RING IN THE NEW YEAR LOCALLY

by ALLISON LECAIN
 
Head for the Hills and The Congress 
8pm at The Aggie, $20
Head for the Hills have been described as many things. Among them are post-bluegrass, progressive string music, modern acoustic noir, and bluegrass bricolage.  This mostly acoustic band is made up of Adam Kinghorn, Joe Lessard, Matt Loewen and Mike Chappell. The Congress will help ring in the New Year with their purely American music. This band from Denver plays traditional rock n’ roll and uses lyrics that any audience can relate to.
 
The Holler! and Dave and The Gin Mill Gypsies
9pm at Road 34, $10 
Celebrate the New Year with some killer music from the Fort Collins-based band, The Holler! Their bluegrass and rock n’ roll sound paired with an exciting stage presence will make it a New Year’s Eve to never forget. This group uses mandolin, guitar, bass, drums, and four voices to create amazing harmonies. Paired with Dave and The Gin Mill Gypsies, Road 34 will throw a great party. This group is a trio with authentic pre-war vocal jazz with a contemporary flair.
 
KRFC’s 29th Annual Resolution Run
6pm at Colorado State University campus in front of the Clark building, $25 pre-registration, $30 race day registration, $10 12 and under
For the 29th year, KRFC hosts the Resolution 5K Run. All proceeds benefit KRFC 88.9 FM, Fort Collins Community Radio. The race starts on CSU’s campus and ends in the Lory Student Center Parking Lot, with access from Laurel Street. In past years there have been more than 400 participants, with some runners competing for first place and others running for fun. As always, there are prizes for best costume and awards to finishers.
 
First Night Fort Collins
5pm – 10:45pm in Old Town
There’s no place more magical then Old Town during the holidays. Celebrate the New Year right with First Night Fort Collins. The Handsome Little Devils, a Denver-based touring theatre company specializing in comedy, Vaudeville, circus, and visual arts, will entertain at this non-alcoholic New Year’s Eve celebration. Tickets are $12/person, and kids five and under are free. Buy tickets early online to get them for only $10! The celebration occurs at over 12 downtown venues all within walking distance of Old Town Square.
 
New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball with My Big Day
7pm at Embassy Suites in Loveland, $45/person, $80/couple
There’s no classier way to start the New Year than with a masquerade ball! This ball is put on by My Big Day, which is an event planning, marketing and advertising company. Masquerade attire is required for this party, and people go all-out with their costumes.
 
“A Whale of a New Year” with The Honey Gitters, Equally Challenged and Steven Wayne Cobb
9pm at Avogadro’s Number, $15
Ring in the New Year at Avogadro’s Number with live music, a free buffet dinner and champagne. The Honey Gitters describe their music as “Americana with juice” and “Americana Bluegrass Rock.” The Fort Collins-based band really knows how to jam, with talented chord progressions and light-hearted lyrics. They will be joined by Equally Challenged, which play many genres with high energy. Adding in the music of Steven Wayne Cobb, this New Year’s Eve show is sure to be a hit!
 
1st National Bank’s New Year’s Eve Extreme Rodeo Challenge
7:30pm at Budweiser Events Center, $18-$75
The tradition continues with First National Bank’s New Year’s Eve Extreme Rodeo Challenge! In its eight year, the event will feature bareback riding, saddle bronco riding, bull riding and bull fighting. Nationally-acclaimed bull riders will team up with a top freestyle bullfighter for the Extreme Rodeo Challenge Championship.