Holiday lights map 2023

Dec. 21—Dec. 31, 2023, is going to be the very last day in the year 2023 ... like ... ever (cue sound of mind being blown). Sure, you could spend the evening parked on the couch with some takeout and New Year's Rockin' Eve on the TV, but wouldn't you rather live life to the fullest and say sayonara to this past year with some good, old-fashioned partying?

And while some might be staunchly against the idea of going out on New Year's Eve ("Too expensive!") ("It's always a disappointment!") ("I'm so cozy at home in my slippers!") to them we say, don't worry: We have compiled a list of the parties around town that are actually worth changing out of your jammies for.

Whether you're looking to burn a hole in your dancing shoes at a nightclub or partake in a cosmic cacao ceremony, Boulder County has a party for you.

At the top of our NYE party list is an unmissable get-down at the Fox Theater, featuring Boulder County's very own country-rock outfit, Gasoline Lollipops — with support from bluegrass duo Bonnie & Taylor Sims and fiddler extraordinaire Phoebe Hunt.

The rockers — made up of Clay Rose, Don Ambory, Scott Coulter, "Bad" Brad Morse, and Kevin Matthews are no rookies to throwing a New Year's Eve fete, having rung in the New Year onstage at the Fox on several occasions in the past. If you've ever heard Gasoline Lollipops' music in the past, you'll understand why the Front Range wants to ring in the new year with these guys.

Known for playing original music reminiscent of dirt-floor folk infused with the rebellious energy of punk, the band has the chops to deliver an extremely high-energy, boogie-able show. Which they do — year after year.

According to Rose, frontman of Gasoline Lollipops, the band is usually in their finest form on the last day of the year.

"Generally speaking, this is one of the most intense times of the year as far as energy goes, partially because there is so much expectation from the audience, there's also so much competition around town every year," Rose said.

"We definitely put more energy into preparing for New Year's shows probably than any other show, so we are at our best, I would say, at New Year's Eve."

In addition to delivering a high-energy show of their own for NYE, Gasoline Lollipops like to make sure audiences are treated to top-notch performances from opening artists, as well. In years past, local bands like the Lonesome Days, the Al Capones, Rolling Harvest, and Grant Farm have joined the Gasoline Lollipops on the New Year's Eve bill. This year's openers, Bonnie & Taylor Sims and Phoebe Hunt, are more than up to scratch.

"I was just thinking about who I knew in Colorado that deserved [the opening] spot, and who had paid their dues, and I thought of Bonnie and Taylor," said Rose.

Known for their moving harmonies and evocative songwriting, Bonnie and Taylor Sims (styled Bonnie & Taylor Sims) have toured extensively, both domestically and internationally, contributing to the Colorado music scene for the past 15 years with their dynamic blend of Americana and rock influences under several different monikers. Their work includes a variety of studio albums and successful collaborations, notably their project "Everybody Loves An Outlaw," which includes the viral tik-tok hit 'I See Red'.

"They've been doing music as long as I have, and I know what it takes to stay on the scene for that long, to keep your integrity and your spirits up, and they have all of that. I really respect them — and the music that they make — a lot," Rose mused of the duo.

Where Bonnie and Taylor deliver the drama, Phoebe Hunt delivers the charisma.

Armed with a fiddle and the voice of a songbird, Hunt has become a household name in the folk music sphere after the release of her latest album, "Nothing Else Matters." Characterized by an ethereal, plaintive and haunting sound, Hunt's music is a unique blend of her classical training with influences from Appalachian Old Time and Texas Swing music.

According to Rose, one of Hunt's many talents lies in her ability to be effortlessly authentic in front of an audience.

"Aside from her caliber of musicianship, Phoebe brings the most positive and infectious energy to the stage. She has a way of connecting with the audience in an extroverted way that pulls them in," Rose explained.

"I'm not so extroverted on stage ... I'm more likely to let the music do the talking for me. But Phoebe has a way that's very unique. That last time she played with us was at the Bluebird Theater in Denver, and the audience had never seen her before. By the end of her set, the audience was literally chanting her name," he added.

Throughout their illustrious careers, the three musical acts — Bonnie & Taylor, Hunt, and Gasoline Lollipops — have all engaged in various collaborative endeavors and shared performances. If history is any indication, the New Year's Eve end-of-concert jam session that typically wraps up a show is going to be nothing short of electric.

Aside from a collaborative performance between the three acts, Rose says audiences can look forward to hearing a couple of new songs from the band, including an upcoming single, titled "Freedom Don't Come Easy."

'"Freedom Don't Come Easy" is very time-sensitive. It's very heavy on the politics, and it's a song that I wrote the day after the Q anon folks stormed the Capitol, and it's also a bit of a response to Jason Aldean's crazy bull**** song," Rose said.

