After a tumultuous exchange with Nick earlier in the night, he reluctantly ended up joining his dad, Gary, and myself for New Year’s Eve in New York City at the annual Gov’t Mule NYE fest at the Beacon.

We arrived via mass transportation (translation - the bus) at the Port Authority (PA) along with several hundred other soon-to-be revelers. Surprisingly, traffic was exceptionally light (possibly everyone was using mass transportation, too?), and we made it in under an hour. Impressive!

With extra time on our hands, we decided to grab a quick bite to eat before the show (the real reason was to have something to absorb the alcohol which was about to be consumed), and ended up at a pizza joint inside the PA. Nick grabbed a couple of slices while I went for the pasta primavera. I only mention this because - for fast food coming from the PA - it was pretty damned good.

Bellies full, we started to walk over to the subway to catch the No.1 train. I figured it’d be a good idea to use the bathrooms before we left the PA, and made my way to the ladies’ room. In the bathroom, there was a small line. Looking around, I noticed there were open stalls, but nobody was going in them.

Moi: Is someone else waiting?
Lady #1: No, some stalls don’t have any toilet paper.
Moi: Oh, I see.

Next in line, I waited patiently for a stall to open up.

Moi (talking to lady in line behind me): You’d think they would’ve stocked this up good tonight.
Lady #2: Yeah, no kidding.

Ah, my turn. I walk into the stall, and with a flash of brilliance, turn back to the lady behind me.

This year, Gary, Nick and myself spent New Year’s Eve in Manhattan, and had such an amazing, memorable time. We were down the street from Times Square; but were at the Beacon partying down (for the second year in a row. Hop over to Mule-A-Go-Go NYE for last year’s roundup) with Gov’t Mule and friends: Gregg Allman & friends; Devon Allman and his band, Honeytribe, Gordie Johnson; John Popper; Machan; and Toots Hibbert. I spent the better part of the night backstage, reacquainting myself with some amazing folks, while meeting and making new friends, too.

The show was incredible - three stellar sets. The crowd was explosive.

[audio:clip_thorazine_shuffle.mp3]

Mule kicked us off with a mellow groovin’ Thorazine Shuffle, and then proceeded to thrill us, shake us, electrify us, groove us, and leave us spellbound with such offerings as: She Said, She Said, Whiter Shade of Pale, Unring the Bell, Reggae Soulshine, A Million Miles From Yesterday, Feel So Bad, and Dreams. Toots Hibbert added a reggae flavor to the night, and Gregg & Friends took the stage with Sweet Feeling and Just Like a Woman. Mule then rejoined the stage with Gregg for a couple more - including Just Like a Woman. John’s harp, and Gordie’s guitar provided additional dimension to an already stellar lineup - making the final show of 2006 one to remember.

The evening was the best New Year’s ever! Midnight toasts of Moet & Chandon White Star and Jack & Coke, balloons dropping from the ceiling, and confetti streaming through the theater, and a uniquely fragrant scent imparting a contact high upon all those capable of breathing. Nick managed to hold out until around 2:30ish in the morning (by which time he was worn out).

We made some new friends, ran into some old friends, and took away memories that we’ll always treasure. (Click on the pictures - you’ll see the guys hugging the stage [left front] - they were up front and personal. Why am I not there, too? I was backstage, away from the limelights.)

Upon walking out of the theater after the show, we discovered it was raining. Gar managed to ‘hijack’ a taxi (not really, seize is more the right word) back to the hotel. The driver was determined he wasn’t picking up any fares, stating “oh no, no, no!” Gar was determined he was - telling us “get in the car.” We won.

Where’s the blasted boot to kick myself in the arse for not going to Warren’s Christmas Jam! I had an invite (and backstage access), and turned it down, seeing that I would be at Warren’s NYE Bash at the Beacon in a couple of weeks. All my favorite men were there, too - Warren, Dave, and Taylor.

Here’s a clip of Warren and Dave - Cortez the Killer.

[Edit: link removed]

Well, to all those who were there - hope you had a great time! I am immensely envious!

Allman Brothers and Govt Mule concert at PNC