Events energize countdown on New Year’s Eve
Now that the clock has reached Christmas, another countdown will only magnify itself in the next week, to New Year’s Eve.
That big ending and beginning of 2015, into 2016 – all next Thursday night – bring a bevy of things to do, early and late, for young and older, as rounded up in our list of samplings, in a column nearby.
For anyone out reveling to usher in the new year, the people working the evening also carve out their celebration within the bigger frame of it all. At Legends in Concert in Myrtle Beach, which has a performance that concludes right on to the runway of a TV simulcast from Times Square in New York, Jason Aiesi, the general manager, said this time marks its 20th anniversary of ringing in the new year. The second show every Dec. 31 stands out from all others, too.
“We always have a great turnout on this special evening of all ages,” he said. “There is a different electricity in the air on this night with our crowds. There is a sense of excitement, hope, celebration, and anticipation of a new year. Crowds seem to let loose a little more, and the music helps elevate our guests’ spirits.”
Two colleagues – Greg Dalton, Legends’ lead guitarist and music director, and Natalie Cesario-Beck, dance captain – concur.
Cesario-Beck, who has spent many of the past 10 New Year’s Eves at Legends, said her husband, working back stage, always joins her when the clock strikes 12 for that special moment.
Dalton, a Missouri native ready for his third Dec. 31 at Legends, said he also takes an extra hour to formally herald the occasion, on central standard time, for his own “Midwestern New Year’s Eve,” but on stage, he loves “that particular minute with the best band in the world” and with the audience, for “we’re all in this together.”
Dalton said crowds show up “already with the vibe, but not necessarily more intense.”
Aiesi said the show also signifies the end soon to another year of concerts, and a break after Jan. 2 “to recharge.”
The music for Dec. 31 changes a tad, such as to work in “Auld Lang Syne,” Dalton said, however, the bandmates always refresh themselves on the key in which to play it.
“That particular facet seems to change every year,” he said.
Cesario-Beck, a Chicago native who has performed New Year’s Eve in various sites, said besides sharing in the audience’s celebration, with many faces coming back year after year at Legends, the cast mates wish one another “Happy New Year” before the later show opens, then at midnight, they share more hugs, because “that’s our family – for shows six days a week, and sometimes, two shows a day.”
Contact STEVE PALISIN at 843-444-1764.
Early start on ‘Auld Lang Syne’
▪ Annual “Noon Year’s Eve,” 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 31 at Children’s Museum of South Carolina, 2204 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach, including crafts and games, a sparkly juice toast and balloon drop at noon. Free with admission: $8 ages 2 and older, otherwise free. 843-946-9469 or cmsckids.org.
▪ Sixth annual “Ultimate Polar Bear Plunge for a Cure,” benefiting American Cancer Society (Local office: 950 48th Ave. N., Suite 101, Myrtle Beach; 843-213-0333 or www.cancer.org), 2 p.m. Dec. 31 outside Wyndham SeaWatch Plantation, 151 SeaWatch Drive, off Kings Road, just north of Myrtle Beach. $20, including T-shirt (while supplies last), and two tickets to “After Plunge” Party; and $10, including plush polar bear (while supplies last) and one party ticket. Registration noon-1:30 p.m. at North Tower pool deck, near tiki bar. 843-692-2011, or email lori.chilton@wyn.com. (Note: Special Olympics South Carolina’s annual “Myrtle Beach Polar Plunge – Freezin’ for a Reason,” is Jan. 30 at Sands Ocean Club, 9550 Shore Drive, Myrtle Beach. Details at 843-446-5820, polarplungesc.com, or email marcusrhodes@live.com.)
▪ At Brookgreen Gardens, on U.S. 17, between Murrells Inlet and Litchfield Beach, across from Huntington Beach State Park: “Stroll by Candlelight” New Year’s Eve Pre-Party, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 31, for $20 advance ($15 members). Gardens open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, with admission lasting seven days: $14 ages 13-64, $12 ages 65 and older, and $7 ages 4-12; and including special exhibits through Jan. 3: “Holiday Memories: Trains, Trees, and Treasures” and “Peace on Earth” in horticultural theme. 843-235-6000, 800-849-1931 or www.brookgreen.org.
House of Blues fills its calendar
House of Blues, in Barefoot Landing, on U.S. 17 in North Myrtle Beach, has its usual loaded agenda for New Year’s Eve and the week leading up to it. Details at 843-272-3000 or www.hob.com/myrtlebeach:
▪ “New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance,” 7 p.m. Dec. 31, with Nickel Bag of Funk. $84.95.
▪ Corey Smith, with Jacob Powell, 9 p.m. Dec. 31. $22.
Also in next week:
▪ Free acoustic concerts in restaurant, each 6:30-8:30 p.m., with Stan Gregory on Saturday and Monday and Jan. 1; Brian Roessler on Sunday; Jeff Thomas Dec. 29; and Jeremiah Reyes Dec. 30.
▪ Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, 7 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 29-30, each $42 (www.murdermysteryproductions.com); and benefit for Rotary Club of Myrtle Beach, 5 p.m. Jan. 9 for $47.