A snippet of the song was posted to the band's Instagram page recently, where Rose can be heard singing " I was raised to have respect for every color and creed / I was taught that everyone should at least get what they need / and if that meant the one percent had to cap their greed / It was good enough for my daddy, and that's good enough for me."

'"Freedom Don't Come Easy" is an anthem of inclusion, and having complete intolerance to intolerance," Rose said.

According to Rose, the new single is just one of the exciting things Gasoline Lollipops are getting ready to welcome in 2024.

"We're making a new album, and we're hoping to release several singles — if not the full album, next year. We're going to be doing a lot of recording, a lot of production, a lot of travel — and pretty much redefining who we are."

For this show, the band has partnered with Conscious Alliance, a nonprofit that benefits America's local food pantries and economically isolated Native American Reservations. Artist Robert Marx designed limited-edition posters for the concert, and all proceeds of the posters will go to Conscious Alliance.

For tickets and more information, visit https://www.z2ent.com/events/detail/gasoline-lollipops-nye.

Boulder

Noon Year's Eve party: Ring in the New Year and learn about other New Year's traditions-without staying up late. Celebrate with cultural crafts, activities and snacks from around the world. All ages. Come dressed in your fanciest party attire; noon Dec. 30, Meadows Branch Library, 4800 Baseline Road, Boulder; https://calendar.boulderlibrary.org/event/11074507.

New Year's Eve run: Kick off New Year's Eve on the right foot with a group run. There will be Saucony shoe demos and light breakfast snacks post run; 8 a.m. Dec. 31, East Boulder Rec Center, 5660 Sioux Drive, Boulder; free; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-run-tickets-769309624797.

New Year's Eve Holiday Hustle: Hustle into the new year, burn some holiday calories and rev up energy for a fabulous 2024 on this 10-mile urban hike along Boulder's beautiful greenway system; 10 a.m. Dec. 31, Valmont City Park, 5110 Valmont Road, Boulder; https://www.meetup.com/boulderramblers/events/297452118/.

Burning Bowl ceremony: When setting intentions and resolutions for the New Year, it is important to remember what must be eliminated or transformed in the process. Letting go and letting God is what the mystical burning bowl ceremony is all about; 11 a.m. Sunday, Unity of Boulder Spiritual Center, 2855 Folsom St., Boulder; free; https://www.dailycamera.com/events-calendar/#!/details/New-Year-s-Eve-Burning-Bowl-Ceremony/12831210/2023-12-31T11.

Noon Year's Eve: This explosive event promises to be an unforgettable experience with interactive all-ages activities, science explosions and a bubbly toast to ring in the new year; 11 a.m. Dec. 31, Junkyard Social Club, 2525 Frontier Ave., Unit A, Boulder; $12 for kids; https://junkyardsocialclub.org/events/.

Boulder Magic Show: This special Boulder Magic Show will help attendees of all ages ring in the New Year. No need to stay up past bedtime, at the end of the magic show, there will be a countdown and balloon drop for all the kiddos to join in on the celebration. The Boulder Magic Show at the Dairy is hosted by our own Braden Carlisle; noon and 2 p.m. Dec. 31, Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder; $10-$30; https://thedairy.org/.

New Year's Eve Dance Extravaganza: Enjoy two bands and five DJs in three separate rooms. Dance swing, salsa/bachata and more to ring in the New Year. Attendees are encouraged to showcase a dance era in their attire, from the glamour of the 30s to the disco fever of the 70s, or just dress to impress. There will be catered hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar; 7 p.m. Dec. 31, Avalon Ballroom, 6185 Arapahoe Road, Boulder; $40-$55; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-dance-extravaganza-2024-tickets-753934056057.

Flashback New Year's Eve Party: Roots Music Project brings attendees famous musical artist impersonators, a psychedelic video special effects show, costume and dance contest and a midnight champagne toast. Throughout the night, Los Cheesies will perform impersonations of Grease, Pink Floyd, Jilly Bowl, Jim Morrison, Elvis Presley and others, in a musical performance tribute like no other; 8 p.m. Dec. 31, Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl St., Suite V3A, Boulder; $25-$35; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/los-cheesies-flashback-60s-70s-80s-new-years-eve-party-tickets-733584931277.

Great Gatsby NYE: Ring in the new year Gatsby style. Come dressed in glamorous 20s style attire, and enjoy an open bar, all you can eat pizza and salad from New Yorkese, a DJ and a champagne toast at midnight. This is a 21+ event; 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31, Avanti Food and Beverage, 1401 Pearl St., Boulder; $105; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/great-gatsby-nye-at-avanti-boulder-tickets-763058407237.

