NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA 2011 AT THE WILLARD INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL

A Celebration of Many Nations!

 

Description:
10 INTERNATIONAL THEMED CELEBRATIONS ~ 8 SEPARATE PARTY ROOMS ~ D.C.’s MOST LUXURIOUS LOCATION ~ TOP SHELF OPEN BAR ~ MIDNIGHT CHAMPAGNE TOAST ~ HUGE MIDNIGHT BALLOON DROPS ~ MULTIPLE LIVE BANDS ~ D.C.'S BEST DJS ~ KARAOKE ~ MOCK CASINO GAMBLING ~ STROLLING ENTERTAINERS ~ PARTY FAVORS ~ CARICATURIST DRAWINGS ~ INCREDIBLE HOTEL ROOM RATES ~ WHITE GLOVE SERVICE ~ VIP OPTION IN THE CRYSTAL ROOM ~ A SELL OUT EVERY YEAR ~ AND MUCH MORE!

…featuring the live music of PRIME TIME, JABALI AFRIKA;
- the DJ talents of DJ X-TAC, DJ VISHAL;
… and much more! (See below)

When Kings, Queens, Prime Ministers, Celebrities and Corporate Titans visit Washington, D.C. where do they stay, dine, dance and want to be seen?

THE WILLARD INTERCONTINENTAL!

Tonight, as we ring in 2011, we invite you take a journey around the world without ever leaving Washington’s most royal and historic hotel! Tonight, you circle the globe and visit six continents as you bounce from ballroom to ballroom.

You’ll have your choice of how and where you want to celebrate New Year's Eve. Do you want the high energy excitement of New York City and Las Vegas? No problem. Prefer the Euro scene? Hit up a Paris nightclub. A pub more your speed? Welcome to Dublin and Sydney. And for something truly unique, you can even experience the tribal rhythms of Africa as you celebrate new beginnings and a new year…. Plus much much more!

Experience:
• THE MAJESTY OF TIMES SQUARE, NEW YORK
• THE HIGH ENERGY OF EUROPE’S HOTTEST CLUBS
• THE FEVER OF LAS VEGAS
• THE MYSTERY OF THE PAN AFRICAN NATIONS
• THE SALSA FIESTA OF HAVANA
• THE SPIRIT OF DUBLIN
• THE ECSTASY OF BOLLYWOOD
• THE EXCITEMENT OF SYDNEY
• THE STIMULATION OF THE CARIBBEAN
• THE CHARM OF TOKYO


A. THE PARTY:

EIGHT ROOMS – TEN NATIONS – TEN UNIQUE INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATIONS

1) THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE – TIMES SQUARE (New York City)

In the Willard's Majestic Grand Ballroom

If there is one place on earth synonymous with New Year’s Eve, it’s Times Square. The enthusiasm and energy of the famed crossroads of the world comes alive in the Willard’s famed Grand Ballroom as we welcome in the New Year – BIG APPLE STYLE!

Embrace your patriotic spirit with pride and enthusiasm as we transport you to a trendy upscale New York nightclub setting with one of Washington’s best DJs spinning the greatest American retro, top 40, hip hop, and dance! A giant midnight balloon drop (with a hidden apple) and light show will welcome you to 2011. (...and you don’t have to risk frostbite)

The luxurious Grand Ballroom is one of the most elegant in Washington. It has seen the celebrations of many of history’s most important figures from the United States and around the world. Dance in the footsteps of world leaders and movie stars as you celebrate the New Year – Times Square Style – in this majestic locale.

Again, be prepared as a GIGANTIC BALLOON DROP covers the dance floor at the stroke of midnight!


2) THE LAS VEGAS EXPERIENCE:
- Starring PRIME TIME

In the Famed Willard Room

Hit the Strip and try your luck with mock gambling at blackjack, craps, poker, and the slots. While enjoy the gambling experience, enjoy our Las Vegas headliner!

Things To Do is honored and excited to have secured one of Washington, D.C.'s best party bands - "Prime Time" - to ring in 2011. Prime Time will bring its diverse array of Retro, Top 40, contemporary, and classic hits to guarantee a good time.

