The Merchants of Seaside are “putting on the Ritz” for Countdown Seaside!
A New Year’s Eve Celebration with the region’s most exciting, family-friendly party featuring live entertainment, kid’s art projects and an amazing fireworks display over the Gulf of Mexico.
Festivities for this fabulous family event begin at 7 p.m. and last until 12 a.m. New Year’s Day. Make a resolution to add some fun in your life and start 2010 off with a bang!
Spectators will be charmed by a mesmerizing mix of music ranging from fresh Memphis Blues to Big Easy Zydeco. The celebration kicks off in the Amphitheater with a performance by Delta Highway at 7 p.m., followed by the Grammy Award Winning Zydeco sounds of Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience at 9:30 p.m. Finally, let’s all welcome 2010 with a spectacular fireworks display over the gulf at the stroke of midnight.
Seaside has something for everyone on this special occasion, including the little ones. Abrakadoodle will be on hand from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. offering unique art projects for our New Year’s Celebration. These projects will be free and include making celebratory party hats, noisemakers and even a fireworks picture that includes painting with Koosh balls! Abrakadoodle will also have face painters on hand to get both the young and young-at-heart in the festive spirit.
In a generation that has forgotten its musical roots, Delta Highway breathes youth and energy back into the blues. With strong guitar sounds reminiscent of Muddy Waters and R.L. Burnside, combined with a progressive harmonica sound, this Memphis band has developed a style that is all their own and sure to please new and veteran blues fans alike.
Frontman Brandon Santini was inspired while in his mid-teens by the sounds of John Popper’s harmonica, but quickly learned about the real blues from heavyweights such as Paul Butterfield, Little Walter, Kim Wilson, and Junior Wells. Santini brings youth to the instrument and presents his thick, distorted tones with his fiery quick runs that seems to grab the attention of younger music fans as well as satisfying traditionalists. Delta Highway was recently nominated for Best New Debut Artist at the 2009 Blues Music Awards.
For more than 2 decades Grammy Award Winning artist Terrance Simien, 8th generation Louisiana Creole has been shattering the myths about indigenous Creole Zydeco music. Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience have become one of the most respected and internationally recognized touring and recording artists in roots music today. Simien has performed over 5000 concerts, toured millions of miles to over 40 countries and reached at least a million people during his eventful 25-year career.
During the past 25 years Simien has shared studio and stage with Robert Palmer, Stevie Wonder, Los Lobos, the Meters, Paul Simon and Dave Matthews Band to name a few. He has been featured in dozens of films, TV movies and commercials. Rolling Stone, Billboard, other notable music industry publications and major daily newspapers have praised his recordings.
He has received countless awards, grants and recognition for his artistry as well as his contributions to help raise the professional standards by mentoring his fellow and emerging artists about the music industry. In 2008, Simien became a spokesperson for the State of Louisiana Office of Tourism and in December of 2009, Disney will release a new Pixar animated film, “The Princess & The Frog”, set in New Orleans, featuring the music of Simien. Terrance is also currently working on a non-fiction book for students about Creole culture and Zydeco music.
“This year Seaside is proud to offer a New Year’s Eve celebration unlike anything ever seen along 30A. We’ll take audiences on an exciting musical journey beginning with a unique blend of contemporary blues then closing with a crowd-pleasing mix of Zydeco just before the big fireworks show,” said Pam Avera, Seaside’s General Manager. “We are thrilled to continue our tradition of offering incredible family-friendly events that create memories for our homeowners and guests.”
Cottage Rental Agency, the official provider of Seaside vacation rentals, offers a three-night stay with the fourth night as “our gift” offer for this winter season. In consideration of holiday schedules, CRA is now honoring the complimentary night with a two-night stay for the holidays. So start a new tradition and join us in Seaside for three nights to ring in the New Year. Call 877.557.0334 to get your complimentary night this season. Some restrictions may apply.
Don’t miss the ultimate celebration of the year. For additional Countdown Seaside! event details, or to learn more about our community, visit seasidefl.com. Events are made possible by the arts and entertainment fee collected by The Merchants of Seaside.
Photo Credit: James Jordan
