What to Do
Dec. 30-Jan. 1
Friday 30th-
Halestorm Friday, December 30th - 8:00pm The Wolf Den Halestorm unleashes a turbulent torrent of infectious Hard Rock on their self-titled Atlantic debut. The band-guitarist Joe Hottinger, bassist Josh Smith, drummer Arejay Hale and singer/guitarist Lzzy Hale-churn out uncompromising Rock n' Roll anthems.
****
Rob Thomas - A Special Intimate Performance Benefiting The Sidewalk Angels Foundation Friday, December 30th - 8:00pm Mohegan Sun Arena$35.00 Tickets on sale: November 4, 2011 at 10:00am.
Rob Thomas is one of the most distinctive vocalists and accomplished songwriters in contemporary music, garnering a string of accolades, both for his work as lead singer and primary composer with Matchbox Twenty as well as for his solo work and collaborations with other artists. In 2004, the Songwriters Hall of Fame presented Thomas with its first ever "Starlight Award," created to recognize a songwriter in the early years of his or her career that has already made a lasting impact. He has won numerous BMI and ASCAP Awards, and has earned the "Songwriter of the Year" crown from both Billboard and BMI, two years in a row.
****
Aretha FranklinDecember 30, 8:00 PMCLOSE $50 - $70 BUY TICKETS Venue: MGM Grand Theater
Program Length: NA Rating: NA December 30 MGM Grand Theater More than any other performer, The Queen of Soul epitomized R&B and Soul. Her astonishing run of late-'60s hits with Atlantic Records--"Respect," "I Never Loved a Man," "Chain of Fools," "Baby I Love You," "I Say a Little Prayer," "Think" and "The House That Jack Built" is relevant to this day. Aretha Franklin has won 18 Grammys and two honorary Grammys. She has 20 No.1 singles on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart and two No.1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.
****
Steve AokiDecember 30, 9:00 PMCLOSE $35 BUY TICKETS Venue: Shrine Program Length: NA
Rating: 21+ December 30 Shrine at MGM Grand at Foxwoods Acclaimed DJ Steve Aoki will help bring in the new year at SHRINE at MGM Grand at Foxwoods when he steps behind the turntables during the award-winning nightclub’s landmark celebration to bring his high-energy remixes and mash-ups to the dance floor for an epic evening complete with music and revelry. Opening Set by Carlos Melange!
The mastermind behind DIM MAK RECORDS has been credited with launching the careers of some of the most influential music acts of the last decade including Bloc Party, The Kills, Klaxons, MSTRKRFT, The Bloody Beetroots, Mystery Jets, The Rakes, The Gossip and more. Since founding the label, he’s stepped into the limelight himself as a DJ, artist and producer, remixing the likes of Michael Jackson, The Killers, Robin Thicke, Lenny Kravitz, Weezer, Chester French, Tiga, All American Rejects, Drake, Chris Cornell and more.Doors open at 9pm. Dress code strictly enforced. 21+
****
The Rhythm Room Providence Children's Museum December 30, 2011 1:00 & 2:00 PM Admission: FREE for members, $8.50 for non-membersFeel the rollicking rhythm of world percussion, horns, drums, guitars, piano and join the band to try out different percussion instruments. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Providence Children's Museum 100 South Street Providence, Rhode Island 401-273-5437
****
Saturday 31st-
Space Capone Saturday, December 31st - 8:00pm Saturday, December 31st - 11:00pm The Wolf Den
"There's an open question as to whether it's harder or easier for smooth white dudes to make inroads in R&B music. If you ask Robin Thicke, it's not so easy. If you're following the career of Nashville's Space Capone, you might think it's a breeze. The local press is smitten with Capone's highly danceable, 70s-style grooves and thrift store retro style, and the national media is starting to catch the vapors too, as Capone was recently featured on TBS' entertainment program Sound Check." - Mark Mays, The Tennessean.
****
Kevin Hart-New Year's Eve Show-Let Me Explain Tour Saturday, December 31st - 8:00pm Mohegan Sun Arena$50.00 Tickets On Sale: November 11, 2011 at 10:00am PLEASE NOTE: This event will be a 360 in the round configuration. Kevin Hart burst onto the scene and has become one of the most versatile comedy actors in film and television. He can be seen in movies such as Death at a Funeral, Meet Dave, Superhero Movie, Fool’s Gold, Soul Plane, The Last Stand, Scary Movie 4, In the Mix, The 40 Year Old Virgin, and Meet the Fockers . In 2009, Hart premiered his new one-hour comedy special I'm a Grown Little Man on Comedy Central. The special debuted as one of the highest rated specials for the network. With his passion for stand-up intact, Hart continues to tour the country to sold-out audiences.
