New Year's Eve 2023

CrossTown Sounds

Three, Two, One… Happy New Year!

As the end of the year draws closer, I have a choice to make. Should I stay or should I go now? New Year’s Eve celebrations can be dicey, as it’s basically #AmatuerNight out on the roads. (Please don’t drink and drive.) But for those who are up for ringing in the new year by listening to great music or seeing a show, there are many options, especially with it falling on a Saturday this year.

The Ridglea is getting a head start on the festivities with a Friday night show. On Fri, Dec 30 at 7pm, come to New Years Adam — because “What comes before Eve? Adam, of course!” — and hear Relic with Hunter Cox and The Big League Boys at the Ridglea Room (3309 Winthrop Av, 817-941-0086). Tickets are $15 on Eventbrite.com.

On Sat, Dec 31, from 9pm to 2am, Fat Daddy’s (781 W Debbie Ln, Mansfield, 817-453-0188) hosts its annual New Year’s Rockin’ Eve featuring Def Leggend (Def Leppard tribute) and MidNight Ranger (Night Ranger tribute). VIP tables can be reserved for $100 for four people or $50 for two at Universe. com/FatDaddysNYE202. Each table includes a bottle of champagne and party favors. Advance tickets are required.

Chef Ben at The Fitzgerald (6115 Camp Bowie Blvd, 817-349-9245) hosts his annual Las Vegas-style party called Boogie on the Bricks starting at 8pm. Play blackjack, craps, and roulette while enjoying a dinner buffet and DJ music. Tickets are $250 per person at EatAtFitz. com and include all alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, plus a champagne toast at midnight. You must be 21+ to attend.

The Post at River East (2925 Race St, 817945-8890) is hosting #MAF22 nominees Keegan McInroe and Squeezebox Bandits to ring in the new year with some local tunes. Tickets are $20-$125

on Eventbrite.com, and parking is free. A complimentary champagne toast and some black-eyed peas will be served at midnight.

The Rail Club DFW (3101 Joyce Dr, 817-386-4309) is hosting a tribute show for its NYE celebration paying homage to metal’s “Big 4.”. Starting at 6pm, hear Far Beyond Drink (Pantera), Kill ‘Em All (Metallica), PostMortem (Slayer), and Youthanasia (Megadeth) at NYE Tribute to the Old School. Tickets are $35-$50 on Eventbrite.com.

A second-chance prom is on the schedule at the Urban Cowboy Saloon (2620 E

Lancaster Av, 817-707-5663) this NYE. Doors open at 8pm, with dinner at 8:30pm from Kits Kitchen and a drag show hosted by Sapphire Davenport that starts during dinner. Then, it’s danceparty time at 10pm with a $2000 balloon drop and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets for New Year’s Eve Prom 2023 are $20-$150 on Eventbrite.com.

For more happenings this New Year’s Eve, watch for our NYE Sections on December 21 and 28. To submit your event information, email Marketing@ fwweekly.com.

Let’s get rocked at Fat Daddy’s for NYE.

Courtesy Def Leggend

Hear two of our #MAF22 nominees at The Post on NYE.

Courtesy Facebook Join the newly crowned Miss Gay USofA Newcomer 2022-2023 on NYE at Urban Cowboy.

Courtesy Instagram

By Jennifer Bovee

MUSIC

New Ears Eve

BY JUAN R. GOVEA AND PATRICK HIGGINS

This past year has been a great one for local music. From indie troubadour Cameron Smith’s beautiful album Shine to veteran psych-rockers The Cush’s Riders in the Stardust Gold, their first album for Ben Harper’s Mad Bunny Records, and hip-hop guru Sagemode Wrex’s X-Men-inspired Professor Wrex and the debut of country crooner Cory Cross, tons of great homegrown tuneage of all genres gently (or roughly) rattled our ears in 2022. As the first rays of 2023 are starting to peek over the horizon, let’s take a look at just a bit of what’s in store for the coming year in local releases.

One of Fort Worth’s most beloved live acts, garage-punks Mean Motor Scooter have a new full-length called Day Dreamer in the works. Singer/guitarist Sammy Kidd has mastered bratty infectious tunes about

boredom, disaffection, and alien abduction, and the new LP promises to deliver plenty of all of that. Around the same time, circa September, indie poppers Phantomelo are set to drop their own slate of new material, including an album.

Over the last two years, hardcore punks the Phorids have channeled their Rollins-era Black Flag-ian rage into a pair of wig-flipping short players. Their first full-length is expected sometime late in the winter, and their blitzkrieg riffage will no doubt help melt any potential winter weather.

