Dance like no-one is watching
By Gretchen Ammerman
Oregon Coast TODAY
You don’t need a partner, you don’t even need to dance — toe tappers are welcome too. But if you are ready to say goodbye to the year with a smile on your face and a song in your heart, the Lincoln Pops Big Band is ready to help by providing the soundtrack for a memorable evening.
Hosted at the Lincoln City Cultural Center on Friday, Dec. 31, the New Year's Eve celebration will include light appetizers and a champagne or sparkling cider toast at “midnight.”
“We’ll be following the East Coast ball dropping at 9 pm and will play Auld Lang Syne and lead a toast to the new year then, too,” said John Bringetto, band leader. “We’re planning on finishing at 10 pm for those who want to get home safely or are just not night owls.”
According to Bringetto, the band has roughly 1,150 songs in their repertoire. For the three-hour event, they’ll be pulling out 36 of them, playing 12 in each one-hour set.
“We’ll be playing swing tunes, Latin tunes, polkas and waltzes,” he said. “I’ll be walking around with an accordion during breaks, too.”
A seasonal favorite for many years, the celebration is returning from a COVID hiatus to give fans, former or new, a fun way to party.
“Some people dress to the nines, others go more casual,” Bringetto said. “It’s all about what people are comfortable with.”
But there’s one dress code requirement that can be matched with any style.
“People are going to have to dance with a mask on,” Bringetto said. “We’re trying to be as cautious as we can.”
After the forced break in practicing together and performing live, Bringetto was pleasantly surprised by the shape the musicians are in.
“The band, after having been away this long, actually sounds great,” he said. “People have all been practicing — for the most part.”
In years past, Bringetto said, the New Year's Eve dances have provided a very welcoming environment for all guests.
“People are very nice about asking others to dance, which they are certainly happy to say no to,” he said. “Sometimes we have groups of three or four people dancing just for fun, too. It’s a really great way for us to get back in the groove because it’s just as much fun for us to watch as to perform when people are having a really good time.”
The band is currently practicing together three times a month, will take a few weeks off in January and then will be back to get ready for their next event — the Valentine’s Day Dance, also being held at the cultural center.
“Depending on the COVID situation, we will also be back to having the regular community dances we used to have,” Bringetto said. “We’re just waiting until the state gives the ‘all clear.’”
So, don your sparkliest mask, tuck your vaccination card into your tights or tux and dance, dance, dance (or tap, tap, tap) the night away.
New Year’s Eve with the Lincoln Pops begins at 7 pm. Table seating will be available, with beer and wine for sale. Advance tickets are $20-$35. The Lincoln City Cultural Center is located at 540 NE Hwy. 101. For more information, go to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.