This New Years Eve party is so alternative, it is happening on Jan. 3.
A collection of queer punk rockers is planning to kick off 2015 in dapper yet raucous style with New Queers Eve, a winter formal dance and live music show at Silent Barn in Bushwick.
“We want to create a queer party atmosphere with bands rather than a nightlife scene,” said organizer and musician Cristy C. Road, who will perform an acoustic set at the dance.
The other artists on the bill include digital cumba punk band Malportado Kids, electro-grunge outfit Clinical Trials, and punk band Penguin. There will also be a photo booth, tarot card readings by Suzy X of the band Shady Hawkins, and raffle prizes.
“We hope that it is a festive atmosphere that people feel comfortable being in,” said Al Rosenberg, who is the guitar player and singer of Penguin. “It is not just a dance, and it is not just a show, and it is not just a party. It is an easier environment with a little less pressure.”
All of the performers were booked by the Brooklyn TransCore Collective, which focuses on promoting trans and queer bands in the borough. The collective has held two previous formals and like those, this will also be a fund-raiser. But this time, in addition to collecting funds for itself, the collective will also raise money for the Fund for The Children of Eric Garner.
“This will be a culturally diverse safe space and we want to use this event to keep the dialogue happening,” said Road.
Organizers are asking partiers to dress in “formal wear,” which they define as any attempt to look fancy.
New Queers Eve at Silent Barn (603 Bushwick Ave. between Melrose and Jefferson streets in Bushwick, www.silentbarn.org), Jan. 3 at 8 pm, $8, $7 in formal wear.
