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Party of the Apes: Organizers of 'New Year's EVE-O-LUTION' at the Concourse—featuring the Dresden Dolls, above—hope they won't be picketed by backers of intelligent design, who claim New Year's Eve is too fun to have been created by a random universe. 2005/06 NYE Events Packages/Huge Parties Agenda Lounge "New Year's Eve Explosion." Four packages available with or without hotel accommodation, three-course dinner and appetizers. All packages include party favors, balloon drop, champagne toast. Music from DJs Boy Wonder and Ruckus. $49 special dinner prix fixe packages available. 8pm. $25-$210 advance. Hotel packages must be booked by Dec. 28. Agenda Lounge, 399 S. First St, San Jose. 408.380.4042. Beverly Heritage Hotel An overnight guest room for two with hors d'oeuvres, a four-course meal, dancing with Bay Area R&B/funk group 24 Seven, party favors and a traditional midnight champagne toast. $209-$279 per couple. 1820 Barber Ln, Milpitas. 408.570.5420. Brookdale Lodge With live entertainment. Three packages available, including lodging, dinner, dancing and more. $40-$235 per couple. Call for reservations. Brookdale Lodge, 11570 Hwy 9, Brookdale. 831.338.6433. Cocoanut Grove New Year's Eve Party Dinner, dancing, music by Sha-Boom, dessert and a traditional countdown. 7:30pm-1am. $59-$89. Cocoanut Grove, 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz. 831.423.2053. Delicious Karma NYE 2006 Cuban-inspired party featuring hotel room packages, DJs Vibe, Rafael de la Cruz and eNormous and three event spaces. Dinner package available at Asia de Cuba. 9pm-2am. $150-$1,500. Clift Hotel, 495 Geary St, San Francisco. 415.775.4700. Doubletree Hotel "Farewell 2005." Music by the Hitmen and Nu Day, party favors, balloon drop, midnight toast and overnight guest room with champagne. 8pm. $200 per couple/$50 single. Doubletree Hotel, 2050 Gateway Pl, San Jose. 408.437.2187. Fairmont San Jose Overnight packages range from $265 to $325 and includes dinner at Pagoda and dancing to the Clifford Coulter Ensemble. For a more quiet experience, the Lobby Lounge opens at 4pm with piano music and later Alfie's MVP Ambassadors at 9pm. Admission to the Lobby Lounge is $5. Fairmont San Jose. 170 S. Market St, San Jose. 408.998.1900. 'Grand' New Year's Eve Celebration Multiple packages available, with amenities including four separate rooms of music, overnight accommodations, poker, champagne and wine, dinner, theater and more. $125 and up. Grand Hyatt San Francisco, 345 Stockton St, San Francisco. 866.907.3777. Hotel Montgomery "Don't Let the Party End" package includes overnight stay, champagne split, party favors, continental breakfast and late check-out. $169. Hotel Montgomery, 211 S. First St, San Jose. 408.282.8800; www.hotelmontgomerysj.com. Hotel Valencia Choose from three packages. Guestroom Package has overnight stay, party favors, entrance to Valencia Ballroom and Vbar, midnight champagne toast, deluxe continental breakfast and late check-out (starts at $309). Dinner and Dance package features five-course dinner at Citrus and entrance to Valencia Ballroom and V bar parties ($95 per person, seating at 7 and 9pm). V Bar Dance Package gains entrance to Valencia Ballroom and V Bar parties and a midnight champagne toast ($50). Call for reservations. Hotel Valencia, Santana Row, San Jose. 408.423.5405. Hyatt Regency Monterey Joe Sharino Band. Three-course dinner, party favors, champagne toast, dancing until 1am. 7:30pm. $149.95. 1 Old Golf Course Way, Monterey. 800.838.3006. Party Live 2005 With performances by En Vogue, Tainted Love and Pride and Joy, comedians, DJs, and a dinner buffet. 