12 fun and artsy picks for your SoCal New Year’s weekend
Should auld acquaintance be forgot? Well, should it?
Ring out the old and ring in the new with our curated selection of New Year’s-themed happenings in L.A. and O.C…
Poncho Sanchez & His Latin Jazz Band
The legendary conguero and ensemble are back to groove you through the holiday weekend. Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 8:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 29-30; 9 and 11 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. $50-$125; food and drink minimums apply. (323) 466-2210. catalinajazzclub.com
‘Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert’
The Strauss Symphony of America is joined by guest vocalists plus dancers from San Diego Ballet for a festive program of waltzes and operetta selections by its namesake, 19th century Austrian composer Johann Strauss II. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30. $49 and up. scfta.org
Also at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 2:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1. $49-$150. musiccenter.org
KC & the Sunshine Band
Shake, shake, shake … shake, shake, shake …. shake your booty to disco-era favorites by the Grammy-winning R&B group. Segerstrom Center’s Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30. $59 and up. scfta.org
‘Noon Year’s Eve’ at Discovery Cube L.A.
The younger crowd can party like it’s not quite 2024 in this kid-friendly celebration that includes a live DJ, an apple juice or ginger ale toast and a pair of super-sized balloon drops. Discovery Cube Los Angeles, 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. $22 (includes museum admission). discoverycube.org
‘Listen to the Seventies’
The songs of Paul Simon, Fleetwood Mac, Carole King, et al. ring out in a special NYE matinee of this musical revue. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. $51, $66. lagunaplayhouse.com
‘A Groovy New Year’s Eve’ with Rita Rudner
The veteran comic is joined by cast members from the aforementioned tribute show “Listen to the Seventies” for a cork-poppin’ good time. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. $105, $131. lagunaplayhouse.com
‘The Annual One-Time Only New Year’s Eve Musical Revue’
The silliness and sing-alongs come with snacks and beverages in another edition of this long-running family-friendly NYE variety show. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 7 and 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. $24.50-$49.50. santamonicaplayhouse.com
Gloria Molina Grand Park’s ‘NYELA’
Latin music group La Verdad, Bay Area chanteuse La Doña and L.A.-based music and dance troupe Extra Ancestral perform as part of this free, alcohol-free and family-friendly celebration that also features live DJ sets, food trucks and a dazzling 3-D light show projected onto the historic Los Angeles City Hall. Grand Park, 200 N. Spring St., L.A. 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. Free. grandparkla.org
‘New Year’s Eve with Pink Martini’
Thomas Lauderdale’s Portland-based retro-styled ensemble returns to Disney Hall and classes up the joint with a pair of NYE shows featuring powerhouse vocalist China Forbes. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 7 and 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. $99-$279. laphil.com
‘Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration’ at Old Town Music Hall
This 1920s-era theater will screen a selection of vintage music and comedy shorts featuring the likes of Buster Keaton and Laurel & Hardy in a program hosted by organist/pianist Mark Herman. Old Town Music Hall, 140 Richmond St., El Segundo. 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. $25. (310) 322-2592. oldtownmusichall.org
The Groundlings’ ‘New Year’s Eve Spectacular’
Say “Smell ya later” to 2023 and “What’s cookin’?” to 2024 with a night of improv comedy and live music for ages 21 and older only. Groundlings Theatre, 7307 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. $100. groundlings.com
Prohibition NYE
Live jazz combos lay down tunes, burlesque dancers strut their scantily-clad stuff, and renowned DJ duo Chromeo performs a headlining set in a 10th edition of this immersive Roaring ’20s-styled bash for ages 21 and older only. Union Station, 800 N. Alameda St., L.A. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. $175 and up. prohibitionnye.com