From Tame to Tarzan

by Amanda DePerro

Arts + Entertainment

December 1, 2015

12:05 AM

Photo courtesy of Franklin Park Conservatory

From Tame to Tarzan

Big New Year’s celebrations in Columbus

Whether you’re looking to turn in early or turn up all night, Columbus has something to help you ring in 2016.

From the slots at Hollywood Casino to the poinsettias and holiday lights at Franklin Park Conservatory to the electric sounds of Shadowbox Live, Columbus makes it easy to start the new year off right.

Franklin Park Conservatory

If you’re looking to have a relaxed evening out and still be able to watch the ball drop from the comfort of your bed, Franklin Park Conservatory is your place.

Guests can enjoy gingerbread, holiday lights and thousands of poinsettias as they tour the conservatory before settling into their seats – or their dancing shoes – in the grand atrium. This year, for the second time, the conservatory hosts In Full Swing, a 13-piece jazz band, from 7-9 p.m.

“This is a lot more family-friendly; it’s a little more low-key, maybe, than some of those traditional New Year’s crazy parties that you hear about,” says Dee Ashworth, visitor experience manager at the conservatory. “So it’s kind of for people who maybe want to be at home and in bed by 10:30.”

Last year, conservatory staff were surprised to see guests pushing chairs and tables aside, clearing an area to dance. This year, Ashworth says, the conservatory plans to incorporate the dancing space to create a more party-like atmosphere.

Because the conservatory closes at 9 p.m., the event sees a very diverse age group.

“This is something that the grandparents could enjoy with their grandchildren,” Ashworth says. “It’s fun to see the little kids out on the dance floor, too.”

$13 adults, $10 seniors and students, $6 children, free for members

Photo courtesy of Shadowbox Live

From Tame to Tarzan

Shadowbox Live

Those seeking an intimate, elegant night of jazz or an edgy night of rock ‘n’ roll need only one venue: Shadowbox Live.

Shadowbox’s New Year’s Eve event varies little from year to year. The Urban Jazz Coalition will cool down the Backstage Bistro, and house band BillWho? will pump up the theater.

The Backstage Bistro seats approximately 90, creating a “very wonderful, intimate space,” says Nikki Fagin, director of media relations.

On the other side of Shadowbox, guests will find the high-energy, thrilling sounds of BillWho?. Shadowbox Live staff construct the band, making the theater a big party for ticketholders and staff alike.

“Because everybody who works here is a performer, you see us on stage and we’ll be down at your table, and then we’re serving you drinks, and we might be on the dance floor with you for a second,” Fagin says. “So I think that there’s a connection there that you just don’t get at other places.”

Fagin has worked at Shadowbox for 10 years, and has spent 10 New Year’s Eves performing.

“It wouldn’t be New Year’s to me without getting up and singing some rock ‘n’ roll songs in front of a huge crowd,” she says. “For me, it’s part of what my year-end celebration has become. It’s a real fun event, not just for the people who come, but for us, too.”

Urban Jazz Coalition ticket: $60 per person. BillWho? ticket: $100 per person or $180 per couple. Admission includes a champagne toast and a dinner banquet.

Photo courtesy of Hollywood Casino Columbus

From Tame to Tarzan

Hollywood Casino Columbus

If a huge party full of over-the-top decorations, high-stakes card games and the chance to win $20,000 sounds like your ideal New Year’s Eve, the Hollywood Casino is your venue.

The theme for New Year’s 2016 is “A Wild New Year,” and the casino will transform into a safari complete with showgirls and showguys dressed as animals and Tarzan and Jane, as well as tiki bars and exotic décor.

“We’re Hollywood, we’re over the top. So we’ve got to do it bigger and better,” says Christina Peloquin, database marketing manager at the casino. “It’s going to be an amazing experience. We always want people to come and have a good time with us.”

Hip-hop band the 17th Floor performs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., the ball drop in New York City will be broadcast across the casino and, for the third year, the casino will be paying a guest’s mortgage, translating to $20,000 in cash.

“Every year, I get chills, because I always want to see who ends up winning,” Peloquin says. ”Last year, it almost brought me to tears.”

The best part of the night, she says, begins once the clock strikes midnight and the casino drops balloons in each of the lounges.

“I’m a sucker for that darn balloon drop,” she said. “Seeing everybody, people that don’t even know each other, hugging each other and saying ‘Happy New Year’s’ to everybody … I think that’s my favorite part.”

Buffet prices: $17.99 before midnight, $13.99 after midnight for breakfast foods.

Amanda DePerro is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Other New Year’s Celebrations

New Year’s Eve Gala

Renaissance Columbus, 50 N. Third St.

8:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m.

Hors d’oeuvres, drinks and some of Columbus’s top DJs.

Prohibition Night 2015 and Casino Night

Sheraton Columbus at Capitol Square, 75 E. State St.

8 p.m.-2 a.m.

Live band, mock casino games, three DJs and party favors.

First Night Columbus