****
2012 COMIX Countdown with MITCH FATELDecember 31, 9:00 PMCLOSE $50 - $100 Advance BUY TICKETS Venue: Comix At Foxwoods Program Length: 105 mins. Rating: 21 years or older December 31 (1 Show) Saturday - 9:00pm COMIX At Foxwoods Satellite Radio comedy star Mitch Fatel kicks off the 2012 Comix Countdown to ring in the New Year. His eponymously named Comedy Central stand up special was ranked in the top 10 in 2008, and he has appeared numerous times on both “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “The Late Show with David Letterman.” Mitch’s stand up will be followed by a fiery dueling pianos act featuring songs and stylings of comedic pianists. They will perform fan favorite songs that will have guests singing and laughing, and change the lyrics to well-known songs to keep customers on their toes. A midnight champagne toast will mark the coming of 2012, and the start of the Post-Midnight Dessert Buffet. Dancing, drinks and good times continue until 3 a.m.
****
High Rollers Studio 54 New Year's EveDecember 31, 9:00 PMCLOSE $20 BUY TICKETS Venue: High Rollers Program Length: NA Rating: 21+ December 31 High Rollers at Foxwoods Come Celebrate NYE Studio 54 Style and Dance the Night Away! For Bowling and Group Packages email VIP@HighRollersFoxwoods.com or call 860-312-8760 Tickets are non-refundable. 21-plus with proper ID. Subject to dress code and management discretion.
****
Shrine New Year's Eve 2012 with DJ JDDecember 31, 9:00 PMCLOSE $60 BUY TICKETS Venue: Shrine
Program Length: NA Rating: 21+ December 31 Shrine at MGM Grand at Foxwoods Don't miss the hottest New Year's Eve celebration in New England as Shrine brings you a New Year's Eve extravaganza like no other. Party the new year away to the smokin' hot sounds of DJ JD and enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 9pm. For VIP Tables, call 860.204.6366. Subject to management discretion. All guests must adhere to dress code. Proper ID required. 21+ only. Tickets are non-transferable.
****
New Year's Eve GalaDecember 31, 9:30 PMCLOSE $99 BUY TICKETS Venue: Premier Ballroom Program Length: NA Rating: NA December 31 Premier Ballroom at MGM Grand at Foxwoods Includes buffet dinner, open bar and a full night of dancing and music provided by a live swing band and a Champagne toast.
****
The Scorpion Bar New Year's Eve 2012December 31, 10:00 PMCLOSE $40 BUY TICKETS Venue: The Scorpion Bar Program Length: NA Rating: 21+ December 31 The Scorpion Bar at Foxwoods Join us for a rockin' New Years Eve with attitude at The Scorpion Bar. DJ Jay Spring will be spinning his signature rock remixes joined by The Dark City Saints and The Signature Scorpion Girls strutting their stuff on the catwalk. Tickets include champagne toast. 21+ with proper ID. Subject to dress code and management discretion. Tickets are non-refundable.
****
Laugh In 2012 with 3 Hilarious Headliners - Joey Kola featuring Carie Karavas with special guest Billy Winn Saturday, December 31st - 8:00pm Saturday, December 31st - 10:15pm The Cabaret Theatre$29.75 (8:00pm show), $39.75 (10:15pm show) Tickets On Sale: Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 10:00am. Both shows will include a balloon drop, champagne toast and party favors. Joey Kola is known in the TV and Comedy Industries as one of, if not the, best warm-up men in the business. A warm-up man is integral to outstanding television production. The warm-up man's job is to jumpstart an audience who is not there to see them, but to see the stars of the TV show. It's Hard! It's an art form very few are familiar with. Joey Kola did the warm-up for The Rosie O'Donnell Show for eight straight years. That's where and when he truly got his warm-up chops. He then went on to do warm-up for Who Wants to be a Millionaire, The Late Show with David Letterman, The live Survivor finals, The Apprentice live finale, The Jane Pauley Show and now for Martha on the Martha Stewart Show. Joey's stand-up has also been featured on the small screen's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, Comedy Central Presents Joey Kola along with Premium Blend and King of Queens. Joey is a high-high energy storyteller whose material consists of family with offbeat twists and longwinded, ranting stories. Carie Karavas is a tough, street smart, wise cracking stand-up comedian that has been taking the New York City comedy club scene by storm and the national club scene as well. Her tough exterior added to her hard hitting style of delivery keeps her audiences constantly on guard for big laughs. She is extremely versatile with her style and adaptable for any audience. She is a definite crowd pleaser and a complement to any comedy show. Stand-Up TV Comedy credits include New Joke City Metro Channel, Comedy Picante Telemundo and Montreal Just For Laughs Festival 2001. Billy Winn has an ornate ability to interact with and jumpstart an audience with his high-energy style and instant comedic likeability. He is animated, and a storyteller, basing a lot of his material on kids, relationships and marriage. Billy Winn started his illustrious comedy career at the original Treehouse Comedy Club in Westport over twenty-five years ago hosting Connecticut's first comedy Open Mic Night. He has parlayed that natural comedic ability into a comedy career that spans all the major medias. For seventeen years, Billy was an integral part of Connecticut Radio. Billy has been a culture in Connecticut radio with prior stints with WPLR and KC101. His stand-up comedy has been featured on A&E's Comedy on the Road, VH1'S Stand-up Spotlight, along with an appearance on Live with Regis & Kelly.
