The 'All-Star' NYE party

Power 107.5 FM brings together local A-list team for New Year's bash

By Dwayne Steward

Metromix

When you think of New Year's Eve in Columbus, the high-class party styling's of New York, Los Angeles or Chicago don't typically come to mind. Yes, downtown will be packed much like Times Square is, but nothing here could ever compare. Right?

Maybe not. But that's a stigma Power 107.5 FM (the city's only hip-hop/R&B radio station) is hoping to change, with an amped-up version of their annual New Year's Eve bash set to take over The Bar of Modern Art this year.

C.Wise Entertainment, Cbusted.com, Media Diamond, AE Ventures, Kingsrowe, FlyPaper, LOEG, Jwork Limited and Major League Entertainment are among the long list of supporters teaming up with the radio station to put together what's expected to be a pretty massive showcase. Three DJs (Lil Man, D-Boogie and Chayse), three levels of entertainment and two VIP sections featuring complimentary champagne are just a few of the surprises in store. Needless to say, it's a party where you're expected to dress to impress.

Alonzo Edmundo of AE Ventures (one of the party's key promoters) said this might be the start of a new era in Columbus New Year's Eve entertainment, adding that presale tickets had hit a fever pitch Tuesday afternoon. We pulled Edmundo aside from his busy schedule to chat about the epic venture and what you can expect on the big night.

What's the story behind this party? How did so many people get involved with putting this on?
We wanted to try to get across the idea of what has made this city big this year. So when thinking about putting together a New Year's celebration, we wanted to represent the city. So often people go out of town to places like New York or Miami. They really don't get to see that this city is a great place to experience nightlife on New Year's Eve. These organizations that are really involved in the nightlife scene and in the fashion scene came together and said our city can have a great party like they do in New York or Chicago or any other major city that's out there.

What makes this year's Power 107 New Year's Eve party different from past parties?
The amount of people that are involved this year, for one. Also the 20-10 ticket prices. We're currently dealing with a recession, so we and Power 107.5 said, why can't people have a good time for cheap? There's a general $10 admission that's for everybody, then there's also the VIP ticket that's only $20, and it includes a bottle of champagne. You're not going to get that anywhere else. The whole second level is going to be VIP, so you get a whole different experience for only $10 more. You can't beat that.

Set the scene for us. What can people expect when they walk into BOMA on Thursday?
When we say three levels of entertainment, we mean it. There's going to be the regular dance floor and then the entire balcony area will be turned into a VIP section, and there's a basement at BOMA which will also be used. And each of these sections will feature a different DJ. Then there's the ball drop at midnight, where we'll be giving away over $2,010 worth of cash and prizes. It should be a lot of fun.

The Power 107.5 All Star Twenty Ten New Year's Party kicks off at 9 p.m. New Year's Eve at The Bar of Modern Art. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $20 for VIP. There will also be a special section for table reservations. Reservations are $400 per table and include liquor and a VIP breakfast buffet. For more information call 614-859-2237 or visit the Power 107.5 FM or Bar of Modern Art Web sites.