If you're looking for something to do New Year's Eve this year and you're in the neighborhood of Minneapolis, fall by The Boardroom at Trocaderos on Wednesday night for a four-band groove extravaganza on two stages, hosted by local music partiers The Big Wu. Doors open at 7:30 with the first band starting at 8 pm.
Starting out the evening at 8 pm will be Absolute Gruv, a three-piece jam/R&B/blues band, made up of Sam Hankey (Hammond B3, Keys, vocals), Ian Wilson (Guitar,Vocals), Nick James (Bass), and Clay Whitney (Drums, Percussion, Vocals). They have a new album out called, Just Past North, and will be available for sale.
At 9 pm, that six-piece, soul/funk sensation, Hyentyte, will take the stage. These guys have been burning a path all through the Northern Plains for the past ten years. Their tight harmonies and killer musicianship keeps fans coming back. They also mix reggae and their version of hip hop. Tasty.
And who could miss God Johson, Jason Fladager's new band. Fladager as some of you may remember once was the guitarist for the Wu. He is backed up by Jimmy Rogers, Scott Roerick, Tim Carrow, and Royce Rock, a very talented bunch of players.
The Big Wu will take partygoers into the new year. This will be the ninth Wu New Year's event they have hosted. Their current lineup is Chris Castino (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Andy Miller (Bass Guitar/Vocals), Al Oikari (Keys/Vocals), and Terry VanDeWalker (Percussion/Vocals).
Instrument Drive
Not only will there be a great party, but Vega Productions, Inc. and MJG Productions, promoters of the show, will be conducting an instrument drive for Anthony Middle School in Minneapolis. The school is in desperate need of instruments for their band and orchestra programs. They have four bands, one orchestra, two jazz bands, and three choirs. Many students in these music programs don't own their own instruments and can't afford to buy them. Therefore, the school provides instruments for them to use and has been doing so for 50 years (and some of those instruments are that old!).
One instrument drop was conducted on November 30 and another is going on today Tuesday, December 30. People who donate a $90 instrument or make a $90 donation will receive a free ticket to an exclusive Boardroom VIP party before the WU Years Eve Bash and the bash itself. That event will offer free hors d'oeuvres, beer, champagne, table service, a heated outdoor observation deck, and acoustic performances by Dean Magraw and The Feelin with Chris Castino. Donations can be made at Schmitt Music or by contacting Mark Gehring at mgehring@gmail.com or 507-304-2939.
So, come on down to the Trocaderos in Minneapolis on New Year's Eve for a rocking night of music.
