This New Year's Eve, while welcoming 2007, Carson City residents can become part of pop culture.
With a new member and new set list, the members of the Rick Hammond Blues Band wanted a unique way to kick off the new year - with a new album. The band will be recording their album live at the Rebar in Carson City beginning at 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve.
"It's kind of a new beginning for us, and we thought it would be a good idea for a new year and a new album," said harmonica player Stevie Dee.
The album will be the second for the Reno-based blues band, but the first featuring Rick Hammond's daughter Melanie, who joined the band about a year ago.
"I grew up listening to my dad play and I've always been a singer. I tried different kinds of music, but my voice is suited for the blues," Melanie said. "The blues are very emotional and passionate."
Dee said Melanie adds another level of sound and impact to the group's stage show, which he hopes to capture by recording live.
"She gives us more dynamics and excellent background vocals. Overall, she's just a wonderful singer and adds so much personality to our show," Dee said.
Rick Hammond, the band's namesake and one of its founding members, said they chose the Carson City venue because of their relationship with the fans and the owners.
"We like the Rebar, and they like us. It's a good little place to play, with a good sound and the audience gets involved," Hammond said.
There is no cover charge for the show, which hopes to attract a full house to enhance the background of the recording.
The Rebar is just one of a multitude of options to ring in 2007, including a gala party at Piper's Opera House, theme parties at casinos in Reno and Carson City and the controlled chaos of Tahoe. See the complete list below.
• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.
Carson City
Tommy Bell performs, 7 p.m., Carson Nugget Show Lounge, 507 N. Carson St. No cover charge. Call 882-1626.
New Year's Eve Pioneer Family Dance, 8 p.m., Brewery Arts Center ballroom, 449 W. King St. Cost $15 adults; $6 kids at the door. Includes champagne or sparkling cider at midnight; dessert potluck. Bring an item to share. Live music by Wild Sage. Call 883-9351.
Reno
Rockin' New Year's Eve, 7:30 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, 2500 E. Second St. Buffet dinner includes seafood bar and main course. Live bands Madison Avenue and Michael Clark Project perform after dinner. The evening includes party favors, a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight and two complimentary drinks. Tickets are $95 per person for dinner and dancing, or $45 after 10 p.m., includes two complimentary drinks. Call (775) 789-2285. No jeans. Must be 21.
A Naughty New Year, 9 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, 2500 E. Second St. Dancing, sexy and stylish attire and champagne wishes. EJ of EJ presents will be the featured DJ and BootieQuake, Funk-a-luscious "Eye Candy" from L.A. Entertainment will perform live. Tickets are $49.50, or purchase a reserved table to seat five for $225 and receive table-side cocktail service. Tickets may be purchased by visiting the Grand Sierra Ticket Office or by calling (775) 789-2285. Must be 21. Call 775-789-2285.
Third annual Nevada Chamber Music Festival, 7 p.m., Nightingale Concert Hall, 1664 N Virginia St. Sponsored by the Reno Chamber Orchestra, is an eight-concert series. Visit www.renochamberorchestra.org or call (775) 348-9413.
Lou Gramm, 10 p.m., Eldorado Showroom. Tickets are available $100, $70, $65 and $60. $100 tickets include champagne toast. Call the Eldorado at (80) 648-5966 or (775)786-5700.
Cracker, John Ascuaga's Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks. Somewhere between folk, country and low-fi rock and roll. $37. Call (800) 648-1177.
Lake Tahoe
New Year's Eve Blu Ball, Mont Bleu Resort Casino & Spa, South Shore, Lake Tahoe, Stateline Tickets $50 advance, $65 at door. 21 & up. Includes free champagne all night, party favors, decorations, national DJs. Special bounce pass: $75 covers two parties, Blu Ball and Opal Ultra Lounge. VIP bottle-table service available by calling (775) 586-2000. Tickets available at 800-648-3353 or at ticketmaster.com. Call 800-653-3353.
Mission Players - New Year's Eve at Crystal Bay Casino, 10 p.m., Crystal Bay Club Casino , 14 State Hwy 28. San Francisco's Mission Players return for wild New Year's celebration. Call (775) 831-0512.
Comstock:
• Piper's New Year's Eve party, The Buck & Bob Show, perform at 9 p.m., with doors opening at 8 p.m. No-host bar, hors d'oeuvres, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. $25 per couple or $15 per person. Call (775) 847-0433 or 1-866-422-1956.
• David John and the Comstock Cowboys will perform at the Bucket of Blood Saloon. Tickets are $25 and the sold-out show includes music, hors d'oeuvres, party favors and champagne at midnight. Call 847-0433.
• The Fillmore Zone will feature the sounds of San Francisco from 9 p.m.-midnight at Sgt. Major's Silver Dollar Saloon, Virginia City. No cover charge. Call 847-0144.
• Pop music duo Doug and Sundee will play the Delta Saloon and Casino from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. No cover, party favors, dinner available at the Sawdust Corner Restaurant. Call 847-0789.
• The New Year's Eve bash at the Washoe Club from 9 p.m.-1 a.m., will feature music by Blue Haven, hors d'oeuvres by Secret Service Catering, party favors and champagne at midnight. $10 cover. Call 847-7210.
• The Gold Hill Hotel's New Year's Eve party 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Art Johnson will provide piano music throughout a five-course dinner. The party begins at 9 p.m. with music by the Red Rose Band. Champagne toast at midnight. $95 per person for dinner and party, with reservations suggested. Call 847-0111.