise tackles Top 40 in the Kasbah Lounge.
Nuits de Gitanes
Mile End Bar, 5322 St-Laurent, 279-0200
The chic and intimate Mile End Bar decks its halls in Gypsy fixings this New Year’s, and offers top-to-bottom open bar with champagne in the midnight hour as well as sushi and amuses-gueule, music by DJs Roméo Kardec, Mark Dillon and Olivier Bergeron and a live display of modern flamenco dancing. Prices range from $75 to $100, but reserve fast, space is limited. Check www.mileendbar.com; e-mail info@mileendbar.com
One More Time
Stereo, 858 Ste-Catherine E., 286-0325
This New Year’s, New York’s David Morales and Angel Moraes join local DJs Nav Bhinder, Patrick Dream, Big Al, and Brad Copeland to hit you, baby, for a $65 ticket that includes a double CD by misters Moraes and Morales. Live it late, as doors open at 2 a.m.
Psycho Beach Party
Foufounes Électriques, 87 Ste-Catherine E., 844-5539
Surf’s up this year at Foufounes Electriques, where salsa-flavoured, reggae rockin’ party band Colectivo will ease you into the new year on a killer wave, dude. Apart from the $2,000 in awesome surprise giveaways, you can dress beachy and get a free beverage, or wait for champagne at midnight, when the bar will be ajar. The party kicks off at 9 p.m., and tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
Rialto Theatre
5723 Parc, 790-1245
Bask in the majesty of the recently renovated Rialto with your superstar host Amon Tobin and hip hop legend Steinski. Sixtoo also spins his tall tales, while DJ Ram counts down and France’s Llorca DJs the night away. There’s midnight champagne and party favours to boot, all for $40, tax included – call Admissions or visit L’Oblique, CD Esoterik or Café Remizio for tickets. Doors open at 8:30 p.m.
Spasm
Brasserie Belle Gueule, 5585 de la Roche, 790-1245
When you’re partying at a brewery, open bar is a given, but this blowout also boasts a giant buffet, midnight madness, non-stop surprises and wild folks decked out in the “chic ’n’ sexy” dress code, and it all kicks in at 9 p.m. DJ Fabreeze puts the vinyl on spin cycle at what is promised to be “the biggest, and most intimate, New Year’s Eve party in town,” one that’ll set you back $50. See www.spasm.ca for more.
T’Cha’s “3… The Magic #”
5333 Casgrain, suite 102
It’s kindly Mr. Dunlevy’s eighth annual New Year’s getdown with the usual hoppin’ tunes, local superstar DJs and lofty locale, located two blocks east of St-Laurent, just north of Fairmount. Celebrate the year’s end the Mile End way, at 10 p.m., for only $10.
Bar and club parties
Altitude 737
1 Place Ville-Marie, 397-0737
Montreal’s highest nightspot features a bevy of high-class dinin’ and dancin’ (and hopefully, sweet romancin’) to inaugurate the new year. 737’s resto features a five-course meal complete with champagne and music, while the club features canapés, champagne and two floors of hip hop, R&B, and techno. The dinner will cost you $130, admission to just the club is $50 for the first 300 tickets sold, then $70, or $80 at the door, and $150 will get you into both.
Angel’s
3604 St-Laurent, 282-9944
The Upstep Crew (DJs Random, Truspin, and Spazmodik) step up to deliver the dance tunes this year with the able help of DJs Fabulous, Devious and Renegade. There’s also a (sure-to-be-crowded) open bar till midnight. Tix are $35 in advance, more at the door.
Balattou
4372 St-Laurent, 845-5447
Forget the winter cold at this tropical nightclub this New Year’s Eve. Start the evening off with a hot African buffet, drink some champagne and dance to African, Caribbean and Latin music. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, and things get started at 9 p.m. (though you might want to show up a little earlier if you want to chow down).
B’Bops Lounge
3603 St-Laurent, 282-3332
This lower Main upstart offers two rooms of tunes to tempt you this New Year's. Local diva Michelle Sweeney will be performing, and DJs Pierre Perpall Jr. and Marcelo will keep you moving with a mix of house and R&B. Champagne will be served at midnight. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and you can show up as early as 9 p.m.
Belmont
4483 St-Laurent, 845-8443
Three of the Belmont’s in-house DJs will keep you dancing this year as you imbibe liberally from the club’s open bar, doling out free booze till midnight. The good times start at 9 p.m. and admission’s $45.
