Finally, a holiday that involves staying home and watching something on a screen is normal, even during non-pandemic times. If watching the Ball Drop is your usual tradition, you can enjoy it again this year, but if watching the year flip from the comfort of your home is a new experience for you, here are a few virtual events that will jazz it up.
1. The Docksiders NYE Fundraiser
Yacht Rockers The Docksiders with special guests BoDeans, Shonn Hinton & Shotgun, B-Free and Quinten Farr will perform a virtual concert from Turner Hall on Thursday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. Proceeds will got toward National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and Imagine MKE’s Holiday Artist Relief Fund. The cost is $15. Get tickets here.
2. Avett Brothers Virtual NYE Celebration
The Avett Brothers New Year’s Eve show is going virtual this year for the first time in 17 years. The special event, which starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31, will feature the first full band performance since February, with appearances by special guests including Dax Shepard (as master of ceremonies), Willie Nelson, Brandi Carlile, Ben Bridwell, Taylor Goldsmith, Mickey Raphael and more. The evening will conclude with a countdown to 2021 with Scott and Seth Avett. The cost is $39.99-$49.99 and can be watched 48 hours into the New Year. Buy it here.
3. Music Under the Stars NYE Special
Hosted by Arts@Large, this free virtual concert starts at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31. The event includes performances by Complex Machine, Dropbear Collective, The Hatchets and Ellie Jackson. Go here for more info.
4. Variety Sobriety Milwaukee Show
This virtual variety show, hosted by Wade Fernandez of the Menominee Nation, will feature singers, dancers, yoga, storytellers, teachings, how to make hoyan donuts and spin-the-wheel event with prizes all night long. The event is on Facebook Live and it's free. Find out more here.
The private game includes up to 20 “head spaces” (households) and features an exciting game of trivia including general knowledge, pop culture and book learning. Throughout the game, your live Head Master will include challenges that will get the group moving and laughing. New Year’s Eve Family-Friendly games are available at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. and the Midnight Edition game starts at 10 p.m. More info here.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
