As everyone celebrates the beginning of 2015, one group of musicians will be ringing in the end of its run, performing the hits of one of the most famous bands from the ’60s.
The band, Steppenwolf, released one of the most iconic songs of its generation, “Born to be Wild.”
“It’s a cultural song,” said Glen Bui, a guitarist who played with Steppenwolf in the ’80s.
“Once it went out on ‘Easy Rider,’ it became a cult anthem for motorcyclists,” he said. “And it was the first time ‘heavy metal’ was mentioned in rock.”
Bui performs with two other musicians with ties to Steppenwolf: bassist Mike Setzer and keyboardist Goldy McJohn. McJohn was an original member of the band, playing keyboards from its formation through the ’70s.
The band has previously gone by the name Magic Carpet Ride, a homage to another Steppenwolf tune. But today, it has no name, and is simply known as the band that performs a set of Steppenwolf hits.
On New Year’s Eve, Bui, Setzer and McJohn will kick off their final tour together at Poulsbo’s Envy Bar and Grill.
“This will be probably the last chance to see a line up with this many members in it performing,” Bui said. “This will probably be the last time we tour.”
The “Born To Be Wild 2015 Tour” will also feature a new recording by the band: a new take on the classic “Born to be Wild.” They will premiere the new version at the New Year’s Eve show.
“We wanted to record a newer version, because all these other bands out there had done versions of it and we didn’t like a majority of those versions,” Bui said. “So we thought the way to go out would be to come back with a new version. And we are featuring Goldy’s keyboards on this more than guitars.
“It’s very similar (to the original) but the music is more moving, and it’s more 2015. It’s got the Seattle sound to it,” he said. “It’s got a little grunge in there and we made it more sexy sounding.”
A music video will also be released on YouTube at the start of the new year. The single will be available at shows and on iTunes.
The concert at Envy isn’t the only Kitsap locale to celebrate the holiday, especially with a rockin’ theme. From pubs boating rock bands to theaters offering laughs. Not to mention dinner specials to casino dance soirees, and rock ’n’ roll hotel parties, Kitsap has a slew of New Year’s celebrations with live music, Champagne and fireworks.
Party at a pub
Arena Sports Bar & Grille: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. A black and white masquerade ball with prizes for best dressed male, female and couple. Food and drink specials, and live music from Rear View Mirror playing classic rock, blues, R&B and country music. 4111 Wheaton Way, Bremerton.
Envy: A Steppenwolf New Year’s Eve. The “Born to be Wild Tour” kicks off at Envy with three members of Steppenwolf, including Glen Bui, Goldy McJohn and Mike Setzer. The band will perform 16 Steppenwolf hits.
The show also serves as a release party for the band’s recent re-recording of the hit “Born to be Wild.” Also performing: Dan Crenshaw. Special appearance by models with Ladies Who Rock, who will sell their 2015 calendar in support of relief for homeless veterans. A Fender Stratocaster will be auctioned off to support North Kitsap Fishline. Doors open at 8 p.m. $25 cover charge. 19559 Viking Way, Poulsbo.
Manchester Pub: A New Year’s Eve party with a performance by the Jaggernots, playing songs by the Rolling Stones. Party favors available and a Champagne toast. Also, a view of the Seattle fireworks and Manchester fireworks shows. 2350 Colchester Drive East, Manchester.
Manette Saloon: Live music by James Hunnicutt, Jack Parker, Nicole Pike and Mykey Haslip. A mix of country and folk. $5. 2113 East 11th St., Bremerton.
Red Dog Saloon: A New Year’s Eve party with a performance by Rusted Sky, playing a mix of blues-driven rock. Party favors and a Champagne toast. 2591 SE Mile Hill Drive, Port Orchard.
Slippery Pig Brewery: Starts at 8 p.m. An ’80s karaoke party at the brewery. 1980s attire is highly encouraged. Also, a countdown to midnight. Free. 18801 Front St. NE, Poulsbo.
