Hey, gang! In the city on NYE, but can’t afford the astronomical and butt-ass-ridiculous NYE tix prices? Welcome to the club! (Seriously, members get blazers and learn a secret handshake. O.K., that’s not true; I made it up; moving on…)
The way I got it figured, those of us who may be more in the red than your average S.F.-er – especially after Christmas/Chanukah/Kwanzaa/Solstice/What-Have-You – and who haven’t locked down our Yay-It’s-A-New-Year plans yet, we can choose one of three options: (1) stay home and watch Ryan Seacrest try to be funny; (2) throw our own house party and hope that we don’t have the kind of friends who bring other friends that yak all over our very absorbent carpet/rug/untreated hardwood floors; or (3) go to one of the free events listed in this post.
Just for giggles, let us explore Option #3.
Specially Scheduled NYE Events
These are a couple of events that are specially scheduled for NYE 2009-10. Keep in mind, these are DJ-driven parties, so no bands here, which is not the norm for this site. That being said, they’re FREE on NYE! So, if you like to dance, drink, laugh, and generally have a good time, here’s where to go!
What: Penny Pincher’s Ball & Annie’s Social Club Closing Party
Where: Annie’s Social Club, 917 Folsom St. (between 5th and Falmouth Sts.)
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Anything Else?: This club is known for bringing kick-ass underground metal, rock, and punk rock music, and established itself as something of a local institution over the last four years. Alas, they are closing their doors, and this party is the Final Event. It’s heartbreaking, but they’re going out in style! So, all you rockers, get out and show your love! Also, there will be punk rock karaoke in the back room, and drink specials all night long – how can you beat that?
What: Black Gold N.Y.E.
Where: KoKo Cocktails, 1060 Geary St. (between Polk and Van Ness Sts.)
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Anything Else?: The music is DJ-driven, and is primarily dance and funk; also, note that this is not a big place, but is very affordable, so drink up!
What: Blackout: N.Y.E. 2010 Dance Party
Where: Laszlo Bar, 2526 Mission St. (between 21st and 22nd Sts.)
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Anything Else?: This place is a little more upscale, but has a cool industrial feel to it; it’s attached to the Foreign Cinema, and has a wrap-around mezzanine area with comfy couches.
Not Specially Scheduled NYE Events
O.K., so, I’m now gonna list a couple of free live music shows that supposedly are taking place on NYE. Here’s the thing, though: these shows happen on a regular basis. That means that they happen, say, the fourth Thursday of every month, or every Thursday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. So, why am I including them in this NYE-specific post when this coming Thursday is a special occasion? Because, according to the venues’ Web sites, these regularly scheduled shows (a) are indeed happening, and (b) are still free.
What: King’s Night
Where: Skip’s Tavern, 453 Cortland Ave. (between Andover and Wool Sts.)
When: 9 p.m. to ?
Anything Else?: This is an all-star, invitational blues jam session, hosted by The Shadow Man, who has been lauded as the “unofficial Mayor of Bernal Heights.”
What: Nicole McRory
Where: Johnny Foley’s Irish House, 243 O’Farrell St. (between Cyril Magnin and Powell Sts.)
When: 9:30 p.m. to ?
Anything Else?: The music is largely acoustic rock; also, Ms. McRory has played with The Drifters! How cool is that?