8pm. Cover varies. Hyatt Regency San Francisco, 5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco. 415.788.1234. Red Carpet New Year With performance by Wonderbread 5, an open bar, food, DJs Sam Isaac, Ed Surla and L and more. 9pm-3am. $150. Regency Theatre, 1290 Sutter St, San Francisco. www.redcarpetnewyear.com. Resolution VI With DJs Bad Boy Bill, Dimitris Mykonos, John Early and others. Entertainment includes Trapezeworld aerial majesty, digital visual art by VJ Stefan G and more. At midnight, you'll be showered with balloons and confetti rain and be treated to a complimentary toast of either champagne or Red Bull, a goodie bag, a coffee and hot chocolate bar and party favors. Food will be served from 8 to 11pm, then again before the sun rises at 4am. Bars reopen at 6am for true all-night partygoers. Doors 7pm; bars reopen at 6am. $100 entire evening or $50 after 12:30am. Ruby Skye Nightclub, 420 Mason St, San Francisco. 415.693.0777. Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay Live music, dancing and a four-course dinner. Balloon drop at midnight, champagne toast, After Glow Party with dessert buffet, cocktails. A two-night-stay New Year's Eve superpackage includes an ocean view room, dinner and dancing and breakfast New Year's morning. $895 for one night, $1,495 for two nights. One Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay. 650.712.7000; www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/half_moon_bay. Sea of Dreams The sixth annual "New Year's EVE-O-LUTION." With performances by the String Cheese Incident, Dresden Dolls, Yard Dogs Road Show, Ganga Giri and others. Plus cabaret and circus acts, DJs, dance collectives, performance troupes and art installations. Two nights beginning Dec. 30. 7:30pm. $70-$110. Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 Eighth St, San Francisco. www.seaofdreamsnye.com. U.S.S. Hornet New Year's Extravaganza The Cab Calloway Orchestra performs modern jazz tunes and swing hits aboard the historic aircraft carrier. Dance lessons also available. Zoot suits and period or military attire are encouraged but not required. 8pm-1am. $55-$125. U.S.S. Hornet, 707 W. Hornet Ave, Pier 3, Alameda. 510.521.8448, ext 225; www.hornetevents.com. Vault Ultra Lounge Black tie affair. Champagne, appetizers, party favors, balloon drop, dress code enforced. 9pm. $50 advance/$75 door. Vault Ultra Lounge, 81 W. Santa Clara St, San Jose. 408.298.1112. Other Parties Bimbo's New Year's Party With the New Morty Show, featuring Vise Grip and Connie Champagne. Plus Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums and Mr. Lucky and the Cocktail Party featuring Ralph Carney. Includes a complimentary glass of champagne, hats, party favors and a traditional balloon drop. 8pm. $55. Bimbo's 365 Club, 1025 Columbus Ave, San Francisco. 415.474.0365. Casa de Fruta Barbecue, dancing to Wild Card, champagne and party favors. 6:30pm-1am. Casa de Fruta, 6680 Pacheco Pass Hwy, Hollister. 800.548.3813. Cinderella Waltz Ball Waltzes from Rogers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella," as well as singing from the musical. 7pm. $20/$30. International House, 2299 Piedmont, Berkeley. 510.642.9490; www.fridaynightwaltz.com. Da Hoi Ney Year A Vietnamese New Year's celebration hosted by Vien Thao Media. 8pm-1am. Parkside Hall, 160 Park Ave, San Jose. www.vienthao.com. Domenico Wines New Year's Eve Celebration A party with gourmet hors d'oeuvres, a buffet dinner and desserts, dancing to a live 16-piece swing band, a champagne toast at midnight and more. Plus wine, of course. 8:30pm-1am. $150. Domenico Wines, 1697 Industrial Rd, San Carlos. 650.593.WINE. Effie's Restaurant and Bar This annual New Year's bash is a dinner meal with complimentary champagne and party favors preceding the countdown. Plus karaoke and a DJ. 8pm. No cover. 331 Hacienda Ave, Campbell. 408.374.3400. Gaslighter Theater A party with a full dinner, all you can drink, dancing and a cabaret show, all leading up to a countdown to midnight. 7:30pm. $85. Gaslighter Theater, 400 E. Campbell Ave, Campbell. 408.866.1408. Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Live music and DJs with dancing, a full bar and appetizers and a champagne toast at midnight. 9pm-3am. $155. 2 Harrison St, San Francisco. 