Goings-On In Ottawa For New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve in Ottawa can be lovely, but many would argue that New Year's in Wakefield is even lovelier. Wakefield, for those not yet aware of its charms, is a small town roughly 30 minutes north of Ottawa, in Quebec. A somewhat high percentage of Ottawa arts folk call it home, and Ottawans themselves often make the trek for the scenery (the Gatineau River runs along the town, and Gatineau Park is nearby too) and one special little venue called the Black Sheep Inn.

"It's always so damn fun," says Fiftymen singer JJ Hardill of playing the Black Sheep. "There's always a nice mix of locals and folks up from Ottawa, and invariably the dance floor is full of people shaking it like nobody is watching. We've played at the Sheep 24 times and there has never been a bad night."

"It's like going to your cottage to see some bands," adds Mike Dubue, frontman of the Hilotrons. "The Black Sheep Inn is the best venue in town."

The Fiftymen, The Hilotrons and Ukrainia have been chosen to ring in 2007 at the Black Sheep, and the bands are pretty thrilled they'll be spending their New Year's in Wakefield.

"This is the New Year's option for the person who doesn't really like New Year's Eve," Hardill explains. "No party hats, no noisemakers, no lousy champagne, no ubiquitous price-gouge at the door. Someone will probably count down to midnight, and people will be allowed to kiss each other if they want, but that's it."

So what do you get then? Try some great tunes from all three bands and a friendly, non-pretentious atmosphere in a comfy place that puts the emphasis on the music. You might also get some surprises from the bands. Dubue says he's excited to dust off "some older songs we haven't played in a few months. Everyone can expect a solid dance set with no breaks."

By the time you read this, the Black Sheep Inn's New Year's Eve party may already be sold out. But you can check their website for tickets, which run $25, and there's also a bus running from Ottawa if you'd rather not be the designated driver.

Back in the capital, two different venues are trying to bring out the Mods. Babylon's Sunday night Mod Club is having a special New Year's edition, with regular DJs Emmett and Gaz and the premiere of the club's new video projection system. They're offering prizes for best dressed, so consider putting together your finest outfit in the theme of The Avengers, James Bond or the '60s in general. Tickets are $15 in advance.

Zaphod Beeblebrox also wants you to play dress-up, and they have some suitable bands to go along with the theme. Their "Mod Squad" New Year's Eve party features Amos The Transparent, Travel By Owl, The Reverb Syndicate and The Sick Fits — all bands with '60s influences, but to varying degrees, from the punk attitude of the Sick Fits to the spy themes of the Reverb Syndicate. Tickets are $15.

If you'd rather have some ringing ears to ring in the New Year, Irene's Pub is hosting a night of pure rock 'n' roll, featuring Muffler Crunch, Good2Go and The Mighty Eagle Band. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

At Club Heaven, Derrick Carter is the main attraction, with DJs Martin Villeneuve, Etienne Osborne and DJ Balu also holding down the decks. The night will set you back $50.

Over at Maverick's, the Burt Neilson Band will headline the festivities. In the market at the Mercury Lounge, DJs Lance Baptiste and Trevor Walker host a "masquerade ball" featuring their usual "Latin-Afro-Brazilian-house-funk-soul" blend.

And, finally, if you'd prefer a quieter, folkier New Year's, Connie Kaldor is hosting a soiree at the NAC 4th Stage.