Eat, Drink, Dance, and Be Merry: The Goddess of Groove—By Mad Royal

The holiday season is well under way. Already most of our communities have had tree lighting ceremonies and strolls through historic towns, and festive folks enjoy a cup of cider here and there while Christmas music, live or canned, floats through the delightfully chilly air.
It is a natural human instinct to want to gather closer to loved ones during the holidays. Whether you have family in the area, or are on your own, here are some holiday parties with live music you can enjoy to help you get into the festive mood. If you’re single, you will find that other single folks are out in force this time of the year, so it’s a great time to meet new people. All of these events are free and open to the public. Please remember to support the venues that provide live music by purchasing food or drink, and please tip those hard working musicians.
Nataly Lola will be performing Christmas music at all of her gigs this month. She will be singing and playing guitar at an outdoor holiday event on Thursday, December 11 from 5:0000-7 p.m. at Andrews and Associates Real Estate in Pismo Beach. There will be goodies, and vendors selling food and wine. The party continues at Costa de Oro Tasting Room in Santa Maria from 5– 8 p.m. on Friday, December 12. Costa de Oro is a cozy little wine bar in Santa Maria, with lots of friendly folks, so don’t be shy about making some new friends. Chef Rick always has a tasty dinner and other treats available for purchase. Nataly will also be providing Christmas music as well as other cover and original tunes at the Cliffs Resort in Pismo Beach on Sunday, December 14, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Risky Whippet will throw their annual Christmas Party at the Shell Café in Pismo Beach. This year, it’s an Ugly Sweater Party. If you wear an ugly sweater, and are over 21, your first beer is free. Risky Whippet is a family band (I love chicks with guitars; mom Wendelin Van Draanen is the lead guitarist and lead vocalist) and performs mostly 80s rock, as well as many of your favorite sing-a-long Christmas songs. The band gives out prizes for trivia questions, dancing, and for no particular reason at all. Special guest appearance by the Whippettes including Tolosa Press’ Teri Bayus. The music starts at 7 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m. This event is singles-friendly.
Two of the local blues jams will be Christmas parties, too. The Blues Masters Jam and Christmas Party will be on Wednesday, December 17 at the Shell Café in Pismo Beach, from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. This jam will be hosted by Charlie Foppiano (Mighty Croon Dogs, Meet the Foppers). The next night, Thursday, December 18, the Real Blues Jam and Christmas Party, hosted by Ted Waterhouse (Catalina Eddy and the Blues Keys, Viper Six), will be at the Sweet Springs Saloon in Los Osos from 7 p.m. – 10p.m., and is 21 and over only. Both of these events are singles friendly.
Whatever you do, get out there and have fun! Dance if you’re able, chair dance if you can’t. Whichever holiday you celebrate, I hope it’s a happy one for you and all you hold dear. See you on the dance floor!