Music and comedy sensations unite to kick off the ‘Year of Peanut’ at the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the Southeast.
One of the country’s most celebrated New Year’s Eve events will sound even sweeter this year. Mars Chocolate North America and Underground Atlanta have announced a star-powered lineup to ring in the “Year of Peanut” at the 25th Annual Peach Drop Powered by M&M’S Peanut.
Acclaimed R&B songstress Janelle Monáe will headline the event with an electrifying performance, while actor and comedian David Koechner will serve as emcee throughout the evening.
The 25th Annual Peach Drop Powered By M&M’S Peanut takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at Underground Atlanta and will feature a full day of activities and entertainment, including live performances throughout the day and night. In one of the South’s most beloved traditions, the evening will culminate with the dropping of an 800-pound illuminated peach as the clock strikes midnight. This year’s event will see a new twist on this celebrated ritual, as a giant M&M’S Peanut will be featured alongside the peach and reveal a colorful surprise to spectators shortly after the drop is made.
Headlining the festivities is Atlanta’s own R&B and soul musician Janelle Monáe. Her unique style and vocal flare have earned her loyal fans across the country, as well as accolades such as Billboard’s Women in Music “Rising Star” and Atlanta Magazine’s 2013 Musician of the Year. Monáe, a multiple Grammy Award nominee for her solo efforts and her recent collaboration with Fun on the rock anthem “We Are Young,” is eagerly awaiting her New Year’s Eve homecoming.
“The Peach Drop is an Atlanta tradition,” Monáe said. “I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of such a storied event with the city and fans that have made me feel truly at home.”
M&M’S Peanut has also introduced David Koechner as The Peanutty Professor, an eccentric explorer who’s spent his life searching for the perfect peanut, in “The Search for the One” content series. Koechner’s search for The One will take him to legendary Underground Atlanta to host the countdown to midnight at the 25th Annual Peach Drop Powered by M&M’S Peanut. Koechner will share his adventures on the Main Stage at various times between 9 p.m. and 12 a.m.
“You could say I’m nuts about peanuts,” said David Koechner, in his Peanutty Professor role. “So when I received an invitation to ring in the New Year with M&M’S Peanut, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.”
The event kicks off at 11 a.m. and will include three stages with live music.
