Entertainment report for week ending 12/31: You can start ringing in the New Year early

By BEN OLSON/for The Herald  —  Another year has flown by. If the adage is correct, then I must have been having fun. There was a time in my life when it was inconceivable to not be working on New Years Eve. Beginning at the age of 18, I would be bartending. Once I started playing bass with The Roadhogs, we could be found at some seedy bar out in the sticks, helping area agriculturalists and woodcutters bring in the New Year.

Being in a band that played in the New Year expanded my musical horizons, as we were required to do “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight. As soon as the kissing slowed down and the noisemakers subsided, it was time for the opening chords of a new year. Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da. As soon as we hit those opening notes, gals were dragging guys to the dance floor. “Just take those old records off the shelf…” We’re going to party now.

During my 7 winters in south Florida, there were no gigs for me that required me to stay up until midnight. They rolled up the sidewalks at 9:15 on Marco Island and the locals knew better than to be out when that happened. In that regard, Oakridge is somewhat similar.

It all starts on Thursday at the Crane

I’d like to believe, in my heart, that the New Year will be rung in on multiple nights in Oakridge this year. For those who don’t like leaving the house on New Year’s Eve, I’ll be doing a countdown at 8:00 on Thursday night at the 3 Legged Crane open mic, complete with funny hats and noisemakers. Auld Lang Syne will be played, followed by, you guessed it, Old Time Rock and Roll. The music, which begins at 6:30, will extend well into the night, ending after 9 pm.

Celebrate throughout the weekend

On Friday evening, December 29, my old friend Sidney Joseph will be back at the Crane, playing his fun repertoire of classic covers. He describes it as “rock and soul infused with the blues.”  Showtime is 7 pm. You can find out more about Sidney at sidneyjoseph.com.

On Saturday evening, December 30, local band Stonerz will be emerging from their self-imposed exile to give us a night of original rock and roll. Frontman Jonathan Chiarella will be wearing his heart on his sleeve as he belts out his self-penned songs. This promises to be fun. The music begins at 7:30. This will be just like New Year’s Eve, as well, only a day early and not so late.

The 3 Legged Crane is a traditional brew pub, making much of the tasty products right there in the back room. There are appetizers, sandwiches and dinners on the menu. The Crane can be found on 1st Street in Uptown Oakridge.

Music Saturday at the DLC

The Dexter Lake Club will be celebrating New Years on Saturday, December 30. The Coming Around Band will be taking the stage at 7 pm. Although I couldn’t find any info about them on the internet, the bartender assured me that they were good, fun, and that they rocked. To prove her point, she showed me a video of them on the outside stage at the DLC from last summer. Yeah, they rock. The band is made up of musicians from up and down the Highway 58 corridor, including a lead singer from Oakridge. If I could only tell you more. The Dexter Lake Club has a full bar, and the adjoining Rattlesnake BBQ features appetizers, sandwiches and dinners. The club is located just off Highway 58 near milepost 12.

Take your pick – New Year’s Eve at the Moose or the Corner

The Moose Lodge in Oakridge will be ringing in the New Year on Sunday evening, December 31. Everyone is invited to attend the celebration, the theme of which will be “the Swinging 50’s and 60’s”. Planned events include a twist contest, a cake walk, 50/50 games and door prizes. There’ll be a midnight dinner and a glass of champagne to toast in the New Year. The doors open at 7 pm. There is a $10 per person admission fee, or $25 per family.

Cramer Boys will be at Corner

The Corner Bar in uptown Oakridge will be hosting the only live band to be found in the Highway 58 corridor on New Year’s Eve. The Cramer Boys will be striking the first chord at 8 pm on Sunday, December 31, and will be taking you right up to 2024. The Corner Bar has a full array of adult beverages and a variety of tasty entrees on the menu.

I encourage everyone celebrating the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024 to drink responsibly, have a designated driver and behave yourself while out in public. Is that asking too much? Within those constraints, see if you can have some fun. I’ll be reporting to you again next year.