When it comes to celebrating New Year’s Eve, the options are endless. Some will opt to sip Champagne at a fancy soiree, others will guzzle Champagne at a sweaty dance party and many more will imbibe Champagne on the couch while watching the ball drop with Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest. But for those who count themselves among the creative set, there’s really only one choice: Icing.
Hosted by Space Gallery for the past two years, Icing brings together visual and performing art with Champagne and finger foods for a one-of-a-kind party.
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“I don’t want to give away too much,” said Space’s events programmer Nick Rosenblum. “But it’s going to be just the right amount of quirky. The goal is to create an upscale, enjoyable experience.”
The festivities begin at 9 p.m. with the Middle Eastern rhythms of Okbari. The duo will be followed by the electronic installations and music of Galen Richmond’s Computer at Sea.
“Part of his performance involves vintage television sets,” Rosenblum said to give a hint of what’s in store for partygoers.
Leading up to midnight, Dilly Dilly (aka Erin Olivia Davidson) takes to the stage to bring her unique blend of vocals and eclectic instruments, including trumpet, banjo and toy accordion.
“The early part of the evening is like you’re going to a futuristic and whimsical lounge, and then by the end of the evening it will be more of a traditional party with dancing,” Rosenblum said.
The dance track begins after the midnight Champagne toast and comes courtesy of brothers Nathaniel and David Meiklejohn. Accompanying the dance grooves will be a video projection created by the brothers.
Throughout the affair, guests will be enveloped in an interesting array of visual art.
Artist John Sundling, who has worked in New York City doing theater set design, plans to transform one room of the gallery into an Op Art-inspired installation using a large quantity of rope.
Nearby, a wall will feature the work of Bowdoin sculpture professor Alicia Eggert and photographer Mike Flemming. This will be more than a two-demensional painting, since it promises to offer a kinetic element.
Known for his interior murals, artist Colin Sullivan-Stevens will be live painting during the party, allowing guests to both view his process and ask him questions.
Local restaurants will provide appetizers — both sweet and savory — which guests can pair with a curated wine list available at the cash bar. The list of wines comes from Joe Ricchio, who works for SoPo Wine Company and hosts the online “Food Coma” TV show, based on his blog of the same name.
As Rosenblum pointed out, Icing is “not like any other New Year’s party.”
Except that there will be Champagne.
Staff Writer Avery Yale Kamila can be contacted at 791-6297 or at:
akamila@pressherald.com
Twitter: AveryYaleKamila
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