Nü metal revivalists Killhouse are in the preproduction process of the final installment of their proposed trilogy of music videos. The last, “Nihilist,” will cap “Hide the Knives” and “Raised by Screams” and will likely continue the teeth-rattling riffs, guttural screams, and Rob Zombian aesthetic of the previous installments.

As we flip the calendar on another banner year for local music, here’s what’s in store in 2023.

Dream poppers Big Heaven, seen here exuding the same happy vibes that their music evokes, have a reworking of an old track in store for the New Year.

Courtesy Facebook

Recent Panthy-winning hard rockers Royal Sons have a new full-length of their signature sexy ’70s throwback anthems in the works.

Courtesy Facebook

Recent Fort Worth Weekly Music Awards winners Royal Sons will hit the studio in February to begin work on the long-awaited follow-up to 2018’s Praise & Warships.

Fellow Weekly Awards nominees Jaybirds plan the release of their first single, “Sparks,” just around the time the sash-donning Baby New Year crawls over our calendars. A full-length album is set to follow later in the year.

The latest iteration of dream-pop outfit Big Heaven is orchestrating a remix of the song “Creature,” a track written by founding drummer Jesse Gage (War Party, Robot Therapy) and originally released five years ago. It’s easy to see the original, with its ’90s Northwestern pop-punk vibe, reimagined into a lush, danceable track. Look for it on Feb 24.

Singer-songwriter Eric Osbourne’s melancholy acoustic musings have been the perfect winter soundtrack for years. This past summer, he went into Niles City Sound studio (Leon Bridges, Quaker City Night Hawks, Vincent Neil Emerson) to cut some new tracks to keep you warm during these cold/“cold” months. For these sessions, Osbourne employed a full band to fill out his typically sparse arrangements, and with top area players like violinist Tamara Cauble Brown, drummer Eddie Dunlap, and fellow singer-songwriter Cameron Smith lending their talents to the sessions, the upcoming singles, due out in February, promise to put a new polish on Osbourne’s heart-tugging songcraft. (Full disclosure: Higgins plays in Osbourne’s band.)

The Southern-rock stylings of Stephen “Doc Roc” Troum and his band, the aptly named Troumatics (he is a real doctor, b-t-dubs), will cap 2022 with a new single. “Cross that Line” teases an upcoming LP due out in the spring. You can catch a peek of the new song at the Troumatics’ show with the aforementioned Jaybirds at the newly outfitted Magnolia Motor Lounge on Jan 7.

The swampy Spaghetti Western vibes of Broke String Burnett (got-damn, that’s such a cool name) hit the interwebs a few weeks ago with the single “Got It Bad.” If the haunting, Hank-ian ballad is any indication of the proposed full-length that the cowboy singer-songwriter has in store for February, it will be in regular rotation on road trips on lonely Texas roads all summer.

For more acoustic-centric music, albeit with a wholly different vibe, the Eastern-modal stylings of Daniel Katsük will see a second installment of his signature nag champa-scented folk for his discography project Commissions and Recommissions Darrin Kobetich will also put out another solo album as well as the debut record from the jammy trio The Yucca Men that Kobetich helped form last year. Both artists offer music that is just as centering and meditative as a lotus position and all without the exasperating mosquito-in-the-ear irritant of a yoga instructor. l

With New Year’s Eve coming up on Saturday, I’m still undecided about even leaving the house. If I go out, I know I will be hungry before, during, and possibly after. Luckily, I found some great event choices involving food. Mangia!

1.) ESO Mimosa Bar (2150 E Lamar Blvd, Ste 120, Arlington, 682-812-7760) invites you to “re-live your prom night as an adult, with a high-fashion flair for urban taste and a full, upscale dining experience to pair” at NYE Adult Prom: Trap Ball Edition. Come dressed to impress, as there will be a Prom King and Queen crowned at midnight, plus fashion-designer host Korto Momolu (of Project Runway fame) will be the judge of a Best Dressed Competition in which the winner receives a $500 prize. There will also be a Trap Waltz at 11pm with dance lessons

the day prior. For details, visit Facebook. com/ESOMimosaBar. The general admission menu includes chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, or a vegan option of an Impossible burger with fries/greens, and it just keeps getting better at the VIP level. Tickets range from $75 to $750 on Eventbrite.com and include a champagne toast at midnight. Formal attire is required for entry. No tickets will be sold at the door.

2.) Byblos Mediterranean Restaurant (1406 N Main St, 817-625-9667) is serving up dinner and a show on New Year’s Eve Ring in 2023 with a buffet, belly dancing, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight for $45 per person. Seating is available from 9pm to 1am. Make your reservations at ByblosTX.com.

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Meet Project Runway Allstars alum Korto Momolu and enjoy some chicken and waffles at ESO Mimosa Bar’s NYE Adult Prom.

