Nite Crawl

By Roger Anderson

December 2004

Warner Bros. Pictures and Intermedia Films present an Oliver Stone film, a gigantic epic – “Alexander” in theaters now! . . . Mars 3D at the Science Museum’s 3D Cinema, go to www.smm.org or phone 651 221-9444 – light up, truly a high experience?!?! . . . A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens! Put a little Fa-La-La in your Bah Humbug at the Guthrie Theater thru the 26^th of December – 612 377-2224 . . . Walt Disney’s 100 Years of Magic, December 1-5 at Target Center . . . Mel Brooks musical, “The Producers” at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, December 1-5 . . . Bruce Hornsby at the Historic State Theatre on the 4^th . . . Monster-Truck Racing Motor Spectacular cranks it up at the Metrodome on the 4^th . . . Chicago Live, December 7-19 at the Ordway Center . . . Catch the spirit of Christmas at Grand Casino Hinckley with one of America’s well-known country acts, The Oak Ridge Boys - Friday, December 10^th, who will perform your favorite Christmas songs, one night only . . . Kenny Wayne Shepherd at the Quest December 8^th in an 18+ show, 7pm doors, 8pm show – “The wait is over!”. . . Star Central in Columbia Heights presents Metromedia Recording Artist, GYPSY with opening act The Law, 10.00 advance ticket, 12.00 at the door on the 10th. . .Gig of the Month: KDWB 101.3 presents Jingle Ball with Avril Lavigne, Maroon 5, Switchfoot and more at Target Center December 11^th, 6pm showtime . . .Bette Midler’s “Kiss My Brass Tour” at Target Center on the 12^th, bet you sweet (never mind) . . . Enjoy a rockin’ sleigh ride of holiday classics with Minnesota’s own Bobby Vee Sunday, December 12^th at the Pantages Theatre – Skirts up girls, grease em up boys! . . . Barenaked Ladies in a holiday show at the Historic Orpheum Theatre on the 13^th . . . The Night Before Christmas with the Sounds of Blackness at the Fitzgerald Theater on the 21^st & 22^nd . . . For last minute stocking stuffers, pick up your DVD copy of “The Goo Goo Dolls Live in Buffalo” available at the The Electric Fetus as well as a variety of other unique gifts for flower children . . . Yes sports fans, it’s what you have been waiting for all year, Christmas Eve, December 24^th, 2pm at the Metrodome with the Green Bay Packers and your Minnesota Vikings, plenty of scalpers around the perimeters, bring some real cash, I guarantee you, face value is not going to get it done . . . This Year’s Nite Times New Year’s Eve Top 10: 10) Want to laugh your ass off -Louis Anderson at the Northrop Auditorium, University of Minnesota 9) Boogie Wonderland and plenty of ballroom dance-floor for you disco-ducks at the Medina Ballroom 763 478-6661 -“boom shock locka, boom shocka locka locka” 8) For city nightlife -check into the Riverfront Radisson in St. Paul. You are walking distance for some fine dining at the highly recommended, Rockin’ Lobster. Choose from one of their best variety of lobster dishes and martinis in the market. Then for the nightcap back to the Radisson for a little Blues flavor -Corey Stevens In Concert with special guest local legends, Crow featuring Dave Wagner in the Ballroom. A word to the wise, request a room overlooking the Riverfront, it is truly has a nice panorama view of St. Paul’s riverfront –day and night. 7) Take Highway 35 North to Black Bear Casino to Carlton (just shy of Duluth,) check in, gamble until you’ve paid January’s rent, then dance the night away celebrating your winnings to Jesse Lang – this year’s Minnesota Music Award winner of “Artist of the Year.” If you have not seen Jesse yet, this is your best excuse to make the trip. On Saturday, you may want to venture into Duluth and dine at Grandmas in Canal Park, great food or else 2^nd choice, Black Bear has a nice brunch buffet as well. 6) For you retro-rockers, one choice and one choice only - The B-52’s at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel 7:30 &10:30. 5) The Annual CBO Back by Popular Demand New Year’s Eve Bash funks it up at the Twin Cities hottest venue in the South Metro -Bogart’s Place / Burnsville. If history repeats itself, get there early for a seat. Hi Melanie, you rock girl! 5) For you Southern rock biker types, Austin Healy at Renegades formerly Southside Music Café revs it up with no competition in sight for leather and lace, also in Burnsville. Skin to Win! 4) Orlando Florida makes for a great New Year’s vacation for the kids by day and a kick ass NYE party for the adults at night with Godsmack - Live at the Hard Rock. 3) ARUBA www.aruba.com A very intense sun – due to the island’s approximally to the Equator – plus the beaches and most breathtaking aqua blue / green water you have ever seen! You will be way to re-laxed to even worry what time it is, trust me. Been there done that, oh dear God, my New Years Resolution – Take me back to Aruba! But don’t forget the sunscreen. 2) Take an Am Track to Chicago – the Windy City, it’s a nice alternative to driving for those who prefer the ground over the air and just a hop skip and a jump away from the same ole, same ole. Check into the House of Blues Hotel – it’s not that far from the depot by taxi and yes, same place same station – TRAIN w/special guest Gavin DeGraw and Ingram Hill – go to www.hob.com for more info. 1) Yes, hop a jet and get the f*ck out of town: Viva Las Vegas!!! – Velvet Revolver at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel or BTO at the Fremont Street Experience. 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 Happy New Year! . . . Meanwhile back in tundraville, bring in the New Year on the 1^st with the Original Daisy Dillman Band Live at the Cabooze . . . Up next: MY BIRTHDAY, #50 yikes! . . . Ticket Alert: Keane – February 21^st at the Quest in Minneapolis . . . Also Disney presents The Lion King – Broadway’s Award Winning Best Musical, April 7 thru May 29^th, rrroorrrrrrrrrr…………….See you in 2005 with “Twin Cities Best of 2004.” Please drive safe and enjoy the Holiday Season!