Treehouse Cafe: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with live music by the Dusty 45s performing a high-energy mix of rock n’ roll, twang country, blues and jazz. Free hors d’oevres and party favors. Complimentary palm and tarot card readings. Also, a raffle for a secret prize. For ages 21 and older. $80 per person before Dec. 25, $100 per person after Dec. 25. Tickets and info at www.nyebainbridge.com. 4569 Lynwood Center Road, Bainbridge Island.
Party
Silverdale Beach Hotel: A Rockin’ New Year’s Eve with the Joey James Dean Band performing rock hits.
Casino celebrations
Clearwater Casino: New Year’s Party with a casino-wide countdown. Live music by the Nite Crew performing modern pop and dance hits. Party favors, Champagne toast, and balloon drop. Drawings for $2,015 at 1 a.m., 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. $25 per person. Info: www.clearwatercasino.com. 15347 Suquamish Way, Suquamish.
Noon Year at Clearwater: 10 a.m. to noon at the Clearwater Casino, Suquamish. Free party favors and a countdown to noon. Drawings for $2,015 at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Entertainment by Danny Vernon – Illusion of Elvis.
The Point Casino: Dinner and a show with BrickHouse performing live dance music. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Prime rib dinner from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and then dancing into the new year. $45 per person, or $20 cover after 10 p.m. Info: www.the-point-casino.com. 7989 NE Salish Lane, Kingston.
Dinner dates
19th Hole: Surf and turf dinner special with steak, lobster, mashed potatoes, and fresh veggies. $25 per person. Add a bottle of wine or Champagne for $15. Also, Grey Goose martini or Moscow mule drink specials. Live jam music by The Matt and Amy Band. RSVP: 360-813-3501. 2171 Erlands Point Road NW, Bremerton.
Kiana Lodge: Dinner and dancing with a Champagne toast, bonfire, party favors, photo booth, and fireworks at midnight. Also, a buffet dinner and midnight snacks. A DJ will mix dance music into 2015. $50 per person. Tickets on www.brownpapertickets.com. bar opens at 6 p.m. Dinner is 7-9 p.m. and party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Info: 360-598-4311, www.kianalodge.com. 14976 Sandy Hook Road, Poulsbo.
Kingston Cove Yacht Club dinner: Cocktails and appetizers at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:30 p.m. with a choice of prime rib or salmon. Dancing is 8:30 p.m. until midnight. Live music by the Blues Counselors. KCYC members are $40. Guests are $50. Info/RSVP: cherylcallais@msn.com, 360-297-8627. 25878 Washington Boulevard NE, Kingston.
Port Gamble General Store: 5-9 p.m. A five-course prixe fixe menu. Call 360-297-7636 for dinner details or to RSVP for a table. Info: www.portgamblegeneralstore.com. 32400 Rainier Ave NE, Port Gamble.
Fun and games
Bingo: 5:30 p.m. at the Greater Hansville Community Center, Hansville. Last year’s New Year’s bingo was sold out, so come early. Warm up begins at 6:30 p.m. and games will start at 7 p.m. Games end at 9:30 p.m. Cash prizes determined on the number of people playing and game cards sold. Info: 360-638-0000.
Noon Year’s at KiDiMu: A countdown for families who want to celebrate a little early. Enjoy fun activities from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Balloon drop at noon. Free with admission. Info: 206-855-4650, www.kidimu.org. 301 Ravine Lane NW, Bainbridge Island.
New Year’s Comedy: The best of Seattle Comedy Underground greets 2015 with a laugh and a song. Laugh to comedians, and dance to timeless classics. Champagne toast included. Comedy show includes adult content. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets: $25-40. Info: www.admiraltheater.org. 515 Pacific Ave., Bremerton.
Rock N’ Bowl: Rock N Bowl at All Star Lanes in Silverdale. Bowl to a sound and light show with party favors and light hors d’oevres. A live DJ will keep the tunes coming. RSVP required. $30 prepaid, $35 day of event. Info: 360-692-5760, playallstar.com/nyeparty15. 10710 Silverdale Way, Silverdale.
