Local bars to ring in 2016

If you’re looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve, Stonefed guitarist Jon Olschewski says to “dress sharp and bring your dancing shoes” and head on down to Woody’s World Famous Tavern, 221 S. Main St., for the band’s annual New Year’s Eve bash.

For the past 14 years on New Year’s Eve, the Moab band has been a fixture at Woody’s Tavern, where both locals and out-of-towners come to celebrate the holiday.

The band plays funk, rock ‘n’ roll, blues, some reggae and upbeat bluegrass-type material, hip hop and jazz.

“We try to be genre-busting,” said Olschewski, who plays guitar and harmonica and sings for the band.

Other band members include David Mealey on bass, harmonica and vocals; Ed Stone on drums and percussion; and Jasper Groff on guitar and vocals.

The four musicians grew up in Moab and often play in their hometown – although the group also tours nationally, and performs in Salt Lake City once or twice a month.

Stonefed is currently working on its third album; it’s expected to be released later this winter or early spring. The group’s last album, “Moabylon” – recorded in 2008, will be for sale at Woody’s on New Year’s Eve.

Woody’s longtime bartender Debbie Finley said there will be party favors, noise makers and hats to help bring in the new year.

“It’s very fun, with new people and regulars,” she said. “The band starts at 9 (p.m.) and everyone leaves by 2 (a.m.) We stop serving at 1.”

Moab Burger Company and Atomic Lounge

A special, limited New Year’s Eve menu will be offered at Moab Burger Company and Atomic Lounge. Each dinner costs $48, and includes soup or salad, a pasta course, an entrée of either organic chicken scaloppini, pork tenderloin or polenta lasagna, and dessert – either flourless chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and warm apricot sauce, or spumoni – three layers of ice cream with dried fruit, chocolate and strawberry. Dinner begins at 7 p.m.

During dinner, Dave Steward and Friends will perform at the Atomic Lounge from 8 p.m. to midnight. The group will play a variety of jazz standards from the Great American Songbook, including tunes from Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.

The band is comprised of Steward, who plays guitar and sings; Ryan Barnum, drummer and vocalist; Nathan O’ Bryant on bass; and guitarist Glenn Sherrill. A saxophonist may also join the group that evening.

“We always love playing at the Atomic Lounge,” Steward said. “It has a wonderful relaxed ambiance for jazz music. The clientele are always appreciative of the music and can still enjoy their conversations. Being a musician himself, (owner Tim Buckingham) really takes care of us, and we get to enjoy the bonus of a great meal when we play there.”

The Blu Pig

At 811 S. Main St., The Blu Pig is hosting its third annual Blue and Black Ball, from 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31, to 1 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 1, 2016. Local DJ Manny P will be spinning tunes, and the restaurant will be offering its prime rib steak dinner for $25.95. The cover charge for the evening is $2.

Club Rio

Local DJ Chad Wilson, also known as Ill Beats Radio, will provide danceable music at Club Rio, 2 S. 100 West, on New Year’s Eve, starting at 9 p.m. Club Rio closes at 1 a.m. There is a cover charge.

Celebrate new year with live music, DJs

What: New Year’s Eve celebrations

When: Thursday, Dec. 31

Where: Woody’s World Famous Tavern, The Blu Pig, Club Rio and Atomic Lounge

Cost: Varies