415.243.8246. Hornblower Cruises With three distinct New Year's Eve cruise packages in San Francisco and Berkeley. $179-$229. www.hornblower.com. India Community Center Dance the night away with ethno-fusion band Prithvi and enjoy great food and an open bar. Separate festivities for children available. 8pm-1am. $50-$75. India Community Center, 555 Los Coches St, Milpitas. 408.934.1130. Lesbian New Year 2005 Dancing on Top of the World with DJ Claudia of Club Savoy, plus favors, champagne toast, desserts and more. 8:30pm. $110. Carnelian Room, 555 California St, Bank of America Building, San Francisco. 415.433.7500. Masala Mix '06 Nonstop Dance Hungama with Bollywood numbers and hip-hop and romantic songs playe by DJ Karma, a buffet with Indian and Indian-Chinese dishes, free champagne toast and balloon drop. Plus games and entertainment for kids. Two packages available 7pm. $10-$55. Saffrom Indian Bistro, 821 Winslow Ave, Redwood City. 510.334.7683. Monterey Bay Aquarium Dance and party with the fishes in three rooms. Dinner from 7:30�10pm, dancing and music from 9pm-1am. $55�$300. Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey. 831.648.6877. Monte Cristo Cafe With CrawlSF's New Year's bash selling out, a second party opened at the Monte Cristo. Music, upscale food, a view of the fireworks over the bay and more. 9pm-2am. $125. 4 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco. 212.843.2400. New Year's Eve Balkan Bash With Anoush, Edessa and Brass Menagerie. 8pm. $20. Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley. 510.525.5054. New Year's Eve on the Air Paul Price's Society Orchestra rings in the new year with authentic music from 1890 to 1930. Plus dancing, a light buffet, beverages and midnight champagne. Period attire is admired but not required. 9pm. $35-$45. Palo Alto Masonic Center, 461 Florence, Palo Alto. 650.279.3598. New Year's in Shanghai A themed event with dim sum appetizers and a Chinese buffet, performance by Raheem DeVaughn, multiple DJs, a champagne toast and balloon drop. 9pm-4am. $75/$100. 510 17th St, Oakland. 510.433.0577. Pyramids by the Bay Party A four-course prix fixe dinner with a champagne toast, belly dancing, party favors and dancing after midnight. Semiformal attire and reservations required. 8pm. $105. Al-Masri Egyptian Restaurant, 4031 Balboa St, San Francisco. 415.876.2300. San Jose GI Forum A New Year's Eve ball. Call for details. San Jose GI Forum, 765 Story Rd, San Jose. 408.288.9470. Spin Midnight balloon drop, complimentary party favors and champagne toast, hors d'oeuvres and appetizers, three rooms of music and more. 8pm-2am. $40 and up. Elan Event Venue, 839 Howard St, San Francisco. Trader Vic's A Polynesian-style New Year's Eve with three courses, island style entertainment and tropical decorations and party favors, plus a champagne toast and leis at the 9pm seating. 5:30 and 9pm. $65-$85. 4269 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. 650.849.9800; www.tradervicspaloalto.com White and Silver Ball A Brazilian New Year's party with strict white-and/or-silver attire restrictions. Featuring Sotaque Baiano and DJ Rubens. 9pm-4am. $30-$45. Terra, 511 Harrison, San Francisco. 415.371.8900; www.riopoint.com. Comedy/Stage 15th Annual Black Comedy Explosion A night of laughs with D.L. Hughley, Lavelle Crawford and others. 9pm. $39.50-$67.50. Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. 510.465.6400. Aries Spears Comedian from Mad-TV. Plus dancing, champagne, a balloon drop and appetizers. Two packages available. 7:30 and 9:30pm. $35-$75. Bourbon Street Comedy Club, 2765 Clayton Rd., Concord. 925.969.9802. Beach Blanket Babylon New Year's Eve The nation's longest-running musical revue complete with champagne and truffles. 7 and 10:15pm. $65-$190. Club Fugazi, 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd, San Francisco. 415.421.4222. Best of the San Francisco Comedy Competition A comedy show with four alumni of the local event. 9pm. $30. Marin Center, 3501 Civic Center Dr, San Rafael. 