Courtesy Facebook

3.) Along with a pizza buffet that includes dessert pizzas, enjoy unlimited arcade-game play, a personal confetti cannon, and a midnight toast with a champagne-style cider at Cidercade Fort Worth (813 W Bowie St, Ste 101, 817-264-2835). Tickets are $40, and the party starts at 8pm. For $10 more, you can purchase VIP early-access tickets, arrive at 7pm, and beat everyone to the games and grub. You must be 21+ and have a presale ticket from Eventbrite.com. While ins and outs are allowed, there will be no admission sales at the door.

4.) New Year’s Eve marks the seventh anniversary of Division Brewing (506 E Main St, Arlington, 682-276-1276), so it’s a dual celebration with food, prizes, and music from Freeze Sucka and Hotcake Hand Grenade. Admission is $40 per person and includes commemorative glassware and four beer fills. Either pay at the door or secure your ticket ahead of time at Eventbrite.com.

5.) Every Saturday at noon, Patrick Mikyles presents Drag-with-Me Brunch featuring a full bar, food menu, and an award-winning drag show at Red Goose Saloon (306 Houston St, 817-332-4343). On Sat, the event will be a special NYE Pregame Brunch with party favors and a “brunch countdown.” Tickets are $30 at PatrickMikylesPresents.

com/Tickets.

6.) Fort Brewery & Pizza (2737 Tillar St, 817-923-8000) is hosting a ’90s Hip-Hop Party 7pm-1am for its New Year’s Eve celebration. Along with DJ Con the Baptist spinning hits from that decade 9pm-1am, start with the dinner buffet 7pm-10pm and

then end the evening with a complimentary Luc Belaire Champagne toast with party favors at midnight. Tickets are $25 per person on Eventbrite.com.

7.) Given that Ol’ South Pancake House pumps out everyone’s favorite late-night

grub, you can head to the 24/7 location in Fort Worth after NYE festivities. But, first, Ol’ South has some Christmas goings-on. The Burleson location offers a special ham dinner on Christmas Day to enjoy as dine-in only. For future updates on the side dishes and the pricing, visit OlSouthPancakeHouse.com. Also, Santa Claus is coming to town this weekend! He will be at Ol’ South Burleson (225 E Renfro St, 817-989-9090) 9am-1pm Fri and then at Ol’ South Fort Worth (1509 S University Dr, 817-336-0311) 9am-1pm Sat.

8.) For its New Year’s Eve 2023 House Party Edition, Pour Decisions (2800 Bledsoe St, Ste 200, 682-203-0726) features a few inhouse amenities. The party is 5pm-1am on Sat, featuring DJ music. Five Lucky Golden Envelopes will be randomly handed out for complimentary bottle service throughout the evening. Up to $1,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the first 100 guests who arrive after 9pm. Of course, there will be a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, but there will also be a complimentary breakfast buffet in the downstairs restaurant at 1pm. For questions or VIP reservations, call the restaurant or visit PourDecisionsFTW.com.

Check out next week’s Crosstown Sounds column to find out where your favorite bands are playing for New Year’s Eve. To submit your events for our consideration, email Marketing@fwweekly.com.

By Jennifer Bovee

Enjoy a Mediterranean buffet and a belly dancing show at Byblos for NYE.

Courtesy Byblos

It’s about that time. New Year’s Eve — and New Year’s Eve Eve — are here.

BY JENNIFER BOVEE

One lucky Christmas present has made my New Year’s Eve plans for me. Friday night, I’m getting the party started early at the Toadies/Flickerstick show at Billy Bob’s. As for Saturday evening, a.k.a. New Year’s Eve proper, I’m staying home. How about you? No? Great. Here are a ton of NYE shows to consider around North Texas.

FORT WORTH

Billy Bob’s Texas (2520 Rodeo Plz, 817-6247117) hosts its New Year’s Eve Party featuring the Randy Rogers Band with Todd Stewart. Tickets are $65-85 at BillyBobsTexas.com.

Charlie Bassham and Guthrie Kennard play the New Year’s Eve Party at Lola’s Fort Worth (2000 W Berry St, @LolasFortWorth). Cover is $10 at the door, starting at 8pm.

For New Year’s Eve at The Post at River East (2925 Race St, 817-945-8890), #MAF22 nominees the Squeezebox Bandits and Keegan McInroe are set to play. Tickets are $20-125 on Eventbrite.com and include a complimentary champagne toast and blackeyed peas at midnight.

For its NYE Tribute to the Old School, The Rail Club DFW (3101 Joyce Dr, 817-386-

4309) offers cover tunes from Far Beyond Drunk (Pantera), Kill ’Em All (Metallica), PostMortem (Slayer), and Youthanasia (Megadeth). Doors open at 6pm. Tickets are $35-50 on Eventbrite.com.

