A longtime staple on the Northwest Indiana rock scene, the CrawPuppies are masters at keeping audiences happy with tight cover versions of accessible guitar-driven music.
The quartet will help revelers ring in the new year at the Farmhouse Restaurant at Fair Oaks Farms, 856 N. 600E, Fair Oaks.
“We are excited to be playing this special show for our friends and fans,” said Chad Clifford, guitarist, vocalist and frontman for the CrawPuppies.
Clifford calls Fair Oaks a “great place with wonderful food.”
The doors and bar open at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31. Dinner is from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
“We will be performing great hits and feel-good tunes from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s,” Clifford said.
He also noted that “great dance music and some classic rock” will likewise be dished.
The CrawPuppies dole out a fair share of Beatles music during the course of a year.
More information on the band’s New Year’s Eve show is available by calling 219-394-3663, or by visiting www.farmhouserestaurant.com; the cost is $100 for dinner and premium bar package
The CrawPuppies will be joined by special guest Justin Sumler,
Complementing the music will be prime rib and roasted pig carving stations, macaroni and cheese, wine tasting, late-night hors d’oeuvres. A champagne toast is set for midnight.
Here are other ways to ring in 2016 on Dec. 31.
Family affair at the ‘Porch’
7:30 p.m.; Front Porch Music, 505 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso. 219-464-4700; www.frontporchmusic.com
Admission: $4 for those who will perform at this open stage event, $5 for listeners, $3 for children younger than 10
Front Porch Music touts the “family-friendly environment” at this booze-free open stage that invites members of the public to perform. All styles of music and any kind of instruments are welcomed. Mami Matsuda will host, and will be the featured artist. A nonalcoholic champagne toast takes place at midnight. Snacks and soft drinks available for purchase.
‘Jersey Voice’ in Munster
6 and 10 p.m.; Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. 219-836-3255; www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com
Tickets: Adults $40; students $20 (6 p.m. show only); dinner-show package $68 (plus tax)
John Michael Coppola, who appeared in “Jersey Boys” in Chicago, presents “A Jersey Voice: Sinatra to Springsteen and Everyone in Between.” Coppola created this show, which includes songs made popular by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bruce Springsteen, and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
Laugh fest at Star Plaza
8 p.m.; Star Plaza Theatre, 8001 Delaware Place, Merrillville. 219-769-6311, ext. 5463; www.starplazatheatre.com
Tickets: $25, $40 and $50
The “17th Annual Damon Williams’ New Year’s Eve Comedy Bash” is hosted by Williams, who has opened for Aretha Franklin, the O’Jays and R. Kelly. The night of stand-up comedy will feature John Henton, London Brown, Rob Stapleton, Chaunte Wayans, Turae, Uncle Rail and DJ Dolla Bill.
Radisson Hotel blowout
Beginning at 7 p.m.; Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza, 800 E. 81st Ave., Merrillville. 219-769-6311; www.etix.com
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General admission is $40 at the door
The main ballroom party features the disc jockey duo Navic and Gordo, as well as guest DJs, including an appearance by a DJ from Chicago radio station B96 (WBBM-FM 96.3). T.J. Maloney’s Authentic Irish Pub in the hotel is hosting the band Mr. Funnyman. The atrium bar area features Dick Diamond and the Dusters, an interactive band specializing in hits from the ’60s through ”80s.
Various overnight hotel packages are available.
Sage Restaurant celebration
5 p.m.-midnight; Sage Restaurant, 157 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso. 219-464-7243; www.sagerestaurant.net
$55 per person for four-course dinner
Reservations are being taken for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Acoustic music from 9:30 p.m. to midnight by chef/owner Joe Gaal and manager Brittany Owens. Champagne toast at midnight. The restaurant’s website states that a bar menu will be offered beginning at 9:30 p.m.
Skating, music at Deep River Waterpark
5-10 p.m.; Deep River Waterpark Ice Skating Plaza, 9001 E. U.S. 30, Merrillville. 219-947-7850; www.DeepRiverWaterpark.com
Admission: $5; skate rentals available for a fee
A disc jockey and concessions will complement ice skating in a family-friendly environment. Youngsters can make New Year’s crafts indoors from 5 to 7:30 p.m. An 8 p.m. toast to 2016 will be led by Paddles, the waterpark mascot.
Steel City celebration
8 p.m.-2 a.m.; Genesis Convention Center, One Genesis Center Plaza, Gary. 219-882-5505 or Ann Brookshire at 219-616-3965; www.genesisconventioncenter.com
$35 for singles, $60 couples
The Stylistics Revue will provide live entertainment at this New Year’s Eve Bash; additional music by deejay Willie “Casper” Perry of Chicago-area radio station V103 (102.7 FM). Hors d’oeuvres, champagne toast at midnight, light breakfast after midnight. Hosted by Ann Brookshire.
Vegas time at Blue Chip
10 p.m.; It’s Vegas Baby! lounge at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa, 777 Blue Chip Drive, Michigan City. 219-879-7711, www.bluechipcasino.com
$20 cover charge, starting at 10 p.m.
Radio Tokyo supplies the music. Party favors, champagne toast at midnight. Dinner is available from 5 to 10 p.m.
Waterbird bash
8:30 p.m. starting time; Waterbird Banquet Center, 526 Indian Boundary Road, Chesterton. 219-928-1514, www.waterbirdevents.com
$35 individual, $60 couple, $120 premium couple
A Town Called Groove will provide live music. Deejay music will feature house, club and hip-hop fare. Professional light show, a dance floor and music videos are part of the entertainment. Hot and cold appetizer buffet, party favors, premium cash bar and champagne toast at midnight. The Waterbird Lakeside Inn is adjacent to the banquet center. The inn is offering a specialty rate for guests attending the bash.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.