The folks behind local label Grasshopper Juice could hardly be accused of doing things conventionally. The label’s roster spans Indie, Hip Hop, Jazz, Electronica and Americana — and some GJ artists combine all of those elements (and then some) into one. For Thursday’s most unique New Year’s Eve blow-out, give GJ’s Party Bus/Music Festival in Clifton Heights, Northside and Columbia-Tusculum a go. The label’s “package deal” includes bus shuttles to participating venues Baba Budan’s, Mac’s Pizza Pub, Fries Café, Northside Tavern, Blue Rock Tavern and East End Café (the bus moves gradually to each neighborhood throughout the night starting at 10 p.m.).
But it’s the eclectic music lineup that’s the real draw. Mac’s features Rock and Jam music from Perfect Norm, Headband and Buckra; Fries has the Rumpke Mountain Boys; and Northside Tavern has let the Dance_MFers take over, with live music from Bad Veins and Lightning Love. The remaining venues have packed lineups — Blue Rock Tavern presents artists ranging from Indie Rock (Charlie Hustle, The Harlequins) to Punk (The Frankl Project) to Surf Rock (The Flux Capacitors), while East End Café has diverse artists like The Skeetones, Pharaoh Loosey and Kumasi MC. Baba Budan’s looks to be the “hot spot” for the night, as incredible Hip Hop/Jazz experimenters IsWhat?! celebrate the release of their new long-player, Big Appetite, and Business & Pleazure (a “rap duet of lampshades,” featuring Wonky Tonk and Chick Pimp’s Nick Mitchell) also releases a new one.
Get tickets, details and bus stops here.
