New Year's Eve 2011

New Year's Eve 2011

I don't know why it's so difficult for me, but every time I type "eve," it always comes out "ever." I just can't stop at that second "e!"

Now that that's out of the way, Happy New Year, everyone! Just like every year, I am shocked that 2010 is over and can't believe it's already 2011. Shouldn't we be driving around in flying cars by now??

I spent my NYE at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee, seeing one of my favorite bands, The Hold Steady. When I heard they were playing on New Year's Eve this year (last year?), I couldn't believe my luck! They're a lot of fun live and it was the perfect way to ring in the new year.

The night started off with a very fancy dinner:

Then, we had a drink at the Nomad and hailed a cab to the Riverside. We got there right before the first band, So So Radio, took stage. So we went to go get drinks.

PBR was the official sponsor of our New Year's Eve funtimes.

After So So Radio, I was excited for the next band: Jaill. Jaill is a local band that was recently signed to Sub Pop records, which is a pretty big deal (they first signed Nirvana in the '90s). Their record is really good, so I was hoping it would transfer well live. And it did! They sounded great: garage-y, dirty, pop rock with a Midwest kick. You also can't go wrong with a band whose drummer wears a tuxedo t-shirt WITH a tie overtop - tres classy. Oh yeah, and the bassist rocked a daishiki and two party hats, which looked like horns atop his head.

After their set, we grabbed a couple more PBRs and stuck our ground near the stage so we could keep our great spots for the main act. Then, out they came! The Hold Steady churned out song after song, with a good balance of tunes ranging their whole catalogue. Craig Finn, their frontman, is easily the most animated person I've ever seen front a band. He looks like he should be preparing your taxes, but you can tell his absolutely loves it onstage. 

And Eric was having a pretty good time, too:

What a blast! Like I said before, it was the perfect way to ring in the new year. The band even stopped mid-song and had a countdown to midnight. And once it hit 12, the confetti exploded throughout the theater!

Confetti was everywhere! It honestly looked really, really pretty. And the band broke into Judas Priest's "Living After Midnight" after the countdown, so that completely made the night - I don't think I stopped smiling throughout their whole set!

The show rocked on for a little while longer, and ended with "Killer Parties," which is one of my favorite songs of their's, and such a great set-ender anytime they play.

All that was left after the show were a bunch of happy kids and a floor full of PBR and confetti.

Of course, because it was New Year's Eve, it took a while to hail a cab. We knew we'd have to walk a few blocks before we could find one that was free. During our walk, we noticed someone had dressed up Gertie the duck's bronze baby (I think her name is Rosie?).

Apparently, everyone was having a festive night.


After about six or seven blocks, we finally found a cab. After coming home, I made myself an almond-butter sandwich with a side of M&Ms, and caught the middle of "Back to the Future" on TV. Now that's the best way to end a fun night!


New Year's Eve was a total blast. I love going to shows on New Year's Eve - you spend the whole night seeing great live music and you don't have to worry about bar hopping and paying a cover charge at every place! It was such a fun way to end such a fun year. 2010 was very good to me, and I'm hoping 2011 brings even better things to come!






How did you spend your New Year's Eve? Do you have any traditions for the evening?