RVA Mag presents: Carytown NYE 2k8

New Year’s Eve in Carytown this year will be off the hook? chain? It’s going to be off the something, that’s for sure.

December 28, 2007; 9:39 AM • by Christian Detres

The second edition of RVA Magazine and the Carytown Merchants Associations’ late night street party, Carytown New Years Eve, is just a couple days away! This December 31st, the celebration (in honor of and benefitting the Byrd Theatre Foundation and the Harvey Family Memorial Fund) is taking over Carytown, Richmond’s historic retail district. From the Boulevard west to Dooley, Cary Street will be closed to automobile traffic and will host thousands of pedestrian revelers ringing in the new year.

Everything is bigger this year, including the ball-raising tower! Last years’ 30-foot sideshow has been replaced by this years’ 100ft tall main event. Add to the fact that it is now situated on top of the Byrd Theatre, the tallest building in the neighborhood, visibility should be good for miles. AT&T is delivering the ball raising to Richmond with a generous donation to the Harvey Family Memorial Fund and the Byrd Theatre Foundation.

Four bands will be leading the crowd with rock and roll befitting the ultimate party of the year from the Virginia Lottery stage at Colonial and Cary Streets. No BS Brass Band will kick off the festivities at 8PM with their Richmond brand of N”awlins Jazz coupled with a smirking pop repertoire – they’ve been known to belt out a mean “Thriller”. Next is the indie rock sensation Prabir and the Substitutes. They bring a Beach Boys/Beatles-esque sound updated with a dash of the Shins to NYE. Boneanchor takes the stage next with rockabilly in their veins and grease in their hair. Virgina Lottery will take the stage as well to announce four million dollar winners! Headlining the event is Black Cash and the Bad Trips, Richmond’s own Johnny Cash cover artists. The Man in Black would be proud to see this band work the crowd – don’t miss them! Closing out the evening is Jaci Camden, local actress and chanteuse, with her rendition of “Auld Lang Syne”.

We’ve expanded the beverage “gardens” as well. Frustrations over long lines are a thing of the past as we’ve tripled the number of points of sale for beer and included separate lines for wine/champagne and spirits as well. All will be served and able to view the ball raising in comfort in front of any of four jumbotron screens being erected up and down the main drag.

Y101, Mix103.7 and 96.5 The Planet radio stations will be broadcasting live from the party. Go by and visit their vans for free schwag, shout outs and general mayhem. WRIC-TV Channel 8 is the official television media sponsor and will be reporting live from the event all evening.

The street festival is free but if you want a little extra glitz in your glamour, head over to the Sauer Family’s Cary Court VIP Party where a heated 60’x90’ tent awaits your arrival. A cash bar and catered buffet is available as well as plush seating, a dance floor and your own private viewing screen of the main stage and the ball raising. Private DJ entertainment provided by Need Supply and Henry. Tickets are available for access to this area for $50 at carytownnye.com and at Plan9.

Official merchandise is available at Bang-On t-shirt company at Belmont and Cary. Memorabilia is limited edition only, so get there first!

Families are welcome at our event, but a note to parents, this is a nightlife event designed for adults 21 and over. Please bear in mind alcohol will be available to responsible adults.

Portable toilets will be stationed, in great numbers, throughout the event grounds and EMS personnel is within yards of any potential emergency. Last year, we accommodated 7000+ people and maintained a safe and positive atmosphere. Ample parking is available at University of Richmond’s stadium and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts parking lots, just blocks away from the main event. Shuttle buses to the event from the parking lot are being donated by GRTC for greater ease and safety.

This year, we expect to attract tens of thousands to Richmond from all over the state. For all those that are traveling and intend to party like the rockstars you are, please take advantage of the Crowne Plaza Hotels’ special rates and shuttle service to and from their downtown location. They’ll even bring you a complimentary breakfast the morning after!

For more information on this and other RVA Magazine events, please contact Christian Detres at 804-399-2448 or christian@rvamag.com. Please refer to www.carytownnye.com for ticketing information, details on road closings/detours and site maps.

December 28, 2007 9:39 AM 1