The Ridglea Room (3309 Winthrop Av, 817941-0086) has its New Year’s Adam on Friday (because who comes before Eve?) with Relic with Hunter Cox and The Big League Boys. Tickets are $15 on Eventbrite.com.

Sundance Square (420 Main St, 817-2221111) hosts a free NYE show on Saturday from 6pm to 2am featuring DJ Danny West and The Unlikely Candidates, plus Mi Son and Fusion Latina, and then a fireworks show at midnight. This event is free to attend.

Recently reunited synth-rockers Black Tie Dynasty will ring in the New Year at Tulips FTW (112 St. Louis Av, 817-367-9798) with Dome Dwellers, FIT, and Phantomelo. Doors open at 5pm. Tickets are $22-100 on Prekindle.com.

ARLINGTON

The New Year’s Eve Bash at Diamond Jim’s Saloon (305 N Great Southwest Pkwy, 817633-2838) features Rogue Radio, free blackeyed peas and cornbread, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. No cover.

Growl/Division Brewing (509 Abrams St, 682-252-7639) is celebrating its Division Brewing 7th Anniversary Party with music by Freeze Succka and Hotcake Hand Grenade Doors open at 7pm, and the cover is $10.

THE COLONY

Infinite Journey, the Music of Journey will rock Lava Cantina (5805 Grandscape Blvd, 214-618-6893) after a guest DJ starts things at 9pm. Tickets are $25-120 on Eventbrite. com and include a champagne toast at midnight.

Neo-romantics Black Tie Dynasty are back, and they’re playing Tulips FTW on New Year’s Eve.

DALLAS

Dallas homeboys the Reverend Horton Heat will play inside Amplified Live (10261 Technology Blvd E, 214-350-1904) with Justin Pickard on New Year’s Eve. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets start at $20 at Amplified-Live.com.

The Kessler (1230 W Davis St, 214-2728346) offers a Dancing & Desserts Celebration with Black Powder Vipers and special guests Amy Thornhill and Todd Blalock of the Terraplane Rounders on New Year’s Eve. Doors open at 8pm, but the lobby is open at 7pm. Tickets are $35-600 on Prekindle.com and include dessert and a champagne toast.

On New Year’s Eve, Rosegarden Funeral Party with Happy Phantom and Primo Danger take over Three Links (2704 Elm St, 214-484-6011). Doors open at 8pm. Must be 18. Tickets are $20 at ThreeLinksDeepEllum.com or $25 at the door.

DENTON

In the Midnight Hour NYE Special Event at Andy’s Bar (122 N Locust St, 940-312-8985) stars Doomfall with Final Broadcast, Narcissist, Party Hats, Trembler, and Wooden Earth. Doors open at 6pm. Tickets are $12 in advance at Prekindle.com, or $18 day of.

Dan’s Silverleaf (103 Industrial St, 940-8080008) is doing things early on Saturday at the Greenwich Mean Time New Year’s Eve with Ten Hands and The Brits. Doors are at 3pm, music starts at 4:30pm, and then a countdown and toast happen at 6pm. “We’re done and safe at home by 7:30pm. Leave the local midnight thing to the amateurs!” Tickets are $15 on Prekindle.com.

The Wee-Beasties’ last show of the year is at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studio (411 E Sycamore St, 940-594-2207) with Hurts to Be Dead, Nip Slip, and Nygma on Friday. Doors open at 8pm, and cover is $15. Then on Saturday, it’s the RGRS New Year’s Eve with Drakulas, plus BH/BK, Clear Acid,

Laughing Matter, Totally Cherry, Trauma Ray, and Venus Twins. Doors open at 6pm. Must be 18. Tickets are $20 presale at Prekindle.com or $25 at the door.

GRAPEVINE

Disco tribute artists La Freak with Triple Lindy will turn the party out on New Year’s Eve at the Glass Cactus (1501 Gaylord Trl, 817-778-2805) starting at 9pm. The dress code is cocktail (black-tie optional), but ’70s-decade flair is acceptable. Tickets are $100-650 at GaylordTexan.com.

MANSFIELD

Fat Daddy’s (781 W Debbie Ln, 817-4530188) hosts its New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with tribute bands Def Leggend (Def Leppard) and Mid-Night Ranger (Night Ranger). VIP tables can be reserved for $100 for four people or $50 for two folks at Universe.com/ FatDaddysNYE2022. Each table includes a bottle of champagne and party favors. Advance tickets are required.

To submit your event info for our future consideration, email Marketing@FWWeekly.com.

The Rev and company are ready to fire up the inside stage at Amplified on New Year’s Eve.

Courtesy Facebook

celebrate New Year’s Eve at Greenwich Mean

Hands at Dan’s Silverleaf.