Bifteck
3702 St-Laurent, 844-6211
Nothing like the ol’ Bifteck. As per usual the Biffers offers a buffet this year, as well as the usual loud debauchery with no cover charge. You really can’t go wrong here.
Blizzarts
3956A St-Laurent, 843-4860
DJs Jordan Dare, Simahlak and Kobal take care of business this year at Blizzarts. Also on the bill will be lil’ bottles of champagne for sale and lots of surprises. Tickets are $10 (at the door only), and doors are at 10 p.m.
Blue Dog
3958 St-Laurent
If you’re still feeling up to partying the day after New Year’s, check out the Broken boys’ New Year’s Day! spectacular, promising “kickin’ breaks for 2003!” DJs Poontz, Melon, D. Kai, Slyde and many others rock this daytime party, which starts at 2 p.m. and costs $3.
Buona Notte
3518 St-Laurent, 848-0644
The lower Main’s slickster eatery features, as usual, an appropriately swank New Year’s experience, complete with five-course meal (including a bottle of wine for each couple), Buona Notte’s resident DJ, punch and champagne, and amuse-bouches to give the evening a tasty start. Cocktails are at 7:30 p.m., dinner’s at 8 p.m. and the night’ll set you back $140 before taxes and gratuities.
Cabaret Music Hall
2111 St-Laurent, 845-2014
Who better to spend New Year’s with than the appropriately festively-monickered Marie-Christine Champagne? Champagne’s C’est Extra party, seven years old this year, has become a monthly Cabaret fixture, and the New Year’s version promises lots of “Frenchy Jazzy Swing” tunes, champagne, confetti and the works. The dancin’ and romancin’ starts at 8 p.m. and will cost you $30 in advance, $40 at the door.
Café Campus
57 Prince-Arthur E., 844-1010
A couple days before New Year’s (Dec. 27) sees the Return of Snap!, a soul-dance party hosted by the mighty and talented Snap! DJs Adam Gollner and Rupert Bottenberg. Dance like a maniac for only $3, the party starts at 9 p.m.
Café St-Laurent Frappé
3900 St-Laurent, 289-9462
Go all night at the Frappé this year, with DJ Richard dropping popular rock and dance tunes, champagne at midnight, and pool tables to divert you from drawing up that list of new year resolutions. The action starts around 10-11
p.m, and admission will only set you back $5.
Cheers
1260 Mackay, 932-3138
Hoist a glass at this downtown party spot, which features an open bar from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., party favours and snacks. Admission is an all-inclusive $65.
Club Element, Blu Nightclub and Velvet Lounge
1106 De Maisonneuve W., 1426 Stanley and 1432 Stanley
Three downtown hotspots join forces for Rendezvous 2003, a club-hopping evening full of music and other fun stuff. The $40 bracelet ($50 after Boxing Day and more the night of) gets you into all three clubs, where you can enjoy the skills of 15 DJs, munch on hors d’oeuvres, guzzle from the open bar (till 11 p.m.), sip champagne at midnight and count down the year with the folks in Times Square. Plus, there’s a free (for bracelet-holders) after party the next day at Ilume. For tickets call 774-8343 or check out www.rendezvous2003.com.
Clyde’s
286 Lakeshore, Pointe-Claire, 630-8118
Clyde’s forswears live acts this year in favour of a few good-time DJs, a cold buffet and a glass of bubbly at the midnight hour.
Dôme
32 Ste-Catherine E., 875-5757
Things start early - 6 p.m. - at this insane downtown nightspot, which will have 25 bartenders on hand to handle the massive open bar from 8 p.m to 10 p.m. DJ Groove will be handling the responsibility of manning the club’s whomping 25,000 watt sound system. An enormous screen will broadcast the festivities from Times Square; partygoers will also thrill to a laser show, a balloon drop and more. $69.99 gets you in.
Electric Avenue
1469 Crescent, 285-8885
The downtown club promises retro fun this New Year’s, with music from their resident DJ, party favours, champagne at midnight and a live countdown from Times Square. Tix are $25 in advance, and you might want to call to book early as spots are limited.
Else’s
156 Roy E., 286-6689
New Year’s is always busy and fun at this cozy, low-key Plateau watering hole. No gimmicks here, just a friendly party with some food served after midnight. An ideal place for a friendly, chilled-out New Year’s celebration with no cover charge.