415.499.3237. Big Fat Year End Kiss Off Comedy Show XIII Starring Will Durst This is the "Lucky" 13th Annual Big Fat Show, wherein political satirist Will Durst and company fill a night with stand-up comedy, improvisation and semiwritten sketches highlighting the events that made up the year 2005. Joining him this year: winner of the 2004 San Francisco International Comedy Competition Jim Short. Also appearing will be Steven Kravitz, Debi Durst, Michael Bossier and Arthur Gaus. Tue, Dec. 27, 8pm. $18 adv./$20 door. Little Fox, 2209 Broadway, Redwood City. 650.369.4119; www.willdurst.com. Big City Improv A comedy troupe performing in the style of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" Second show followed by a champagne toast and after party. 8 and 10pm. $25-$30. 533 Sutter St, San Francisco. 510.595.5597. Bobby Slayton The pit bull of comedy seen in "The Mind of the Married Man." 8 and 10:30pm. $45�$75. Punch Line, 444 Battery St, San Francisco. 408.998.TIXS. Christopher Titus The comedian, best known for the short-lived TV series "Titus," performs two shows. The first show includes dinner and the second show includes hats, party favors, a countdown to midnight and free-flowing champagne. 7:30 and 10pm. $50-$75. Improv Comedy Club, 62 S. Second St., San Jose. 408.280.7475 Fully Committed A one-act play about an actor who mans the reservation line at one of Manhattan's trendiest eateries. 8pm. Call for price. Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 N. San Pedro St, San Jose. 408.283.0200. Greg Proops The "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" comedian headlines this comedy show with openers Patton Oswalt and Arj Barker. 7:00 and 9:30pm. $30-$50. Cobb's Comedy Club, 915 Columbus Ave, San Francisco. 415.928.4320. Harland Williams With Larry Bubbles Brown. Dinner package available with meal served prior to the show. $60-$75. Pepper Belly's Comedy and Variety Theater, 849 Texas St, Fairfield. 707.422.SHOW Hilarity Hoedown and Jocularity Comedian Johnny Steele, former host of Live 105 and KRON/Bay TV, presents this evening with comedians the Meehan Brothers and guitarists Dan DeShara and Joe Aspatore. 8pm. $25-$30. Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave, Berkeley. 925.798.1300. Marga Gomez's New Year's Eve Spectacular Political comedian. With Nick Leonard. 7 and 9pm. $25. Theatre Rhinoceros, 2926 16th St, San Francisco. 415.861.5079. My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra Hillbarn Theatre's presentation of this musical continues, with a New Year's Eve party including dinner and dancing. All ages. 7:30pm-12:30am. $52-$100. Hillbarn Theatre, 1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo. 650.349.6411. New Year's Comedy Countdown With David Cross, Zach Galifinakis, Maria Bamford, Al Madrigal, Doug Benson and Tony Camin. 9:30pm. $49.50. Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon St, San Francisco. 415.567.6642. Prelude to a Kiss Watch the modern fairy tale play and stay for the afterparty. 7pm. $60. SF Playhouse, 536 Sutter St, San Francisco. 415.677.9596. Rocky Horror Show Actors' Theater Center performs this outrageous comedy. Featuring a dinner buffet preceding the performance. 7pm. $65. Historic Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Ave, San Jose. 408.985.5500. Teatro ZinZanni An evening of cabaret in a nightclub setting. Plus dinner. 8:30pm. $250. Pier 29, along the Embarcadero, San Francisco. 415.438.2668. Clubs/DJs 1015 Folsom A three-hour set with DJ Paul van Dyk. Plus Jerry Bonham. 8pm. $60-$100. 1015 Folsom, San Francisco. www.1015.com. 111 Minna Qool New Year's Eve. With a free champagne toast at midnight, all-star lineup of DJs, including Sinukus, Kevin Knapp and Scott Carrelli, and more. $15-$40. 111 Minna St, San Francisco. 415.974.1719; www.qoolsf.com. Anu Bar A FunkyCozy New Year's Eve with special guest DJ and complimentary champagne at midnight. 9pm. Cover varies. Anu, 43 Sixth St, San Francisco. 415.543.3505. Aura Nightclub With Mei Lun and Barnard Cabion. 8pm. $60. Blank Club Club Sonic, with indie, Brit pop, dance-punk, new wave and Motown hits to dance into 2006. 