Prime Time is best known throughout the Mid-Atlantic region for marrying style and energy into one amazing show. Their unique vocal talents and audience rapport and interaction give everyone a reason to stay where they belong, on the dance floor.


3) THE PAN AFRICAN EXPERIENCE:
- Starring JABALI AFRIKA

In the Willard’s famed Crystal Room!

From the savannahs and cities of Africa, tonight we our proud to have with us one of the continent’s most famous musical sensations – Jabali Afrika. Tonight the members of Jabali Afrika will be traveling halfway around the world from their own homes to create a massive and incredible African New Year’s Eve Celebration!

Jabali means "rock" in Kiswahili. The group’s afro-rock style blends authentic African music with the modern genres that have borrowed from it. Fans will recognize the trademark Jabali Afrika sound: powerful percussion and the big vocal harmonies of Joseck Asikoye, Justo Otongo, Dumisizwe Bhembe and Victor Savani.

Sixteen years ago, the members of Jabali Afrika would meet on a large rock to plan and dream about their musical future. Today their award-winning, innovative mélange of traditional spirituals and rock-reggae arrangements is a pillar of world music festivals, in African kingdoms (and local embassies) and sell out concerts worldwide. The band’s 250 shows a year say it all, but there’s no replacement for hearing their authentic African drumming rhythms and electric guitars in a live setting.
Our music makes you dance,
it uplifts the soul and it educates you.
Coming to see Jabali Afrika, you become part of the act,
because we kill that barrier between
the audience and the band. -- Joseck Asikoye


4) THE 1950's HAVANA SALSA EXPERIENCE

During the 1950's, if you wanted some hot Salsa Dancing, you went to the most popular night spots and hotels in Havana. Tonight, you’ll find it in the Willard! The intense Latin dancing never takes a break

This is not Fidel Castro's Cuba, but the wild times of 1950’s Havana where Americans once vacationed, relaxed and danced in style! Enjoy Salsa and Merengue throughout the night as we bring you a taste of the hottest Latin music around.

Our Havana celebration will be packed with flavor! The irresistible sound of one of Washington’s hottest Salsa DJs, will lead your feet to the dance floor for an exciting night of dancing to Latin sounds!


5) THE DUBLIN EXPERIENCE: Live Irish Band

When you want to take a break from dancing, and relax with a beer and a song, grab a seat in our Irish Pub as you celebrate with a live, authentic Irish band featuring some of your favorite Irish tunes. The Irish know how to party and Auld Lang Syne makes a lot more sense with a pint of Guinness or green lager in your hand.


6) THE TOYKO EXPERIENCE: KARAOKE
- Make Your Own Entertainment

In Japan, karaoke is a religion. The hottest clubs in Tokyo have private booths where you can live out your rock and roll star fantasies. Tonight, we bring the spirit and feel of urban Tokyo to Washington and make you the center of it all. Take the stage and sing your heart out. While dining on our sushi bar, choose your song and perform it live in front of everyone. Also, take home a special free souvenir as a leading local caricaturist draws your picture with a unique background.


7) THE EURO HIGH ENERGY CLUB EXPERIENCE:

Those looking for an intense high energy European Nightclub experience need look no further. Rivaling the best hot spots of London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Prague, Madrid, Amsterdam and even Moscow, tonight we offer you non-stop, pulsating, high energy Euro Dance beats and club music from one of Washington’s top DJs.


8) THE BOLLYWOOD EXPERIENCE: Starring DJ Vishal

Bollywood combines the music of India with the beats of the West to create something unique and incredibly fun. Going out in Mumbai, Chennai, or Delhi has become a must-do for every worldwide star, and tonight you get to experience it as they do. Things To Do is proud to recreate a true Indian nightlife experience with DJ Vishal! Widely regarded as the top Indian-style DJ in DC, DJ Vishal will make you believe you’re in Mumbai with high-energy music unlike anything you’ve experienced before.


