Musical animal Dr. Noize helps kids ring in the new year
by Kathleen St. John, Denver Post
 
“Kindie” rocker Doctor Noize rings in a raucous New Year with three shows on Monday. The recent album by the Denver-based Doctor (a.k.a. Cory Cullinan), “The Ballad of Phineas McBoof,” follows the story of Phineas, a rock-star monkey who explores the world of music. He hears everything from jazz to classical to country, prompting one reviewer to call the disc “the musical primer for our times.” And it’s fun, too!
 
Doctor Noize’s first New Year’s shows celebrate “Noon Year’s Eve” at the Children’s Museum of Denver. Doctor N. plays two sets, one at 10:15 a.m. and another at 11:15 a.m. And there’s plenty to do besides jamming out with the Noize: Art and learning activities will be everywhere, plus bubble- wrap “fireworks” outside and — get this — a Times Square-style ball drop every hour on the hour.
 
After partying at the museum, Doctor Noize heads across town for the Denver Zoo’s New Year’s extravaganza. “Zoo Year’s Eve” lets families enjoy lots of New Year’s fun, shifted slightly earlier for the little ones. Entertainers and other fun stuff will abound in the Conoco Pavilion. Outside, wear a silly New Year’s hat under the glow of the Zoo Lights. Don’t miss Doctor Noize at 8 p.m., though — the big countdown to 2008 begins right after his set.