9pm. $10. The Blank Club, 44 S. Almaden Ave, San Jose. 408.29BLANK. Blue Lagoon Champagne, hats, noisemakers and music on two stages with five DJS playing hip-hop, techno, Top 40 and house music. 8pm. $10. 923 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.423.7117. Blush An open well bar, midnight balloon drop and a variety of DJs. 8pm-1:45am. Cover varies. 261 California Dr, Burlingame. 650.347.7710. Britannia Arms Downtown DJ Asis. 9:45pm-1:15am. No cover.173 W. Santa Clara St, San Jose. 408.278.1400. Bubble Lounge Luxe. With a menu of champagnes, appetizers, full bar and hors d'oeuvres. DJ Felix the Dog spins. 10pm-3am. $125-$225. 714 Montgomery, San Francisco. 415.956.6859. Café Cocomo Late-night Latin party with Orquesta Avance. Plus DJ Luis Medina, a balloon drop and champagne toast and dancing until 6am. 7pm. $30. 650 Indiana St, San Francisco. 415.824.6910. The Canvas The Red White and Pink Ball. An '80s New Year's party with live paintings, a fashion show, free appetizers, a champagne toast at midnight and more. 9pm-3am. $15 and up. 1200 Ninth Ave, San Francisco. 415.504.0060. City Nights Midnight Madness 2006. With DJ Dre in the main room and Magic Matt in the front room. 9:30pm. $30. City Nights, 715 Harrison, San Francisco. 415.339.8686. Club NV E NYE05. With two rooms of rotating DJs. Hosted by Jay Plus. 10pm. $30. Club NV, 525 Howard St, San Francisco. 415.546.7938. Club Rouge With DJ Andrew B. 9pm-2am. $30. 1500 Broadway St, San Francisco. 415.346.7683. Club Six "Champions of the Arena." Three arenas of music with 12 DJs, including Zion I, J-Boogie, D-Sharp and others. 8pm. $20 and up. 60 Sixth St, San Francisco. 415.863.1221. Colossus New Year's Weekend Three weekend parties at three locations. Includes Underworld, Colossus and Giant SF T-Dance parties featuring DJs and Suzanne Palmer performing live. $15-$75. Clubs includeThe Factory, Giftcenter Pavilion and 1015. www.guspresents.com. Dive Bar A New Year's party with traditional champagne toast, party favors, dancing and one drink ticket. 9pm. $20. 78 E. Santa Clara St, San Jose. 408.288.5252. DNA Lounge Infuse NYE with two rooms of DJs spinning breaks, house and progressive music. Plus a traditional midnight countdown and champagne toast and free breakfast at 5am for hardcore all nighters. 9pm-6am. $25 and up. 375 11th St, San Francisco. 415.626.1409. Element Lounge First Kiss New Year's Eve 2006, with DJs, a B-Boy performance and more. $75 and up. 1028 Geary St, San Francisco. 415.440.1125. The Factory With DJs Leslie Perez, Oscar O and Don Lynch spinning a variety of tunes in three rooms. Plus a balloon drop, champagne toast and giveaways. 9pm-4am. $30. 525 Harrison St, San Francisco. 415.339.8686. Fanny & Alexander DJ Uncle Hank spins as the countdown creeps closer. 412 Emerson St, Palo Alto. 650.326.7183. Jillian's Dance all night long with multiple DJs in three dance rooms. 9pm. $30. Jillian's, 101 Fourth St, San Francisco. 415.369.6100. Jupiter The big-band future funk act Beatropolis and DJ Tahoe play music to accompany the last hours of the year. 9pm-2am. Free before 10pm, $10 after. Jupiter, 2181 Shattuck Ave at Allston, Berkeley. 510.843.8277 . Loft 11 DJs Danny Brown and Momentum, balloon drop, favors, champagne. 8pm. $40-$75. Loft 11, 316 11th St, San Francisco. 415.979.3031. Makeout Room Cheap vs. Chic 2K6. Come dressed up or dressed down. Rock & roll, indie, electronic, hip-hop and soul jams spun by DJs EmDee, Jamie Jams, Rantz and Moomaw. Balloon drop, prizes for best and worst dressed and champagne toast. 9pm. $10. Make-out Room, 3225 22nd St, San Francisco. 415.647.2888. Mighty Salted. Featuring DJs Jay-J, Franky Feliciano and David Harness. 9pm. Cover varies. 119 Utah, San Francisco. 415.626.7001. Pink Better Days. DJs Franky Boissy and guests. 9pm. Cover varies. Pink, 2925 16th St, San Francisco. 415.431.8889. Prive Bar and Lounge Three floors with DJs spinning hip-hop, mashups and rock, plus an open bar and dinner. 9pm. $75 and up. Prive Bar and Lounge, 651 Howard St, San Francisco. 415.227.0288. Rickshaw Stop New Year's Eve Dance Party. With Dengue Fever, DJ Jefrodisiac, DJ Brother Grimm and others. 