Tonya's New Year's Eve Picks

Here's my list of parties that I would attend or offer something different than the typical New Year's Eve experience. If you're a fan of the EpiCentre most of the clubs are hosting parties with fees start around $25 and up. If the N.C. Music Factory is more your speed the various parties there range from $40 and up. Nearly all of the urban clubs from Club Vibrations to Vanity are hosting parties as well with cover charges starting around $25. The new nightlife app Socialtopias launches New Year's Eve with several events throughout the city. Check the list to get connected.

I'm starting my list with Soul Gastrolounge. This is my go-to spot throughout the year and especially New Year's Eve. Great energy, great music and a cool vibe. For NYE, Andy Kastanas and Johnny Vicious have curated a musical history of house music. Guest DJ Gary "Jackmaster" Wallace. Free. Yep. Free. 9 p.m. Soul Gastrolounge, 1500 Central Ave.




Splurge!

This is going to be an incredible party to celebrate the Duke Mansion’s 100th birthday next year. Charlotte favorite That Guy Smitty is spinning so the beats will be fabulous. Enjoy dinner, dancing, a champagne toast, special curated wine selection and late-evening breakfast. The menu is not party food. This is just a snippet: Duet of Salmon Wellington and Rossini Beef Tenderloin (Salmon Wellington will be prepared with an Herb Shallot Compound Butter and the Beef will be prepared with a Madeira Sauce with Truffle and Torchon Foie Gras) $515 per couple or $258 for single tickets.  Purchase your tickets at 704-714-4445 or kellis@tlwf.org. 8 p.m. Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Road.

Gay and Lesbian

Breathe The Ultimate LGBT Party - Champagne toast, appetizers, countdown. 9 p.m., Taste, 2415 W. Morehead St. $15/$25

NYE 2014 Las Vegas Themed! at Cathode Azure featuring Vegas Style show girls feat. Top Drag Artist Bella Jade Dior and friends. And Top International DJ and Producer Billy Waters. 9 p.m. Cathode Azure, 1820 South Blvd Ste 106.

The New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball includes a buffet from 9 p.m. - 11:30 p.m., champagne toast, best mask contest and more. DJ Arthy I playing Top ‘40s, hip-hop, dance, international and throwbacks. Hosted by Tamalea. $10 and up. L4 Lounge, 2906 Central Ave.

A Charlotte Tradition

Rich & Bennett’s NYE Bash is a longtime Charlotte NYE tradition and one of the biggest parties in the city. Three Levels of partying including the enclosed rooftop patio. There will be a balloon drop and confetti cannons at midnight, three DJs, champagne, hand-passed hors d’oeuvres, party favors and more. Tickets ($55 and up) must be purchased in advance before 6:45 p.m. Dec. 31.

Family Fun

The city’s CLT New Year's Eve celebration has a new name and new locations. It moves to MLK Blvd outside of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Families can enjoy live music by the party band We Got The Beat, carriage rides, kids crafts, face painting and Holiday On Ice will be open until midnight. You won’t go hungry. The Food Truck Rally features Auto Burger & Fry Guys, Hot Box, Philly's Italian Ice & Mobile Eatery, and The Plated Pallette. Free. Alcohol-free event. 7 p.m. Corner of MLK Jr. Blvd and South Brevard.

The Rest

Dance the night away to salsa, bachata, merengue and more at the New Year’s Latin Extravaganza. Music by DJ Carlos and LeBron. Dress code is formal, but dance ready. Westin Charlotte, $35 and up.

Get Restored

Looking for something completely different head to The Big Release. It's an evening of meditation led by John Love, yoga from Kelley Corboni-Woods and fresh-pressed juice by Happy Apple Juicery. $50. 10 p.m. Revolution Ego Salon, 312 Myers St. Suite 115.










Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com