Tim’s Picks: What's up heading into the New Year
Tim’s Picks: What's up heading into the New Year
Some of the best ideas as you count down 2023 and crank up 2024 this Greater Lafayette weekend.
Thanks to Stuart & Branigin for continued support of the Based in Lafayette reporting project.
Support also comes from Purdue’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, presenting the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Jan. 16, at Elliott Hall of Music, in a 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative event. Powered by Purdue Convocations. For free tickets and group orders, check the details below.
And now, with some of the best ideas heading into your weekend, here’s …
By Tim Brouk / For Based in Lafayette
LaserShows 101, 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, Tippecanoe County Public Library Klondike Branch, 3062 Lindberg Road, West Lafayette — It may not be as epic — and less fragrant — than your first Pink Floyd laser light experience, but the family-friendly LaserShows 101 will introduce your little ones to what 2020s laser technology can do when synced to music. While it may be catered toward kids, your hesher uncle will still have a memorable time. Contact Klondike Library for free tickets.
Kendra’s Karaoke Party, 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, Sixth Street Dive, 827 N. Sixth St., Lafayette — One of Indianapolis’ best drag queens will grace Lafayette with her presence, singing voice, and whip smart humor for a night of karaoke and chaos. Kendra Stone has performed all over Indiana in venues big and small, and her larger-than-life outrageousness must be experienced. This event coincides with the welcome return of Sixth Street Dive after a temporary closure. What a way to celebrate the end of 2023!
Community Kwanzaa Celebration, 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, Matchbox, 17 S. Sixth St., Lafayette — The Kwanzaa holiday focuses on the seven principles of community, and who knows those better than community powerhouse Paula Davis and her Good Samaritan Project? This annual event will feature a diverse mix of music, food and fellowship. On the menu will be jollof rice, gumbo, jerk chicken, collard greens and much more. And if you didn’t get what you wanted for Christmas, check out some of the handcrafted work from local artisans. Proceeds go to Good Samaritan Project’s It Takes a Village program, which is dedicated to empowering families in need. $25. $15 for students ages 13-18. Free for children. Tickets.
"It's Like the New Year or Whatever," A Very 90s New Year with Slight Detour, 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, Aces Pub, 3215 S. 18th St., Lafayette — From grunge to boy bands, Lafayette rockers Slight Detour will present the ultimate 1990s mix tape live just in time for New Year’s Eve Eve. Prizes will be given to those dressed most ’90s, so borrow some threads from your favorite Gen Zer to look more Gen Xer.
New Year’s Eve, Sunday, Dec. 31; all free admission unless noted:
Ruckus of a New Year with Ebony and the Ruckus, 8 p.m., Digby’s Pub, 133 N. Fourth St., Lafayette — Your local soul and funk all-stars will get you dancing before a champagne toast at midnight. Contact the bar to reserve a table.
Spot NYE Party, 9 p.m., The Spot Tavern, 409 S. Fourth St., Lafayette — DJ B.A.E. will get the party started before Indianapolis DJ and producer Sweater Disco spins house grooves. Champagne toast at midnight. $10
Sweater Disco (Photo provided) .
The Best Damn NYE Party with Second Hand Remedy and Takin’ Effect, 9 p.m., Aces Pub, 3215 S. 18th St., Lafayette — Longtime hip-hop and rock front man Brandon Reed has gone country and is already playing his mix of cover tunes around Lafayette bars the last several months as part of Second Hand Remedy. The new band will bring the hits for this choice gig on Lafayette’s south side. After Second Hand Remedy’s set, Aces will bring out the champagne at midnight before high energy local rock act Takin’ Effect closes out the night/morning.
Random Band Challenge, 9 p.m., North End Pub, 2100 Elmwood Ave., Lafayette — For the third year, the metal masterminds from The Doom Room present the Random Band Challenge, which places local musicians in new combinations in hopes to create new bands with new, original songs. These groups have had a few months to write and rehearse, and it culminates to the New Year’s Eve for the official unveiling of Lafayette’s newest acts Murder Burger and Gnedoflup’s Goblin Troupe.
Dirty Penny, 9 p.m., Linnwood Tavern, 1244 N. 14th St., Lafayette.
DJ Double Shot, 9 p.m., Champs, 610 S. Earl Ave., Lafayette — Champagne at midnight
First and Second Day Hikes, 1-3 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 1 and 2, Prophetstown State Park, 5545 Swisher Road, West Lafayette — Walk off that hangover and burn off that decadent New Year’s Eve dinner at Prophetstown State Park’s annual First Day Hike. The easy, two-mile round-trip stroll along the paved accessible trail is free and starts at the Prairie View Picnic Area. And better yet, there will be hot chocolate and cider at the end of the hike. The Second Day Hike is a little more rugged as it will go to the overlook deck and back.
Tim Brouk is a longtime arts and entertainment reporter. He writes here (almost) weekly, tracking things to do for Based in Lafayette.
Thanks, again, to Stuart & Branigin for sponsorship help with today’s edition.
Thanks, also, to Purdue’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, presenting the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Jan. 16, at Elliott Hall of Music. Get tickets here.
Thank you for supporting Based in Lafayette, an independent, local reporting project. Free and full-ride subscription options are ready for you here.
Tips, story ideas? I’m at davebangert1@gmail.com.