Cathy Dobson
Rob Jenkins and The Room is just one of the bands that will be busy New Year’s Eve, providing music for what may be an unprecedented number of year-end bashes in Sarnia.
“If it leads to dancing, that’s what we play,” says bass player Brian Maxfield. He and bandmates Aaron Zimmer (rhythm guitar and DJ) and Rob Jenkins (vocals) of K106 radio fame, have been playing together about 14 years. A few years ago they were joined by Willis MacDonald on drums and Brad Langille on guitar.
“We’re a party band and we do the covers that everyone wants to hear,” said Maxfield.
Most of their dance tunes are ‘80s and ‘90s rock like Pearl Jam’s “Alive” and Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way.”
But they add Canadian content from The Trews and The Tragically Hip, and like some of the older stuff such as Bryan Adams’ “Summer of 69.”
Rob Jenkins and The Room play New Year’s at Eclipse Catering, Bar and Grill, corner of Indian and Devine Street.
Tickets are $40, or $75 a couple, for an all-you-can-eat buffet and the show; alternative packages available. Inquire at the bar (519-491-8181).
Other bashes and galas on Dec. 31:
UNMASK THE STIGMA MASQUERADE BALL
The Holiday Inn. Fundraiser for The Deker Bauer Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Entertainment by Whiskey n Rain, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, cash bar and midnight champagne. Tickets, $35, or $60 a couple, at Costumes Canada, Rondo’s Pizza and Antonio’s Pizza.
JOSEPH’S HOSPICE INAUGURAL NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA
Hiawatha Horse Park. A fundraiser with entertainment by The Fabulous Soul Shakers, buffet dinner, raffles and midnight champagne. Tickets, $100, at the hospice (519-337-0537).
PADDY FLAHERTY’S IRISH PUB NEW YEAR’S
130 Seaway Rd. Entertainment by Daylight for Deadeyes, begins 10 p.m. Tickets, $20, at the bar or ticketscene.ca.
DANTE CLUB NEW YEAR’S GALA. Entertainment by Back 2 Back, with cocktails starting at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. Midnight champagne. Tickets $125 for members, $145 general public, at 519-542-9311.
SARNIA LEGION NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH.
286 Front St N. Music by The Persuaders starts at 8:30 p.m. Roast beef dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets $45. Dancing and light lunch only $20. Call 519-336-2841.
BROWNSTONES SPORTS LOUNGE AND RESTAURANT.
1000 Finch Dr. Music by Fabien Jagoo. Buffet at 8 p.m. Dancing, shuttle ride home. Tickets $50. Call 519-491-2191.
UPS N DOWNS. 226 Front St N. Ray Whaling performs starting at 9 p.m. Call 519-336-0337
LIZARDS BAR & GRILL. Music by Restrospect. Champagne and midnight munchies. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Call 519-491-2060.
This is a list of New Year’s parties The Journal was aware of at presstime. Please check your favourite establishment for their plans if they're not listed here.
The Arts Journal reports on cultural and entertainment events and projects happening in our community. If you have an idea for a column, contact Cathy Dobson at [email protected] or 226-932-0985.