The Kevin Abernathy Band

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For years it was easy to simply dismiss New Year’s Eve as “amateur night” for drinkers, stay home snuggled up in a chair and watch Dick Clark or whoever was commenting as that big ball dropped in Times Square. However, over the past few years it’s become harder and harder to pass up local New Year’s Eve entertainment.

And this year, Knoxville is awash with great possibilities.

First Night Knoxville, various locations downtown, $10 advance, $15 day of event

Talk about a blowout, First Night Knoxville will feature everything from free events on Market Square (including a full reunion of Phil Pollard and his Band of Humans for midnight on Market Square) to children’s shows, bellydancers, comedy troupes, the Bonilla Family Puppets and many other acts. The kid-friendly events begin at 3 p.m. and shows at participating clubs (buying a button gets you into everything — plus gets you some post-New Year’s Eve discounts) will go on into the hours of 2010. The amount of entertainment is dizzying. For a complete schedule, visit www.firstnightknoxville.com.

Scott Miller and the Commonwealth with Mic Harrison and the High Score, Bijou Theatre, $30, hotel packages available, 865-684-1200, Ext. 2

Knoxville-based singer-songwriter, unrepentant rocker Scott Miller has become the king of New Year’s Eve in Knoxville. His New Year’s Eve shows have become as regular as grandpa on Metamucil and Scott’s a heck of a lot more fun. Determined to not break tradition, last year he found a last-minute almost-private gig at Patrick Sullivan’s. This year he’s at the Bijou with former V-Roys co-conspirator Mic Harrison and the irrepressible High Score. The show starts at 9 p.m., but the doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the Tennessee vs. Virginia Tech football game will be broadcast live on the Bijou’s movie screen. This is a guaranteed good time.

The Kevin Abernathy Band, The Tim Lee 3, Jake Winstrom, Patrick Sullivan’s, $8, 865-637-4255

This could be the best deal in town. The Kevin Abernathy Band and the Tim Lee 3 are a couple of the best rock bands anywhere. Kevin and Tim are sure to do some electric guitar slinging during each other’s sets. And, Jake Winstrom one of Knoxville’s best new singer-songwriters, is just stretching his wings after the breakup of the Tenderhooks. It’s bound to be terrific.

Teeny Tucker, Slow Blind Hill, Knoxville Museum of Art, $40-$60, 865-934-2039

Ohio rhythm and blues act Teeny Tucker and her eight-piece band, along with Knoxville blues veterans Slow Blind Hill ring in 2010 at the Knoxville Museum of Art. Reserved seats are $50 and $60 per person. General seating is $40. The night includes a buffet and runs 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Dishwater Blonde, The Square Room, 4 Market Square, $15, 865-544-4199

Funk and R&B act Dishwater Blonde are Knoxville favorites — a good-time act for really good times.

Royal Bangs, Warband, Three Man Band, Megalon Esquire, Midtown Art Center, 513 Cooper St., 865-524-8188

While some events end just after midnight, this one, which doesn’t get started until 10 p.m. promises to go on well into the morning hours. With Royal Bangs headlining, there are sure to be some surprises in store.

Voodoo New Year at the Valarium with Slim Diesel and DJ Alfred, $119 per couple, 865-523-2300

The Valarium wants to make sure that everyone has a safe 2010, so to that end, the venue is offering packages that include entrance for two into the club and a room for two at the Knoxville Hilton and shuttle service.

Blackberry Smoke, with Stacie Collins, The Shed, Maryville, $25, hotel/dinner packages available (www.smh-d.com and www.harleydragon.com)

If you’re closer to Maryville, you can hang at the Shed (which is becoming an essential East Tennessee concert venue), 1820 W. Lamar Alexander Parkway. Southern rockers Blackberry Smoke will provide just the right tone for the Harley-riding crowd.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel
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