****
New Year's Eve At Mohegan Sun Saturday, December 31st - 9:00pm Special Event There's no better place to welcome in 2012 than Mohegan Sun come December 31st. Festivities will include a live DJ spinning in the Shops Concourse, Kevin Hart in the Arena, a special party in Lucky's Lounge and The Dubliner, an exclusive party in Ultra 88 Night Club, free entertainment in the Wolf Den, laughs in the Cabaret Theatre as well as a great shopping and dining deals across the property.
****
Colonial Holiday Open House Days United States December 31, 2011 3 pm - 6 pm Admission: Adults: $5, Children: freeTours & demonstrations feature Colonial holiday history, traditions, decorations, and even hearthside cooking and baked treats. Hosted by volunteer historians in Colonial costume, the events offer a festive opportunity to visit & tour the home - originally built circa 1696 as a one-room stone-ender with loft by Elisha Smith, grandson of John Smith "The Miller, one of Roger Williams' original party of six men who left the Mass. Bay Colony to settle in Providence. Expanded by later generations to 12 rooms, today it's one of the few remaining 17th century houses in RI - and features original furnishings, designs and exhibits. The schedule is weather permitting. In case of snow, call 401-487-2473 to confirm hours. United States 220 Stillwater Rd Smithfield, Rhode Island 401-487-2473
****
Sunday 1st-
Phil Dirt presents Surf's Up, A Beach Boys Tribute Sunday, January 1st - 7:00pm The Wolf Den SURF'S UP: A Tribute to the Beach Boys is a five-member musical act, based in Columbus, Ohio. Traveling from coast to coast as one of America's premier tribute acts, the group has been recreating the great sounds of Beach Boys music with all the details and harmonies of the original records, combined with a fun, entertaining and high energy show that will bring the crowds to their feet!
****
Newport Polar Bears New Years Day Plunge Easton's Beach January 1, 2012 NoonFree AdmissionJoin the Newport Polar Bears as they raise donations for "A Wish Come True" by taken their Annual New Years Day swim in the cold Atlantic Ocean.. Easton's Beach Memorial Blvd. Newport, Rhode Island 401.846.0028 http://newportpolarbears.bravehost.com
****
Seasonal Activities-
MASHANTUCKET "Diana: A Celebration" Venue: Great Cedar Exhibition Hall at Foxwoods Resort Casino
Dates: September 16, 2011 - January 15, 2012 Description: If she stole your heart, you will not want to miss this exclusive Northeast engagment. The exhibition showcases the life and worth of Diana, Princess of Wales through short film clips, jewelry, 28 of her stunning dresses and the royal wedding gown she wore when she wed Prince Charles.
****
NEW LONDON "Skateboards: Art on the Ply" Venue: Lyman Allyn Art Museum Dates: September 17, 2011 - February 4, 2012 Description: Exhibit explores the questions: Can skateboards by art? by bringing together more than 50 skateboards by more than 20 contemporary artists.
****
OLD LYME "The Exacting Eye of Walker Evans" Venue: Florence Griswold Museum Dates: October 1, 2011 - January 29, 2012 Description: The photographer Walker Evans found a place in American social, cultural, and artistic history with his unforgettable images of the Great Depression. After 1938 he struggled with maintaining his reputation in the wake of that powerful series. Examined as a whole, Evans’ complete body of work shows his continued interest in representations of labor and the American work ethic, capturing the essence of local identity, and discovering the beauty in common things.
****
MASHANTUCKET "IndiVisible: African-Native American Lives in the Americas" Venue: Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center Dates: October 8, 2011 - December 30, 2011 Description: IndiVisible: African-Native American Lives in the AmericasA Smithsonian traveling exhibition, IndiVisible: African-Native American Lives in the Americas, focuses on the lives of people with dual African American and Native American ancestry. The exhibition sheds light on the dynamics of race, community, culture, and creativity and addresses the human desires of being and belonging.
****
NEW LONDON "Hello Manga" Venue: Lyman Allyn Art Museum Dates: October 15, 2011 - March 17, 2012 Description: Since the 1980s, Japanese comics have been capturing the attention of the American public and inspiring artists and fans. This exhibition celebrates the art of "manga" and explores its popularity with American audiences.