About DJ Vishal: "New Delhi-born disc-jockey Vishal "DJ Vishal" Harnal is a force on the desi scene, passionately mixing and creating Bollywood beats for over 15 years. Headlining sold-out Bhangra dance parties, DJ Vishal has incorporated his love of entertainment with the Bollywood stage. Actors Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and many more, have benefited from DJ Vishal at sold-out concerts in major venues.

9) THE AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCE: Live Australian Duo

When the Irish band takes a break, it is time to go “down under” and travel halfway around the globe to relax and sing along with Australian Captain Jack and his special blend of native tunes. Say G’day to 2011 as he generates the intensity of Sydney’s favorite pubs and sing along in the century old Australian spirit festive spirit!


10) THE CARIBBEAN EXPERIENCE: Live Island Music!

If the clubs aren’t your thing, and you’d rather head to the beach, Things to Do has you covered. A live Jamaican steel drum band brings the Spirit of the Caribbean alive as you enter this tropical paradise with a New Year's island celebration!

Do the limbo, dance the Conga line, sip some island cocktails, and take in the relaxing atmosphere that is the Caribbean.

BONUS: WIN A TRIP TO THE CARIBBEAN! Enter a drawing to win a vacation trip to one of the Caribbean Islands or Cancun, Mexico.


For your price of admission, in a single evening, you will revel in and enjoy:

- Washington’s Most Luxurious and Historic Hotel
- Top Shelf Open Bar
- Plenty of Comfort Space with No Long Lines for Food or Drinks
- Midnight Champagne Toast
- Elaborate Buffet Menus (served by the same kitchen that serves royalty)
- Washington’s Best DJs
- The Live Music Talents of Prime Time, Jabali Afrika and More;
- Four Top DJS including DJ X-TC, DJ Vishal, and More;
- Salsa;
- Karaoke;
- Live Irish Music;
- Live Australian Music;
- Caribbean Steel Drum Band
- Huge Balloon Drops
- Mock Casino Gambling
- Special Guests
- Caricaturist
- Hats, Tiaras, Party favors and Giveaways
- plus many more surprises.


B. TOP SHELF OPEN BAR & ELABORATE DINNER MENUS

The kitchen that serves royalty, world leaders, celebrities and the very, very, rich and famous, tonight will serve you as you welcome in 2011! This year, we have more open bars and food stations than ever to minimize lines for drinks and food. In addition to our premium open bar and midnight champagne toast, the Willard’s chefs will have many unique food stations and menus including:

Hors d’oeuvres
Mozzarella and Vine Ripened Tomato Bruschetta
Spinach and Feta in Crisp Poppy Seed Phyllo
Tenderloin of Chicken with Sesame Seeds and Hoisin BBQ Sauce
Spanish Empanadas with Salsa Verde
Miniature Maryland Crab cakes with Tomato Remoulade
Vegetarian Spring Rolls with Soya Dipping Sauce

Sushi Stations
Bagel Roll (Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese)
Spicy Tuna Roll
Kappa Maki Cucumber Roll
California Roll
Salmon Sake Roll
Served with Wasabi, Pickled Ginger and Soya Sauce

Pasta Station
Farfalle Pasta with Smoked Free Range Chicken,
Sauteed Vegetables, Spinach, Pesto Cream
Penne with Meatballs and Marinara Sauce
Mushroom Ravioli with Mushroom and Madeira Cream Sauce
Accompanied by Freshly Grated Parmesan and Romano Cheese, Red Pepper Flakes
Crusty Italian Bread, Foccacia and Bread Sticks

Middle Eastern
Display of Baba Ghanoush, Hummus, Tabbouleh and Cured Olives
Served with Soft Pita Bread and Pita Crisps

Carving Station
Steamship of Beef Slow Cook Rub with Fresh Herbs and Garlic,
Natural Jus, Horseradish Cream and Willard House Rolls

