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Why are you staying in Lawrence for New Year's Eve? Is it because:
You live here?
By Chris Crawford, Jayplaywriter
You don't want to spend it in Overland Park again, doing drugs off Steve's parents' Hummer in the garage, while yelling at a drunk blonde chick that she should play Eminem and not Maroon 5?
Your family's tractor broke down, so they can't drive you back to Bumblefather, Kan.?
inLawrence
You came here from a foreign land, far from Lawrence, and dig the "super-fine American sorority foxes" and Natty Light too much to ever go home?
In reality, you might not want to drive to Kansas City and battle oversold, overpriced mega-events only to get in a fight with a tuxedo-print T-shirt-wearing douche with no teeth, after he pukes on your new Christmas present kicks. You can do that here.
So, if you're lucky enough to ring in the New Year in L-town, check out these five events happening Dec. 31.
A guide to New Year's Eve for those stuck in town
The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St. Bluegrass band Split Lip Rayfield will do the honors, as it did last year, pickin' and a rockin' in the New Year. Bartender Chris Miller describes the crowd from last year as, "a mix of old hippies, hillbillies and fratty-types." The best and one of the only New Year's stories anyone could remember came last year when Miller says a door guy caught an old, grizzled biker couple having sex on the men's room floor. After being asked to stop, they celebrated the
rest of the night upright with everyone else. And after all that debauchery ceased, The Bottleneck set its highest single-day liquor sales record in the last five to 10 years, which included about 80 bottles of champagne. Get there early, because it sold out last year. The show starts at 10 p.m., is 21+ and $14. Split Lip Rayfield will play an additional show Jan. 1.
The Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St.
Fred plays 8-track tapes of music like Iggy Pop, Duran Duran, Abba and The Cars, says Lawrence resident Jen Fortune. Fortune's attended the Replay's New Year's eight years in a row and says most people dress up, including colorful wigs and short skirts for the ladies. Bartender Amanda Meyers says that like most places, bottles of bubbly can be purchased for $10. Last year, employees tried to symbolically release a 2003 balloon and replace it with a 2004, but the 2004 balloon blew away before they could tie it down. The event starts at 10 p.m., is 21+ and$ 2.
11. Let your freak flag fly at The Replay's New Year's bash. A "DJ" only known as
Abe & Jake's Landing, 8 E. Sixth St.
DJ Nick Reddell will spin you right round, baby at Abe & Jake's $3^{rd}$ Annual New Year's Eve party. A complimentary champagne toast at midnight will correspond with a balloon drop, says general manager Mike Logan. And if you periodically wear an "I'm #f" hat and feel you're better than the rest of the sweaty herd, you can rent one of four private rooms featuring your own bartender or server. The prices ranging from $150 to$ 450. The event starts at 10 p.m., is 21+, and $10 at the door.
The Granada Theatre, 1020 Massachusetts St.
What, more DJs? For those of you old enough to vote but not old enough to booze, you should check out 18+, Stayin' Alive in 2005 with DJ Konsept and DJ Cruz at The Granada. The Neon DJs will spin '80s and early '90s jams. The event starts at 9 p.m. and is $10.
Red Lyon Tavern, 944 Massachusetts St.
If you missed your senior prom or became a huge loser in college and constantly yearn to return to the high school womb, check out the Red Lyon's '80s prom-themed New Year's. Rent an ugly tuxedo, buy a used pink, puffy dress and pop and lock your ass over to the Lyon. Show up early, there's no cover and bring your ID.
your ID. Good luck, make Anna Nicole look sober and have a happy New Year!