Have a happy new year with local music as there are plenty of gigs to choose from for New Year’s Eve and throughout the week.


“ It’s been a shitty year for a lot of people, so we want to kick it right out the door,” observed local bluesman Papa King Cole, who is excited to play a New Year’s Eve gig at the Slice with a crack band including pianist Earl McAuley,  bassist Doug Freeman drummer Brandon McPherson who both play in Suite 33 who also play Casino Lethbridge on the weekend.

Brandon MacPherson and guitarist  Marc Belisle who do double duty as both also play in alternative rock band DoubleJack.


“It’s his birthday too, so Marc will be coming up to play a few numbers,” Cole said.


“I have a great rhythm section so I will be standing up,” he continued, noting he usually sits down to play his own drum contraption.


“It’s piano boogie woogie, so it will be a fun night,” he promised, adding he is still working on  “Gutted to the Studs,” his album from two years ago, though he is currently working on a new album.


“There will also be giveaways and champagne at midnight,” he said.
 Tickets are $10 and are available from the Slice and at Blueprint.


 Classical guitarist Dale Ketcheson returns to the mocha Cabana for New Year’s Eve.


 As usual, LA Chefs features a big New Year’s eve bash featuring Cal Toth, plus the Chevelles at the Coast Hotel. The $75 tickets include a five course meal at 7 p.m.
There is also a New Year’s Eve Party at The Italian Canadian Club featuring an Italian buffet and local band the Bamboo Guppies. Tickets are $40.
 

Dinner is also served at Casino Lethbridge , Dec. 31 with music by ’90s rockers Uncovered. Tickets are $64.99 .The prime rib buffet begins art 6:30 with uncovered taking the stage at 9 p.m.


Swing in the new year with the Lethbridge Swing bridge club , who have a party featuring Ellen Doty’s band and vocalist Brooklyn Bohach. Tickets begin at $40. There will be a midnight lunch and champagne. If you don’t know how to swing dance, There will be a beginner’s dance lesson at 7 p.m. It takes place at their new headquarters at 418 13th St N. 
 The Ten Ten Pub brings back classic rock band Who’s Yer Daddy for New Year’s Eve. There is a $10 cover after 8 p.m. which includes a chance at a door prize.
 

Funk rock trio Adequate gets funky at the Owl Acoustic Lounge, beginning at 9 p.m. Cover is by donation for that show, which also features the magic of Ben Price to make 2018 a magical new year. Get a preview of Adequate as they play a free show at Average Joes, Dec. 29.
 If that wasn’t magical enough, Club Didi features mentalist Jeff Newman performing at 8 p.m. There is a $10 cover for that.

Exhibition Park winds down their 120th anniversary celebrations  as well as Canada 150 celebrations with a New Year’s Eve fireworks display. They will be in the south parking lot at Exhibition park beginning at 9 p.m. They are presented by Exhibition Park, West Coast Amusements, the City of Lethbridge and government of Alberta.

If you just want to dance, LEMF (Lethbridge Electronic music Festival)  is combining a New year‘s Eve party with a fundraiser at Studio 54, Dec. 31. Napache, Verboze, DJ Style E, Erwin the intern vs Reverin, Reverin Phunky la Freq will all be performing. There is a $10 minimum donation for the show.