3 Cheese Potato Gratin with Roasted Garlic

Antipasto Display
Marinated Artichoke and Mushroom Salad, Shaved Proscuitto di Parma, Coppa, Genoa Salami, Grilled Vegetable Display Brushed with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Make Your Own Salad
An assortment of toppings and the makings for a custom salad such as a Roasted Pear and Endive, Candied Walnuts, Salad, Caesar Salad with Parmesan Crusted Croutons, a Greek Salad, a Rustic Citrus Salad and a Waldorf Salad
Dressings to include Champagne Vinaigrette, Caesar Dressing, Herb Dijon and a Balsamic Vinaigrette and a Bleu Cheese Dressing

Specialty Risotto Station
Pancetta and Arugula Risotta
Popcorn Shrimp and Saffron Risotto
Mushroom Risotto
Served with Parmesan Reggiano and Crusty Italian Bread


Dessert Display (11:00pm-1:00am)


Chocolate Fountain
Flowing Milk Chocolate to be dipped with Doughnut Holes, Marshmallows,
Rice Krispy Treats, Guafrettes, Pretzel Sticks, Pineapple,
Strawberries and Peanut Butter Spoons

Miniature French & Viennese Pastries,
Assorted Holiday Cookies, Biscotti and Traditional Yule Logs
Fresh Fruit Display with Lemon Cream


Coffee Station
Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee
A Selection of Imported Teas


C. VIP OPTION – CRYSTAL ROOM

A special VIP option with a full early dinner, private elegant seating, private entertainment, white glove treatment, early arrival and check in privileges and other special amenities is available (visit www.thingstodoDC.com for an additional listing for the VIP Party).


D. OPTIONAL OVERNIGHT HOTEL STAY

TTD has arranged with the Willard Intercontinental for an optional overnight hotel stay on New Year's Eve. Rooms that normally cost over $400 per night are available to you for a special price of only $229! To make your hotel room reservation, please call 202 628 9100 and reference Things To Do or the New Year's Eve Party.

(**Note: This phone number is just for hotel overnight reservations – not for the Gala. To make a reservation for the Gala please use www.thingstodoDC.com or call 301 519 8030)

If you need assistance with accommodations at other nearby hotels, feel free to email events@thingstodoDC.com for suggestions.

ABOUT THE WILLARD INTERCONTINENTAL: Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, the Willard InterContinental is in the heart of nation's capital, near the White House. "During the last 150 years, the Willard Hotel has been a central gathering place of the great, the near-great, and those who aspire to greatness." While covering the Civil War for The Atlantic Monthly, the famous American writer Nathaniel Hawthorne gave this description of the Willard:

“This hotel, in fact, may be much more justly called the center of Washington and the Union than either the Capitol, the White House or the State Department...you exchange nods with governors of sovereign States; you elbow illustrious men, and tread on the toes of generals; you hear statesmen and orators speaking in their familiar tones. You are mixed up with office seekers, wire pullers, inventors, artists, poets, prosers until identity is lost among them."

The Willard is an American institution that has hosted nearly every U.S. President since 1853 (additional info available on this if you email events@thingstodoDC.com). It was at the Willard that Julia Ward Howe wrote The Battle Hymn of the Republic, where President Ulysses S. Grant popularized the term “Lobbyist,” and where Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. finished his renowned “I have a Dream” speech.

A leader in Sustainable Hospitality, Washington D.C.'s Willard InterContinental is the hotel of choice for heads of state and leaders of the world's business, cultural, social and political elite.

Condé Nast Traveler 2009 World Saver Award
AAA 4 Diamond; Travel + Leisure, 500 Greatest Hotels in the World 2008
2008 Hotel & Restaurant Association's Environmental Award for Sustainability
Hotel World's Sustainable Hotel of the Year 2008; Best Meeting & Conference Hotel in U.S. 2008 igroupnews
Top 10 Business Hotels 2008, Celebrated Living; Washingtonian Magazine Top 100 Restaurants 2009- Café du Parc
DC Mayor's Environmental Excellence Award 2009; DC Chamber of Commerce 2009 Business of the Year.


THIS EVENT IS STRICTLY AN OVER 21 EVENT.

 

This event is being co-sponsored with Things To Do DC.

Suggested Attire:
Black Tie Preferred

Directions:
Willard Intercontinental Hotel
1401 Pennsylvanian Avenue, NW
Washington, DC (map)

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