New Year’s Eve 2018 at Alpental Ski Resort, With the Staxx Brothers As I sit in my red, vinyl bean bag chair, headsets on, cord attached to the turntable…. I drop the needle, listen for the familiar crackle and then my ears begin to slowly fill with the lyrics and melody of Auld Lang Syne. “Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?”. A song derived from a 1788 Scottish poem by Robert Burns. The basic essence reflecting on the preservation of our dearest and oldest friendships. The only outstanding memory I have of my childhood New Year’s Eve is of this song. I was probably about 10 years old, standing in my pajamas and clutching a plastic horn, counting down to midnight with Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve. When the clock struck midnight, the people on tv started singing ‘Auld lang Syne.”. I was suddenly hit with a wave of emotion and my eyes flooded with tears. At that early age, I did not understand my emotional reaction, because I had yet to say a permanent goodbye to anyone I loved. But I felt what the music was trying to tell me. Appreciate and love the important people in your life. Other than that memory, New Year’s Eve is a pretty forgettable experience. Especially after I turned 21 😉. No, but seriously, I don’t recall any WOW, that was a cool night. UNTIL, 2013, when I became a part time resident up at Alpental/Summit at Snoqualmie Ski Resort on Snoqualmie Pass, WA. My red, vinyl bean bag chair lived in my childhood bedroom, on our small wheat farm in Eastern Washington. After both of my parents passed away, we sold the farm, and I reinvested part of my old life, into part of my new life. A ski condo at Alpental! The Summit at Snoqualmie ski resort is less than an hour east of Seattle, on I90. Not only is it a ski resort, it is a year-round community. Hiking in the summer is just as fun as skiing in the winter. The Alpental Ski Lodge is the location for the various holiday celebrations. Cinco de Mayo, Oktoberfest and New Year’s Eve. Live music, food, beer and FUN! Bringing in the New Year at Alpental, has quickly become one of my favorite yearly traditions. What a fantastic way to start a new year! December 31st, 2017, Alpental Ski Lodge I always look forward to seeing who the band will be at the New Year’s Eve Party. This year it was a double bonus. The Staxx Brothers were the band, AND it is the 50th Anniversary of Alpental! The Staxx Brothers are a Seattle band, whose music I would describe as Rock and Roll with Soul. I heard them play for the first time at a previous Alpental NYE Party. I loved their high energy, wild rhythm. They are also Band in Seattle alumni. Band in Seattle is a live audience videotaping, showcasing up and coming local talent. If you scroll back to my June archives, you will see my blog on how I attended a Band in Seattle taping for my birthday this last year. A total blast! Also, December 2016, the Staxx Brothers were in the Band in Seattle Christmas Show with my music family, Jessica Lynne and the Cousins. Along with Sundae and Mr. Goessel, plus other great local musicians. I love that special connection. You can check out all their episodes on the Band in Seattle YouTube Channel. As soon as the NYE tickets became available, I bought one. I also purchased a cool, limited edition Alpental 50th Anniversary scarf. And lo and behold, I also won the VIP NYE tickets and dinner for two at Webb’s restaurant, through the Washington State Ski and Snowboard Museum fundraising auction. I was set! New Year’s Eve arrived, we packed up the car and drove up to Snoqualmie Pass for the night. Our condo is walking distance to Alpental, so we enjoyed some fun pre-function before heading out for the NYE Party. By the time we arrived, the band was already in full swing. The Staxx Brothers don’t just play their music, they PERFORM it. The first time I was jamming with the band, Davin Stedman was wearing a black choir robe. He was leading us in some soul charging rock church in the ski lodge. It was a full on ROCKIN’ revival! The unique thing about listening to music at Alpental, is that there is not a separation between you and the band. You can dance right next to them. That creates a very personal experience, where you can become one with the band and their music. The next time I came out to dance, Davin was rocking a Christmas sweater. And the last time? Well, I guess Alpental doesn’t have a ‘no shirt, no shoes’ policy. He was baring his ‘soul’. The place was packed, with festive, gyrating bodies, grooving’ to the rhythm. The Staxx Brothers create such a massive amount of energy, it’s impossible to stand still. You just gotta dance. The entire Alpental resort was open, so there was plenty of room to spread out, dance, talk, drink and have fun! And I want to give a special shout out and thank you to Andy Cantor, marketing manager of Summit at Snoqualmie. Along with Sales Manager Noelle Blazevich. I always appreciate the challenging work that goes into creating these events. Uhm yeah… I’m one that is always asking for MORE LIVE MUSIC! The wonderful thing about the Alpental Holiday Parties, is that they are open to everyone. It’s a perfect opportunity for picturesque photos, along with just having ski bum fun. As midnight approached, everyone headed outside for the downhill ski torchlight parade. Huddled around the fire-pits or standing in the lodge balconies. It’s always so pretty watching the two teams, slowly ski down the slopes, torches held high. Followed by massive fireworks exploding into the crystal-clear sky. Lighting up Alpental Valley. A perfect way to usher in a new year. But don’t wait until next New Year’s Eve to experience Summit at Snoqualmie, come up now and enjoy all the new businesses and opportunities. I90 East Take Exit 52 to West Summit. I90 West take exit 53 to West Summit. And with the upcoming Winter Olympics, make sure and check out the Washington State Ski and Snowboard Museum. It is a fabulous, interactive collection of history, including previous Olympic and Paralympic medals and paraphernalia from 39 athletes. Alpental’s own Debbie Armstrong competed in the 1984 Winter Olympics and walked away with a Gold. And after visiting the WSSM, go next door and taste Dru Bru’s limited Alpental 50th Anniversary brew, Dunkelweiss. Follow up with dinner at either the Commonwealth Restaurant, Webb’s Mountain Grill, or some delicious take away from the Aardvark Express. There is always something to do, taste or see up here. And, did I mention I would love to have more live music? That would be awesome. One can never have too much live music! ‘The hills are alive, with the sound of music…’ Scott Harder Instagram Photo
LET’S ROCK! SUSAN IN SEATTTLE The Staxx Brothers www.staxxbrothers.com Summit at Snoqualmie www.summitatsnoqualmie.com The Commonwealth www.thepasslife.com Dru Bru www.drubru.com Washington State Ski and Snowboard Museum www.wsssm.org Webb’s Mountain Grill www.summitatsnoqualmie.com Aardvark Express www.aardvarkxpress.com Band In Seattle www.bandinseattle.com
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
MUSIC BLOGGER:
SUSAN VARNES-NEWLAND Archives
October 2019
|