▪ “Rumours – A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac,” 8 p.m. Sunday. $11.
▪ “Rock & Soul Holiday Show,” with Chocolate Chip & Company, N’Tranze, and Tru Sol, 8:15 p.m. Dec. 29. $11.
Have at it with house shows
Prices vary per venue:
▪ Dolly Parton’s “Christmas at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show,” on U.S. 17 Bypass, near northern junction of U.S. 17 Business in Myrtle Beach: 6 p.m. Dec. 31 (also 6 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, and 6 p.m. Dec. 28-30 and Jan. 1-2). 843-497-9700, 800-433-4401 or www.piratesvoyage.com.
▪ “Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament,” 2904 Fantasy Way, close to U.S. 501 and George Bishop Parkway, just west of Myrtle Beach and Intracoastal Waterway: 5 and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31 (also 5 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday-Dec. 30 and Jan. 1-2). 843-236-4635, 800-436-4386 or www.medievaltimes.com/myrtlebeach.aspx.
▪ ‘The Carolina Opry Christmas Special – The Christmas Show of the South,” at Calvin Gilmore Theatre, on U.S. 17 Business, near northern junction of U.S. 17 Bypass in Myrtle Beach: 7 p.m. Dec. 31 (also Saturday-Dec. 30 and Jan. 1-2). Also, “Thunder and Light,” with clogging troupe All That! – 4 p.m. Jan. 2. 843-913-4000, 800-843-6779 or www.thecarolinaopry.com.
▪ ‘The South’s Grandest Christmas Show,” at Alabama Theatre, in Barefoot Landing, on U.S. 17 in North Myrtle Beach: 3:15 and 9 p.m. Dec. 31 (also, 7:30 p.m. Saturday-Dec. 30 and Jan. 1-2. 843-272-1111, 800-342-2262 or www.alabama-theatre.com.
▪ “Legends in Concert,” with Nat King Cole, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Rod Stewart, and the Blues Brothers, at 925 Hollywood Drive, Myrtle Beach, at U.S. 17 Bypass and 29th Avenue North, across from Broadway at the Beach: 7 and 10 p.m. Dec. 31 (also, 8 p.m. Saturday-Dec. 30 and Jan. 1-2). 843-238-7827, 800-960-7469 or www.legendsinconcert.com/myrtle-beach.
Other special dates, dances, shows
▪ Barefoot Princess Riverboat’s New Year’s Eve cruises, on Dec. 31, from Barefoot Landing Marina, on U.S. 17 in North Myrtle Beach: Sightseeing with deli lunch, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for $34; dinner buffet, 6-8 p.m. for $49; and “Dance & Dessert,” for ages 21 and older, 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., for $58. 843-272-2140, 843-272-6796 or mbriverboat.com.
▪ “Wild 4 Hypnosis Family Fun Show,” by married pair Rich and Elizabeth Wylde, 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at GTS Theater, 1220 Port Drive, Myrtle Beach, off U.S. 17 Bypass, near Jamin’ Leather. $25 adults, $22 ages 65 and older, $10 high school and college students, free for children (limit two youth per parent). 843-756-4386 or www.gtstheatre.com.
▪ “New Year’s Eve All Night Skate,” Dec. 31, 7 p.m.-7 a.m. at Fun Warehouse Family Fun Center, 2349 Dick Pond Road (S.C. 544), between Socastee and Surfside Beach, a half-mile east of U.S. 17 Bypass. $25, including one game of laser tag, pizza slice and beverage, and breakfast. 843-748-0302 or funwarehousemb.com.
▪ “New Year’s Eve Youth Sleepover,” for ages 6-14, Dec. 31: 8 p.m.-8 a.m. at Ripley’s Aquarium, at Broadway at the Beach, on 29th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach, including ball drop at midnight, and nonalcoholic toast. $49.99 plus tax, with reservations required, at 916-0888 or 800-734-8888, ext. 3226. www.ripleysaquarium.com.
▪ Grand Strand Beach Social Dancers’ 20th annual New Year’s Eve Party and Dance, with music by Harlequin duo, 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 31, at Grand Strand Senior Center, 1268 21st Ave. N., Myrtle Beach. $25 advance only, with reservations due Monday. 843-903-3765.
▪ Third annual “A Southern Times Square,” on Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. at The Market Common, in Myrtle Beach, with music by JebbMac and PaperWork, and live telecast from New York’s Time Square on jumbo outdoor screen, and fireworks at midnight. Free. 843-839-3500 or www.marketcommonmb.com.
▪ At Broadway at the Beach, in Myrtle Beach, on Dec. 31: Fireworks over lake, 8 p.m.; and “New Year’s Eve Bash,” for ages 21 and older, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Hard Rock Cafe, with concert by Black Glass. Pllus tax, $25 general admission (standing)advance, $30 on Dec. 31, as well as for advance only – reserved shared table seating $40, or VIP, including three-course dinner at 8 p.m. and reserved table, for $85 per person (843-946-0007 or www.hardrock.com/myrtlebeach). 843-444-3200, 800-386-4662 or www.broadwayatthebeach.com.