Funkytown
1454 Peel, 282-8387
Disco dancing will be the order of the evening at this downtown hotspot, where you can watch the countdown from Times Square on a giant screen, amuse yourself with party favours, sip champagne at midnight and enjoy hors d’oeuvres from Restaurant Alexandre at 12:30 a.m. Tix are $25 in advance and $50 at the door (if there are any left; you’re advised to call ahead and book in advance).
Fuzzy Brossard
3 Place du Commerce, Brossard, (450) 466-6877
An all-night bonanza, running from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., Fuzzy’s New Year’s celebrations will feature music from DJ Pascal Guimont in the main room, DJs Drama, Arabica and Lopez in the lounge, and DJs Eric Alain and P.G. in Turbo, the afterhours section of the club. C’est Quoi?’s Patrick Benoît hosts the night’s activities, and those with a taste for swag should be thrilled by the over 2,000 prizes to be handed out over the course of the evening. Plus there’s an open bar till 10:30 p.m.! Tix are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Fuzzy Laval
1600 St-Martin E., Laval, (450) 669-2404
Straight-up New Year’s festivities at Fuzzy Laval, with a buffet, fun activities, music, and a midnight countdown. Doors open at 9 p.m. and $20 will get you in.
Groove Society
1008 Ste-Catherine E., 845-5045
Groove’s planning a great big blowout this year, with its three rooms showcasing a whopping 12 DJs spinning R&B, hip hop and house. You’ll be able to check out the countdown in Times Square on a giant screen as you guzzle from the open bar, which will be making your cup runneth over from 10 p.m. on. Tickets are $70 in advance, $90 at the doors, which open at 8 p.m.
Hard Rock Café
1458 Crescent, 987-1420
The Hard Rock’s New Year’s party features the rocking stylings of their in-house DJ and lots of New Year’s extras. An open bar and hot and cold hors d’oeuvres will keep you eating and drinking till midnight, when you can snarf down a glass of champagne. Also on the agenda are party favours and a whole bunch of door prizes. Tickets are $75 in advance (and you can skip the line-up) or $85 at the door. It all starts at 9 p.m.
Jupiter Room
3874 St-Laurent, 808-4407
Dancey madness is to be expected at the Jupiter’s Rock ’n’ Soul Dance Party 2003, hosted by DJ Jesse Radz. Shake to tunes from the ’50s onwards and sip on drink specials running all night long. Doors are at 9 p.m., and the cover is a low $2.
Madhatter
1230 de Maisonneuve W., 987-9988
Go meshuggah at this popular downtown hangout: dancing, a hot and cold buffet, champagne, door prizes and party favours will be the order of the night. $20 is what it’ll cost, and the doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Newtown
1476 Crescent, 284-6555
The many floors of this recent arrival on the downtown club scene see a variety of festive events and activities. A mammoth six-course dinner will be served in the resto at 8:30 p.m., which will cost you $150 and offer free access to the lounge (though you’ll have to add on $25 to get into into the dance club). If you just want to hit the lounge, you’ll be treated to snacks, champagne and a countdown, all for $35 in advance ($45 at the door). Finally, the crowded dance club will feature Newtown’s resident DJs and cost $40 in advance, $50 at the door.
Orchid
3556 St-Laurent, 848-6398
DJs Pat Boogie, Hill, Short and a special surprise spinner will be taking care of the tunes at Orchid’s party, Destiny 2003. There’ll be an open bar from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., champagne specials and a toast at midnight, party favours, hors d’oeuvres and more. Tickets are $40, more at the door.
Passeport
4156 St-Denis, 842-6063
The unique St-Denis boutique by day and nightclub by night throws their annual party in grand style, with lots of prizes to be won. Guests automatically win at least a free drink, with a chance to win gift certificates, cold, hard cash, and more. DJs Lucky Star and Sly will keep you entertained. $15 is the price.
Roy Bar
351 Roy E., 849-6467
The Roy Bar’s New Year’s Eve party this year features drink specials till midnight, 15 bottles of champagne to be distributed among bargoers, and door prizes. A resident DJ will be spinning tunes, and $5 will get you in.
Saphir
3699 St-Laurent, 284-5093
Saphir’s popular Panic and Darkwave nights kick off the New Year in appropriately glam and gothic styles, respectively. $30 will get you in for both, plus give you access to the open bar (for part of the night), and some champagne at midnight.