****
POMFRET "Small Works, Artful Treasures" Holiday Exhibition & Sale Venue: Celebrations Gallery & Shoppes Dates: November 5, 2011 - December 31, 2011 Description: In the tradition of many galleries during the holiday season, Celebrations' "Small Works" show is designed to entice customers to give the ultimate gift of original artwork and to encourage new collectors to support the arts. During this show, Celebrations will offer a variety of original, framed art less than 200 square inches, all priced under $200.
****
OLD LYME Deck the Walls Venue: Lyme Art Association Dates: November 18, 2011 - January 7, 2012
Description: Annual show and sale featuring more than 200 works of arts in all sizes and mediums by member artists. Opening reception, Friday, December 2 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
****
The Magic of Christmas - A Holiday Celebration Venue: Florence Griswold Museum Dates: November 19, 2011 - January 8, 2012 Description: The Museum promises triple the “magic” during the Magic of Christmas celebration. Fantasy Trees, the iconic Palette Tree, and the historic decorations in the Florence Griswold House provide holiday joy for all ages.
****
MYSTIC Christmas by the Sea Venue: Mystic Seaport Dates: November 26, 2011 - January 2, 2012
Description: Experience a Victorian Christmas at Mystic Seaport's Christmas by the Sea. The Museum's 19th-century village will be decked out to reflect the joyous season. Come see the decorations, try your hand at historic crafts, listen to music and stories of the sea, or just sit by the fire in the tavern and relax with a tasty meal.
****
OLD LYME Joy in the Making: A Creative Approach to the Holidays Venue: Florence Griswold Museum
Dates: December 4, 2011 - January 8, 2012 Description: Enjoy hands-on holiday craft workshops and creative projects that relate to the spirit of the season and the decorations on view.
****
NIANTIC Winter Break Fun Venue: Children's Museum Southeastern CT Dates: December 26-30
Description: All material supplied needed to have a good time while learning when you drop by for these drop-in activities. No registration required.
****
MYSTIC Winter Waterland Venue: Mystic Aquarium Dates: December 26, 2011 - January 1, 2012
Description: Holiday celebration returns with festive entertainment for all to enjoy. This weeklong event featurese exciting daily happenings, including Santa and his elf swimming with beautiful fish, storytellers, and crafts, all against a backdrop of fascinating marine animals and holiday decor.
****
"The Heart of Christmas" at Linden Place Mansion Linden Place Mansion December 9, 2011 - December 30, 2011 Tours of the Mansion are Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Admission: $10.00 adults, $8.00 seniors, $6.00 childrenLinden Place Museum, located in downtown Bristol, Rhode Island, is celebrating the holiday season with tours of 200-year old Federal-style mansion throughout the month of December. Inspiring and leading the decorating team again this year is Daniel Wallace, a Landscape Architect from Newton, MA. Mr. Wallace is incorporating a jewel toned color palate of reds, greens and gold throughout to reflect the warmth and energy of a family spending Christmas in this beautiful house in the heart of Bristol.Linden Place will kick-off the festivities with a performance by East Bay's own Michael DiMucci, at 7:30 PM on Friday, December 2nd at 7:30 PM in the Ballroom of Linden Place.
Linden Place Mansion 500 Hope Street Bristol, Rhode Island 401-253-0390 http://www.lindenplace.org
****
Call to Artists: 14th Annual Fidelity Investments â₠Providence Art Club December 12, 2011 - February 3, 2012 now- February 3, 2012 Admission: $20 submission feeNew England artists are invited to submit recent, original works to the 14th Annual Fidelity Investments Growth All Media Juried Art Exhibition by February 3. Accepted works will be exhibited at the Providence Art Club from March 18-April 6, 2012. Growth is the theme of the exhibition.Recent works in all media are encouraged. All artwork will be reviewed and selected by renowned exhibition jurors. In addition to three cash prizes, Fidelity will purchase one work for its permanent collection. To apply, please visit the CaFE website at www.callforentry.org. The call is listed as '14th Annual Fidelity Investments All Media Juried Exhibition: Growth.' Providence Art Club 11 Thomas Street Providence, Rhode Island (401)331-1114 ext. 15
****
The Working Waterfront Walking Tour NRF Museum Store December 22, 2011 - December 29, 2011
11:00am Admission: $12 per person, reservations suggested.Walk in the footsteps of the women and men, sailors, merchants, immigrants, who once lived and worked in the Lower Thames neighborhood on a tour that engages the senses. NRF Museum Store 415 Thames Street Newport, Rhode Island
401-841-8770 http://www.newporthistorytours.org/
****