It’s hard to believe, but another year has flown by. Saturday, Dec. 31, marks New Year’s Eve, and everyone knows the drill by now. Bars and restaurants across Delmarva will host celebrations that range from free admission to tickets that cost $100 or more.
In Dewey Beach, tickets are sold out for Saturday’s annual appearance of Chicago-based electronic music disc jockey White Panda at the Bottle & Cork nightclub. The masked music spinner continues to cultivate a national following, and had revelers dancing amongst the trees outside at the 2022 edition of the Firefly Music Festival in Dover.
Also in Dewey, the Rusty Rudder had a mere 140 tickets left Monday for its annual New Year’s Eve shindig featuring Go, Go Gadget and Love Seed Mama Jump ($110). The evening will include a fireworks display over the bay. Food and beverages are included in the admission price.
In the name of safety, however, the Rudder has issued a disclaimer that its bartenders retain the right to discontinue service of liquor as required by state law and the Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission.
In Ocean City, Seacrets will, as usual, be the scene of a mega blowout that runs from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. There will be a $50 cover charge at the door beginning at 5 p.m., with no advance ticket sales. Those who wish to be seated for dinner must have reservations, though, for seatings ranging from 5:30 p.m. ($99) to 8:45 p.m. ($199).
The five bands that will perform include Full Circle (4 p.m.); The Malones (8:15 p.m.); Triple Rail Turn (9:15 p.m.); and Band of Make Believe (1 a.m.).
Elsewhere in OC on Saturday, Fager’s Island will host party band Hit Parade on the big stage and DJ Groove out at the deck bar ($55). The price of entry includes a 2023 VIP card. Only ticket holders will be admitted after 7 p.m.; there will be separate dinner seatings with reservations required for the dining rooms, and those do not include the VIP cards.
As mentioned here last week, Fager’s is also selling tickets tickets to its first major event of 2023. The ninth annual Oyster Garden will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 ($64). Music will once again be provided by the popular Baltimore jam band Blue Miracle.
In Lewes, the Crooked Hammock Brewery has dubbed its Saturday celebration A Crooked Country New Year’s Hoedown ($110). It will take place from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., with tunes provided by Reading, Pa., recording act Cody Tyler & Gypsy Convoy. Designated drivers can purchase tickets for $50 which include food but no alcohol.
In downtown Rehoboth Beach, the original location of Arena’s Bar & Deli will have free admission Saturday. Local rock and reggae act Freshly Squeezed, which is also celebrating its 15th anniversary, will play from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Also in coastal Sussex County, the Milton Theatre has issued a “low ticket alert” for Saturday. The Flying Ivories Dueling Pianos duo will return to the stage for a three-hour New Year’s Eve bash from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. ($30).
Email Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com
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