Ring in the New Year at Seaside with live music and fireworks

SEASIDE — The Merchants of Seaside are “putting on the Ritz” for “Countdown Seaside!” The New Year’s Eve Celebration will feature live entertainment, kids’ art projects and an amazing fireworks display over the Gulf of Mexico. Festivities for this family event begin at 7 p.m. and last until 12 a.m. New Year’s Day.

Spectators will experience 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, 2010 is ushered in with a spectacular fireworks display over the Gulf at the stroke of midnight.

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.

Delta Highway was recently nominated for Best New Debut Artist at the 2009 Blues Music Awards.

For more than two decades, Simien, an eighth 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 5,000 concerts, toured millions of miles to over 40 countries and reached at least a million people during his eventful 25-year career.

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 Disney just released a new Pixar animated film, “The Princess & The Frog,” set in New Orleans, featuring the music of Simien. He is also currently working on a non-fiction book for students about Creole culture and Zydeco music.

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.

“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 for this winter season. In consideration of holiday schedules, CRA is now honoring the complimentary night with a two-night stay for the holidays.  Call 877-557-0334 for more information. Some restrictions may apply.

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.