Crazy NYE partiers

Last year, I rang in the New Year in Baltimore because I was home for a Redskins game. (Did I mention that the 'Skins beat Dallas on Sunday, and we’re in the playoffs this year?)

So this year, I wanted to experience three of Charlotte’s most popular NYE events: the John Lineberger and friends’ party at Woods on South, Rich & Bennett’s bash at Hawthorne’s, and the party at Loft 1523.

I started at about 10:30 p.m. at Lineberger’s party, which was crowded, but not oppressive. Couples and friends danced to a mix of new and old rap, ranging from “Cyclone” to “In Da Club.”
Out of the three parties, this was the most sane. At Hawthorne’s and Loft, it was totally different.


The walk to the VIP area was like sitting in traffic on Independence Boulevard. Bodies pressed against each other, drinks held high in the air to avoid spillage; a woman with walk rage pushed her way through the gridlock.

After meeting up with Larken and his crew in the VIP area, I headed to the dance floor. Party organizers covered the restaurant’s parking lot with a giant tent that served as the dancefloor. Hundreds of people danced to hits such as “Ayo Technology” and “Crank Dat.”

Few had enough space to actually do the dance that goes with Soulja Boy's hit. I watched the countdown in the VIP area, which had a television. As the countdown began, the music stopped and revelers ticked off the seconds until 2007 faded into 2008.

After kisses were exchanged, the music blasted again, beer bottles started breaking, and it was time for me to go.


My final stop of the night was at Loft 1523. I had the highest expectations for this party because the Loft folks took over Volare restaurant.

I figured Loft would be chill, and Volare would be rowdy, but the entire place was crazy. People spilled out of both spots and stumbled up and down the stairs between the two. Walking around was like being inside a pinball machine: People either bumped you or spilled drinks on you. Neither felt good. DJ Buddy was spinning in Volare, but only a few people were dancing when I stopped by at about 12:15 a.m.