St. Julien's New Year's Eve celebration: Enjoy an evening full of live music by Mannequin the Band, a premium open bar, passed appetizers, desserts, a balloon drop and a champagne toast. Guests are encouraged to dress according to the theme — gold dresses, suits or accessories like gold ties, bow ties and shimmery gold shoes. Dec. 31, St. Julien Hotel & Spa, 900 Walnut St, Boulder; $149-$179; https://stjulien.com/.

Longmont

New Year's Eve with Scott Von and Friends: Ring in the New Year with some brews and tunes. A Left Hand favorite, Colorado's Scott Von writes music at the crossroads — stomping boots and stirring grooves from the roots tradition, stripped down songs from the folk tradition, a voice like an old soul singer and a stage show that inspires; 4 p.m. Dec. 31, Left Hand Tasting Room, 1265 Boston Ave., Longmont; https://lefthandbrewing.com/event/new-years-eve-with-scott-von-and-friends.

New Year's Eve with RetroVertigo: Get ready to blast into 2023 with the electrifying sounds of RetroVertigo. This dynamic band brings listeners a night filled with the greatest hits of the 70s, 80s and 90s, ensuring a New Year's Eve filled with nostalgia and high energy; 8 p.m. Dec. 31, Dickens Opera House, 300 Main St., Longmont; $20-$250; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-with-live-music-from-retrovertigo-champagne-soiree-tickets-759196716817.

New Year's Eve party at Bootstrap Brewing: Ring in the New Year with the 5280s band. Tickets include party favors, a toast at midnight and a rockin' great dance party. Advance sold tickets include a free beer token and a guaranteed chair inside. The 5280s Band is a hot Denver area 80s party band bringing the looks and sounds of the 80s to every awesome show; 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31, Bootstrap Brewing Company, 142 Pratt St., Longmont; $15; https://bootstrapbrewing.ticketleap.com/2024-nye/?utm_source=AllEvents.in&utm_medium=event-discovery-platform&utm_campaign=longmont-events.

UA's NYE Bash: Ring in the New Year with northern Colorado's favorite classic rock group. The public is invited to celebrate the New Year at the Legion with Unauthorized Absence. There's a huge dance floor, a full bar and friendly atmosphere. Attendees can bring food to share; 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 32, 315 S. Bowen St., Longmont; https://allevents.in/longmont/uas-nye-bash-at-the-legion/200025722572103.

Niwot

Niwot New Year's Gala: Upon arrival, attendees will receive a welcome Niwot Caboose cocktail followed by a taste of the new year from around the world, thoughtfully curated and cooked by Anam Soul Food. The evening will be filled with fabulous entertainment, including the enchanting voice of John Shepherd during cocktail hour, dancing to the music of House Blend Band and a special New Year's Eve countdown at midnight New York Time; 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, Left Hand Grange No. 9, 195 Second Ave., Niwot; $100.

New Year's Eve: Ring in the new year with a delicious 4 course meal, amazing wine and cocktails. Vegetarian options available upon request; 5 p.m. Dec. 31, Farow Restaurant, 7916 Niwot Road, Niwot; $95; https://www.exploretock.com/farow.

Lafayette

Children's New Year's Eve: Ring in the New Year at WOW! before bedtime. Join for noisemaker crafts, face painting, balloon animals, kids' karaoke and playtime in the Museum, all leading up to a grand countdown celebration to ring in 2024; 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 31, WOW! Children's Museum, 110 N. Harrison Ave., Lafayette; free-$13; https://wowchildrensmuseum.org/.

New Year's Eve with The Corporation: Enjoy a New Year's Eve for an elegant evening of dinner and dancing. Admission includes a three-course prix fixe gourmet dinner, champagne toast and a two-hour musical performance by The Corporation; 10 p.m. Dec. 31, Nissi's Entertainment Venue & Event Center, 1455 Coal Creek Drive, Unit T, Lafayette; $35-$65; https://nissis.com/events/nye-thecorporation/.

Louisville

Noon Year's Eve party: Celebrate the New Year a Little early with books, crafts, a countdown to noon (featuring a balloon drop) and music; 11:15 a.m. Dec. 29, Louisville Public Library, 951 Spruce Street Louisville; free; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/noon-years-eve-party-tickets-743709704747.

Lyons

New Year's Eve Bluegrass Bash: Head to Oskar Blues to ring in the new year. The Fretliners will be rocking the stage; 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31, Oskar Blues Grill & Brew, 303 Main St., Lyons; $20; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-bluegrass-bash-with-the-fretliners-tickets-750214390437.