Bid farewell to 2015 with laughs
▪ Carolina Improv Company, at Uptown Theater, by Bass Pro Shops in Myrtle Beach Mall, at U.S. 17 and S.C. 22, near Briarcliffe Acres, with 2015 finales at 7:30 p.m.: “Improv Wonderland Improv Comedy Show,” for all ages, Monday, for $15 ages 12 and older, $13 ages 4-11; and “The Naughty List Improv Comedy Show,” for adults, Dec. 29, for $15. 843-272-4242 or www.carolinaimprov.com.
▪ Carolina Comedy Club, at Broadway at the Beach’s Celebrity Square, off 29th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach: “New Year’s Eve with Dean Napolitano,” 7 and 10 p.m. Dec. 31, each $25 single or $40 pair. Also: 8 p.m. Dec. 30 and Jan. 1, and 7 and 9:15 p.m. Jan. 2, each $15. 843-839-2565 or www.carolinacomedyclub.com.
▪ Comedy Cabana, 9588 N. Kings Highway, just north of Myrtle Beach: “New Year’s Eve Extravaganza” Dec. 31, with Troy Thirdgill, with Eric Grady and Cooter Douglas opening – 7:30 p.m. for $30 or $35, and 10 p.m. for $45 or $50. Also, 8 and 10:15 p.m. Saturday, and 8 p.m. Sunday-Dec. 30, each $15 or $17.50, and with Devin Siebold in place of Grady. 843-449-4242 or comedycabana.com.
Roll your way into 2016
Roll your way into 2016
▪ Myrtle Beach Bowl (formerly Waccamaw Bowling Center), 101 Gray Drive, west of Myrtle Beach, off U.S. 501, just west of River Oaks Drive and Intracoastal Waterway, Dec. 31: “Noon Year’s Eve” glow-n-bowl, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for $10; and “New Year’s Eve Kid Party” for ages 5-14, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. for $40, including sparkling cider toast at midnight. 843-236-1020 or myrtlebeachbowl.com.
▪ Frank Theatres’ CineBowl & Grille, at Inlet Square, at U.S. 17 Business and U.S. 17 Bypass in Murrells Inlet, bowling packages Dec. 31, each for a maximum six people per lane: “Family and Friends,” 5-8 p.m., for $69.99, including a pizza, pitcher of soda, and four $5 game cards; and “Late Night Bash,” 9 p.m.-1 a.m., including three hours of bowling, dinner, and midnight toast, for $129.99. 843-651-9400 or cinebowlandgrille.com.
▪ 710 Burgers, Bocce, Beer & Bowling (formerly North Myrtle Beach Bowling Center), 1105 U.S. 17 S., North Myrtle Beach, bowling packages Dec. 31, each for a maximum six people per lane: 6-9 p.m. for $150 or $175, including prime-rib dinner buffet, or $20 per person for buffet only; and “Bowling, Breakfast & Ball Drop,” for ages 21 and older, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., for $120 or $150. 843-663-2695 or www.710bowling.com.
▪ Surfside Bowl Entertainment Center, 510 U.S. 17 Business N., Surfside Beach: Rent a lane Dec. 31 with buffet – 6:30-9 p.m. for $60, and 10 p.m.-1 a.m. for $100. 843-238-2695 or www.surfsidebowlingcenter.com.
▪ Little River Lanes, 300 Bowling Lane, Little River, off River Hills Drive, north of U.S. 17: All-you-can bowl, 8 p.m.-midnight Dec. 31, for $15 per person, plus shoe rental. 843-249-0055.
‘First-Day Hikes’ with ranger guides
Each Jan. 1, with free admission on this day, and no registration necessary:
▪ Myrtle Beach State Park, on South Kings Highway, at south city limits, across from Seagate Village. Two hikes from nature center: 1.5 miles, for adults, 10 a.m.-noon, and for families with children,1:30-3 p.m., to learn about park plants and animals.843-238-0874 or www.myrtlebeachsp.com.
▪ Huntington Beach State Park, on U.S. 17, between Murrells Inlet and Litchfield Beach, across from Brookgreen Gardens: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 1 mile from nature center. 843-235-8755 or www.huntingtonbeachsp.com.
▪ Hampton Plantation State Historic Site, 1950 Rutledge Road, near McClellanville, off U.S. 17, about a 15-mile drive south of Georgetown: walk, for ages 10 and older, 1.2 miles, 11 a.m.-noon. 843-546-9361, www.southcarolinaparks.com/hampton, or email hampton@scprt.com.
Annual ‘Emancipation Day Celebration’
Celebrate on Jan. 1 the 151st anniversary of passage of 13th Amendment, with farm tour at 10 a.m., and fireside chat at 11:30 a.m. with Edna M. Latimer of Conway, covering “Early and Later Funeral Practices in Freewoods and Horry County – at Freewoods Farm, on Freewoods Road, in Burgess community, off Bay Road from S.C. 707. Donations appreciated. 843-650-2064, 843-650-9139 or www.freewoodsfarm.com.
This story was originally published December 24, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Events energize countdown on New Year’s Eve."