SAT
305 Ste-Catherine W.
“Amour et prospérité” is the theme of the swanky SAT’s New Year’s party. Maüs, Christelle, Champion, Pfreud, and Leo Cruz will make with the beats and things to keep you moving, while VJs K-Project and Cinetik will provide the eye candy. Get yer dancing shoes on at 9 p.m.; tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Sir Winston Churchill Pub
1459 Crescent, 288-3814
Winnie’s presents a New Year’s Extravaganza, with one ticket getting you in to all three floors. There’s live entertainment at Karina’s Wine and Spirit Lounge and three DJs for the pub’s three dancefloors. Tickets, which are $35 in advance and $45 at the door, include complimentary champagne and a buffet at midnight.
Sky
1474 Ste-Catherine E., 529-6969
This multi-level gay megaclub will be the site of lots of crazy goings-on this year. Chow down on a $50 all-inclusive supper and enjoy a drag show until midnight, or just spend the evening wandering around the complex’s many rooms. If you don’t feel like eating there, tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door.
Sofa Bar
451 Rachel E., 285-1011
Dance the night away and chug down shooters with DJ André Girard and another, yet-to-be-named spinner. Doors are at 9 p.m. and tickets are $20.
St-Sulpice
1680 St-Denis, 844-9458
Three DJs and a band will keep the St-Sul’s many regulars happy this years, as will the $2 hard alcohol drink specials and midnight champagne. Doors open at 8 p.m. and it’s $15 to get in.
Tokyo
3709 St-Laurent, 842-6838
Tokyo goes exotic with the fifth edition of its popular Hawaii 5-0
party. You’re encouraged to dress the part for this island bash, with hip hop and house being spun by DJs Buck Rogers and Simon B. Enjoy free champagne at midnight and don’t forget your floral-patterned shirt. Advance tix are $30 for guys, $25 for gals; it’ll be more at the door if there are any left, which is unlikely.
Unity II
1171 Ste-Catherine E.
The End is Unity’s official “last day party,” a blow-out with music by Stefane Lippé, Stereomovers and Bobzilla. $10 gets you in.
Wax Lounge
3481 St-Laurent, 282-0919
Lounge around languorously as you listen to the sweet sounds of DJ Mario at this swanky St-Laurent spot. $25 will get you in, with open bar privileges and canapés from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Live shows
Biddle’s
2060 Aylmer, 842-8656
Stephanie Biddle and the Paradise Band ring in the New Year in jazzy style at Montreal’s landmark jazz ’n’ ribs joint. A $15 cover charge includes champagne at midnight, but tables are reserved for diners, who can order from the à la carte menu. Reservations are recommended, so call ahead - they’re already filling up fast.
Bill Wong’s
7965 Décarie, 731-8202
With a party called The Wong Place and the Wong Time for New Year’s Eve, how can you go, well, wong? The Propulsion Band will be playing the party tunes, and in between dances you can grab some food at the buffet and enjoy the complimentary bottle of champagne for each couple. Hats, balloons and other party favours are of course de rigeur. It all starts rather early (5 p.m.), and’ll cost you $55 or $10 if you just want to see the band, no frills.
Bourbon Street West
1866 Sources, Pointe-Claire, 695-6545
Party it up West Island-style at this Pointe-Claire hotspot. $60 gets you champagne, hors d’oeuvres, an open bar and tunes from the Freddie James band.
Brutopia
1219 Crescent, 393-9277
The popular brew pub clears its main area this year to make room for a rockin’ dance floor where partygoers can get down to the sounds of Dibondoko and DJ Ilya. Guests will be treated to a lavish cold buffet till 11 p.m., party favours and a champagne toast at midnight. The good times start at 9 p.m. and $25 is what you’ll need to get in.
Cabaret Mado
1115 Ste-Catherine E., 525-7566
Get started early, as a couple of nights before the official New Year’s blowouts (Dec. 29), Cabaret Mado presents Drag & Roll 2, an evening of trashy fun with sleazecore faves One 976, MC Mado, DJ Xavier Caféïne and the Rag Drag Revue. Admission is $5 and the show starts at 10 p.m.
Casa del Popolo
4873 St-Laurent, 284-3804
Dance your ass off to the sweet sounds of Montreal beatmaster 1-Speed Bike, with guests Knife Hand Chop and Dac. The $8 admission includes a glass of sparkling wine and a tasty bowl of chilli.
