Brookside Countdown

Making New Year's Eve plans is never easy. Inevitably everyone envisions different ingredients for the one magical night that will somehow predict the next three hundred and sixty four and one half days: fireworks, music, fellow crowds of fun-seekers, libations, dancing and confetti. Perhaps costumes or a descending sphere with a shouted-countdown is also in cue.

Unless one is lucky enough to have sufficient frequent flyer miles to find themselves in New York City's famed Times Square for New Year's or plant oneself in front of the television, the eve is often a tall order. Even for a city as diverse and exciting as Tulsa--until now.

Thanks to the event production company e2 Worldwide, a taste of the city that never sleeps is coming to the Brookside area on Thursday, Dec. 31.

The street-style celebration, titled The Party! New Years Eve on Brookside, is organized in the same spirit as the famed Times Square tradition with everything from the ball drop to street performers and music. Most importantly the event is being produced as a benefit for the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.

"Every year, I receive numerous calls from my clients asking what there is to do in Tulsa for New Year's Eve that will be exciting, different and fun," said e2 Worldwide's president Lisa Hardin. "This year, I decided to produce what I believe will become the party for New Year's Eve, while also benefiting a local charity."

No public celebration is complete without live music and The Party! New Year's Eve on Brookside offers two varieties. There is a street stage open to the public at 3701 S. Peoria, which will feature a performance by the local band Eric and the Adams. The trio comprised of Eric Himan, Jimmy Adams and Angel Adams is fresh off the debut of their self-titled CD released at the beginning of December. Expect the group's patented enthusiastic pop-rock with Himan's soulful vocals to lead the way.

A second private stage is scheduled in the VIP tent located at 37th Place and South Peoria. Get there early as there are admission tickets for the tent which round up to $75. The private stage will feature the time-honed southern blues-rock boogie of the Okie Down Dirt Band. The band has more than 20 years under their belt playing music together, and they are sure to offer an excellent way to ring in the New Year. Both Eric and the Adams and Okie Down Dirt Band are scheduled to begin at 9:30pm.

But the amenities for the VIPs don't stop with just music. The heated tent provides beer and appetizers from local restaurants as well as champagne at midnight. All proceeds from the tent will be donated to the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.

But you don't have to be a VIP to donate. Hardin encourages any attendee of the street event to bring canned goods, which also make their way to the cause. All in hopes of guaranteeing a better New Year for everyone involved.