New Years Eve Events in Brooklyn

The time has finally come to say so long to 2011. I've seen a lot of people who said this was a terrible year for them. While it wasn't easy, I like to think of it as a year full of life lessons. In doing so, I feel that it was a great year, even with all the challenges. However you see it, tomorrow night is when we welcome in 2012.

If your like many who don't want to spend much money, head on over to Grand Army Plaza or Prospect Park for the fireworks. My neighbor makes this his tradition every year and says it never disappoints him. He says the NYPD tends to be lenient on the drinking policy but that's always a risk. Other have said that a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is a nice way to save $$ on New Year's Eve. I'm sure you could see the fireworks from around the city. Just be sure to bundle up for the weather.

If you have a few dollars to spend and don't know where you'd like to spend the evening, there are plenty of spots around town to enjoy yourself. Union Hall is hosting a 5/5/5 party. To celebrate 5 years of operations, their party is $5 entrance (yes, 5 bucks for NYE) and $5 drink specials. Plus, after midnight, you will have a chance to win a free iPad (through karaoke, I think). Not bad for a night that usually cost an arm and a leg.

For all my friends out there on wheels, Time's Up is holding their 14th annual New Year's Eve Ride. About.com is reporting that Brooklynites should meet up at the foot of the Williamsburg Bridge in Brooklyn for a group ride up to Central Park. Much like the walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, if you partake in this one, please be sure to dress for the cold weather and winds. It would suck to bring in 2012 with a cold.

If you're looking for something out of the ordinary to ring in New Year's Day, head on down to Coney Island and join the polar bears club for a dip in the Atlantic at 1pm. It will definitely get your blood flowing and shake things up a bit. There is no charge but they do ask for donations for Camp Sunshine, which supports children with life threatening illnesses.

What ever you choose to do to celebrate, I hope that you enjoy yourself. But most of all, I hope you have a safe holiday. People have a tendency to be a bit excessive on this evening. Be aware of how much you drink and those around you. AAA is offering the tipsy tow to get you and your car home safe. Unfortunately for NYC, this only happens in Northern Cali, Nevada and Utah. But fear not. There are many organizations that connect someone with a designated drive, if need be. Check with NDDDS to find one in your area. Be safe, have fun and HAPPY 2012!!!

Digable Planet Orbits Thru Brooklyn Bowl

When I was a teenager, I had a long list of artists I had to catch live. It didn't matter what the genre was, for I listened to all types of music. Luckily, I have been able to see the majority of the acts on my list. Last week, I thought I was lucky enough to have the chance to see Digable Planets, a group I haven't had the chance to see live.

When my wife and I walked into Brooklyn Bowl, F.Stokes was in the middle of his set. I haven't heard of him until this show (another great reason to go to more live shows) and I was pretty intrigued by the guys website. He lists his influences is quite range of folks, which is right up my alley. He kept his show simple but did not fail to engage the audience.  One thing is for sure, this guy is now on my radar of artists to watch.

After he finished and the stage hands finished setting up, you could see people were anticipating the headliner. Not from chants or anything of that sorts. Everyone, except those busy bowling, was eagerly watching the stage for Butterfly, Lady Bug and Doodlebug.

Unfortunately, only one of the trio had made it for the show. At first, I thought the group was playing with the audience and building anticipation. But about 2 and a half songs into the show, I realized it was just him. Aside from the setbacks, Doodlebug didn't let me down. It may not have been the show I thought I was going to see but it wasn't a dull show.

Third Degree, the crew he brought to back him up, put on a pretty good show. I didn't know the material they were performing but I liked it. They had a gritty sound I would have expected for a Philly band and they had a nice stage presence. It wasn't what I had expected but it did deliver the feeling of being at a hip-hop show in the 90's. For that, I enjoyed the show. I just wished it was billed as Doodlebug from Digable Planets instead. I still would have went and I wouldn't be left wondering if the crew fell out again.