Here’s an interesting fact: The city of Vienna has long boasted of opulent festivities to ring in the new year, but it was only in 1939 that the Vienna Philharmonic joined in, with concerts of Austrian (pointedly not German) music. The popularity of that annual concert, and especially the TV broadcasts of its subsequent versions to the entire world, is why Austrian composers have taken over New Year’s celebrations. The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra hews to that tradition this year, as John Giordano returns to the podium for a program of Viennese waltzes, with operetta arias sung by Ava Pine.
If waltzes aren’t your thing, however, there’s plenty else to choose from among the New Year’s festivities. Allyssa Edwards, alumnus of RuPaul’s Drag Race, will be at the parties at both Best Friends and The Rainbow Lounge, covering every bit of the LGBT demographic. DFW NORML burns up the new year with Chronica 2012, their pro-marijuana legalization shindig at Red Goose Saloon. Oscar’s Pub goes with a casino theme to benefit the charity Brother’s Keepers. Stage West brings in Sara Hickman to provide the music along with the theater troupe’s usual buffet spread celebration. And Fort Worth’s official celebration, Sundance NYE 2013, installs itself at the newly rechristened Club 515. Take your pick as you welcome 2013.
Check Calendar for locations, times, prices, and contact information for New Year’s Eve events.