Seventh annual NYE soiree taps new after-hours market with Project Logic
wordplay: Michael Garfield
images: Jonathan Shoup
No matter which two years it stands between, New Year's Eve always comes loaded with significance - clinking glasses, popping fireworks, and throngs of cheering party-goers all evoke the unmistakable aura of hope and conciliation, eagerness and direction, marking one of few holidays which crosses religious and national boundaries and unites our entire species in midnight's sweep across the globe. December 31st is always a meaningful moment, as much for the relief of escaping the previous year as for the excitement of what is to come. And this year, in particular, warrants an especially spectacular celebration.
What can we say about 2008? I, for one, spent most of the year steeped in anxious speculation about impending martial law, economic collapse, and global war. By contrast, 2009 is shaping up to be a year of renewed national pride, hope, and teamwork. Consequently, I'm more excited than ever to ring in the New Year. As usual, there will be a blizzard of opportunities for diversion, the foremost of which will likely be Widespread Panic's two-night stint with Yonder Mountain String Band at Denver's Pepsi Center. But of course, concerts have noise restrictions and arenas empty out - leaving thousands of people lost adrift in Denver without a clear idea of how to spend the rest of their night.
Thankfully, Kevin Larson (Wish) and Greg Bloom (Image), with the addition of veteran concert promoter and record label owner Adam Anderson (Response Records), already have us covered. They’re joining forces this year to offer up an after hours celebration of legendary proportions.
All 350 rooms of Westminster's four-star Westin Resort have been booked for one massive event: the combined after party for both Widespread Panic and the glamorous White Rose Gala. The Westin's four ballrooms will be converted into Garden of Eden-themed party-scapes spilling over with lush decorations and go-go dancers. There will be a mind-altering light and sound system. There will be mermaids in the pool. And yes, there will be free beer on the shuttle bus to and from Pepsi Center.
There is one significant thing this party won't have: a sound curfew. Booking the whole building means no outsiders and no limitation – fabulous news for those savvy enough to snag a room for the soirée. Everyone there will be rocked from 2:00 am on past dawn with a private show from Project Logic, the full band incarnation of DJ Logic’s Bronx-born, jazz-flavored and jam-friendly turntable genius.
Logic, who is almost singlehandedly holding down the fort for scratch artists in today's jam scene, has played notable turns with Medeski, Martin & Wood, John Popper of Blues Traveler, jazz bassist Christian McBride, and Bob Weir's RatDog. His latest album, Zen of Logic, demonstrates a rare sensitivity to the improvisational and dynamic musical environment of jam bands. Anyone at The Westin on NYE can expect a similarly fluid and free-wheeling, irreverent and positive vibe from Logic when he comes with his newly-constituted superstar ensemble featuring Bernie Worrell (P-Funk/Talking Heads), Leo Nocentelli (Meters), Poogie Bell (Maceo Parker/John Scofield Band), Ron Johnson (Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe), and Cecil P’nut Daniels (as well as a few surprise special guests).
“What I love about playing with Project logic is that I get to play with my band mates and we have a good time and I get to be more creative like a musician ...versus DJ-ing by myself,” explains Logic.
Given the caliber of talent they've managed to snag for this, it's easy to forget that music is such a small part of this event's mythological splendor. After all, we're talking about an entire hotel taken over for a private bash with elaborately-themed ballrooms. And with a party bus running to and from the Pepsi Center day and night, the only thing you'll have to worry about is how you'll be explaining this one to the Old Testament God in the morning. Says Larson:
“[This party] was created so that people had a way to celebrate the New Year in style without having to do the same thing they do every weekend. An alternative to the bar scene. Having a party that is full of entertainment, an entire hotel take over, 12 hours of entertainment, swimming pools and hot tubs as well as 13 floors of craziness all with a beautiful crowd of people that want to have fun without any drama. How can you go wrong?”
December 31st @ Westin Resort (Westminster)
(303) 410.5038 for hotel reservations
KevinLarsonPresents.com
ResponseRecords.net
DJlogic.com