Tucson’s Hotel Congress outdid themselves with a winter wonderland themed New Years Eve celebration this year. The interior of the historic hotel was decorated with a ski resort motif, while the exterior completed the theme with pine trees, icicles and even blown fake snow. Music stages were set up both in and outside the hotel, as well as one room dedicated to DJ Buttafly, who spun tunes through the duration of the evening.
Scottish bagpipers were on hand for the ball drop countdown ringing in 2006. This added even more excitement to Tucson’s first attempt of dropping the ball at midnight. There are no huge skyscrapers in Tucson, which made the event quite different from the production that Times Square has made to epitomize the New Years Eve celebration. The hotel was at capacity and there were people standing outside the entry zone just to watch the ball drop. As I looked at the glittering lights, I listened to the chattering excitement amongst the people outside. We counted down to the moment and as the clock struck twelve the chandelier-style ball began its descent. It gently floated down the short distance, from the top of the hotel to the top of the first floor. The large, twinkling globe moved slowly enough to allow a good look as it traveled downward. It was an impressive start to what will hopefully become a new Tucson tradition.
As the calendar year rolled over, the headlining band, Giant Sand took the stage directly in front of the ball drop. Giant Sand is a four piece made up of Howe Gelb, Matthew Ward, John Convertino and Joey Burns. Listening to a great Tucson band was the perfect way to highlight the New Years celebration. It was a wonderful way to commemorate the dawning of a new, hopeful year. Although I have been hearing how good the band is for years, I had yet to see them live. Although native to Tucson, they rarely play shows here. The majority of their shows have been in Europe. They are playing a couple US dates early this year, so if you have the opportunity, I highly recommend you experience their music live.
The sound these musicians generate with each other is nothing short of spectacular. Individually, each one of them is an accomplished musician, but together they blend the music so well it’s hard to imagine any of them playing outside of Giant Sand. They have a different sound, a type of music that is difficult to pin a label on. Labels don’t matter to me anyway, what matters is that I enjoyed the music from the instant they started their set. Their music is unique and exciting. It’s the kind of high energy music that seems familiar, but doesn’t give a clue what guitar riff or drum roll will bubble up next. It builds up anticipation and doesn’t disappoint.
It was a warm night so the snow blowing machine was quite a spectacle. Some couples danced together as many more collected near to the stage, mesmerized as they watched the band let their expertise unfold. People were smiling, moving to the beat and feeling the joy. The band even played the traditional Auld Lang Syne with their “jazzy” flair, making it seem as it was one of their own. It was a great start to my year and I hope yours is starting out well too. Have a wonderful, music-filled ’06!