Hurley’s Irish Pub
1225 Crescent, 861-4111
A pair of bands, the Mahones and Solstice, will keep you entertained Irish-style at this pub celebration. Munch on hors d’oeuvres and party with party favours for the low price of $10 in advance, or $20 at the door. The fun starts at 7 p.m.
Jello Bar
151 Ontario E., 285-2621
A mysterious night awaits patrons of Ontario street’s chi-chi cocktail bar. A surprise band will be playing, and there’ll be plenty of surprise giveaways and the like. DJ Phil Larochelle will also be on hand to keep the party moving. $25 gets you in.
Kola Note
5240 Parc, 274-9339
The yuksters of Ernie Butler’s Comedy Nest provide the entertainment at this hilarious New Year’s bash. If you aren’t too exhausted from laughter, hit the dance floor as the Kola Note’s DJ spins the tunes, then partake of a glass of champagne at midnight. Tickets are $45.
McKibbin’s Pub
1426 Bishop, 288-1580
Mckibbin’s regulars Sona provide the tunes for this New Year’s bash. Party favours will be on hand, and you can enjoy a glass of bubbly when the clock strikes midnight. Tickets are $25, and show up early, as it’s sure to be packed.
McLean’s Pub
1210 Peel, 392-7770
Belfast Andy and Swift Years make with the sweet tunes at this free funfest. A complimentary glass of champagne at midnight and party favours should also keep a smile on your face; the party starts at 9 p.m.
Missy Bar
250 Mont-Royal E., 845-7946
This new Mont-Royal spot is the site of a Rockabilly ’50s party this New Year’s, with Slim Sandy, the Alley Dukes, the Gutter Demons and DJ Rockin’ Daddy. There’s also a buffet, champagne at midnight, beer specials and a chance to win a $100 gift certificate from Scarlett. Doors are at 9:30 p.m., and admission’s only $6.
Old Dublin
1219A University St, 861-4448
The cozy den of Irishness offers up the music of Liam Callaghan, plus a glass of champagne, for this year’s celebration. Doors are at 8 p.m., and tickets (which you can only get at the door) are $5.
O Patro Vys
356 Mont-Royal E., 845-3855
It’s Bye-Bye Boogaloo II with les Séquelles as the retro-rockers take to the stage of the recently-opened showbar run by the Bily Kun folks. DJs Emmanuel, Mademoiselle and Ron Wyldd will keep ya dancing into the wee hours. The show starts at 9 p.m. and will set you back a very reasonable $10.
Pub St-Paul
124 St-Paul E., 874-0485
This Old Montreal warhorse features a buffet, champagne, and tunes from Zone 51 this New Year’s. $20 gets you in.
La Sala Rossa
4848 St-Laurent, 284-3804
Probably the zaniest New Year’s option this year is les Georges Leningrad’s party at la Sala Rossa. The petrochemical rockers will be joined by Elvis impersonator Elvis Gauthier and Barry 7 of Add N to (X) for some freaked-out good times. Doors are at 9 p.m., and tix are $10, which also gets you a bowl of hot chilli and a glass of sparkling wine.
Spectrum
318 Ste-Catherine W., 861-5851
Quebec folk heroes la Bottine Souriante cap off a six-night engagement at the Spectrum (starting Dec. 26) with a New Year’s show sure to start the year in trad style. The show starts at 9 p.m. and tickets are $45.
Le Swimming
3643 St-Laurent, 282-7665
Beau Kavanagh and the Broken Hearted and a special guest DJ are the stars of le Swimming’s New Year’s Eve party, an event that promises free bubbly, Jägermeister specials and 500 bottles of Sleeman to be given away. Yum. The fun begins at 9 p.m. and tix are $20.
Upstairs
1254 Mackay, 931-6808
Montreal’s popular jazz spot and resto offers a classy evening of dinner and music, with a full four-course meal and tunes by the Kevin Dean Organ/Trumpet Quartet, with a champagne toast at midnight. It’ll cost you $94.95 plus taxes and service, and will likely sell out in advance, so call ahead.
L’X
182 Ste-Catherine E., 866-4004
As usual, L’X offers a slew of strangely-spelled hardcore bands for New Year’s. Time Takers, DBC, CEEB, Unkemp and Stucokz all take the stage, starting at 7 p.m. Tix are $10.
Ye Olde Orchard
5563 Monkland, 484-1569
The Jazz Trane play this NDG hangout this year, although other details were unclear as of press time - call ahead for more info. :