8pm. $30. 155 Fell St, San Francisco. 415.861.2011. Roccapulco Featuring Orquesta Borinquen and Rumba Cafe. DJs, party favors, dinner packages. 9pm. Cover varies. Roccapulco, 3140 Mission St, San Francisco. 415.648.6611. Rockets Nightclub Party favors, prizes, appetizers and a DJ spinning tunes from the '70s and '80s. 221 Park Rd, Burlingame. 650.347.7656. Sublounge New Year's Eve party with guest DJs. 9pm. Cover varies. 628 20th St, San Francisco. 415.552.3603; www.sublounge.com. Suede Reveillon 2006: A Night at the Copacabana. A tropical paradise with DJ Frankie Feliciano and others. 9pm. $50-$100. Suede Lounge and Nightclub, 383 Bay St, San Francisco. 415.399.9555. Suite One8One A Surreal Soiree at the Suite. With multiple DJs, the amazing Surreal Dancers, an open bar and champagne toast. 8pm. $40. Suite One8One, 181 Eddy St, San Francisco. 415.345.9900. Bands/Musicians Alphabet Soup With Mike Marshall. 9:30pm. $20/$25. Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. 510.451.8100. Arturo Sandoval This multiple Grammy-winning trumpeter and international star performs two sets with a backup band. 9pm. $100. Yoshi's, 510 Embarcadero W., Oakland. 510.238.9200. Bach an' All Organist Jim Welch presents "Bach an' All," a concert of works by Bach and other composers such as Koch and Meyer. 8pm. $10. St Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave, Palo Alto. 650.856.9700. Boas Club Elite Celebrate with Jackie Ryan and the Larry Vuckovich Trio. TIME? $25. ADDRESS. Britannia Arms Almaden Live music by Floyd's Ordeal. Party favors, countdown. 9:45pm-1:15pm. No cover. Britannia Arms, 5027 Almaden Expwy, San Jose. 408.266.0550. Brother Buzz Band Plus hors d'oeuvres, desserts, champagne and more. 9pm-1am. $35. Sanchez Concert Hall, 1220-A Linda Mar Blvd., Pacifica. 650.355.1882. The Cave Live hardcore/metalcore by First Blood, Hoods, Set Your Goals, Red Fall, Heavy Heavy Low Low, Fate 13, Shades of Eden and Maya Over Eyes. 5pm. $12. 2165 Lucretia Ave, San Jose. Chorale Fantasy The Community Music Center Orchestra performs works by Beethoven. 8pm. $25. Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St, San Francisco. 415.647.6015; www.sfcmc.org/site. Chris Cain and Band A New Year's party with this South Bay blues guitarist. 9:30pm. $18/$20. Moe's Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. 831.479.1854. Chuck Prophet and the Mission Express With others. 9:30pm. $15. Ivy Room, 860 San Pablo Ave, Albany. 510.524.9299. Crow's Nest With Third Stone From the Stone, a Hendrix cover band. 9:30pm. $10. 2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. 831.476.4560. Devil Makes Three Local rock act. 9pm. $15/$20. The Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.423.1336. Drums for the New Year A concert on ancient drums by the Improvisator. 8pm. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1668 Bush, San Francisco. 707.224.4222; www.cavemusic.net. En Vogue Performing at Party Live 2005. With Tainted Love and Pride and Joy, plus comedians, DJs and a dinner buffet. 8pm. Cover varies. Hyatt Regency San Francisco, 5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco. 415.788.1234. Fibbar Magees Irish Pub Gravy Boat performs. 156 S. Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale. 408.749.8373. Fito Reinoso With his seven-piece band from Cuba. Plus a complimentary cigar, champagne toast, prizes and a buffet. 9:30pm. $85. Cigar Bar and Grill, 850 Montgomery, San Francisco. 415.398.0850. Four Tet Live jazz music, plus champagne and party favors. 10pm. $7. Albatross Pub, 1822 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley. 510.843.2473. Friday Night Live New Year's Eve With local Santa Cruz bands. All ages. 8pm. $5. Vets Hall, 846 Front St, Santa Cruz. 831.454.0478. Fucking AM Members of Trans Am and the Fucking Champs. 9pm. $20. Bottom of the Hill, 1233 17th St, San Francisco. 415.621.4455. Grand Dell Saloon Only 100 tickets will be sold for this New Year's Eve bash, featuring hors d'oeuvres, live music and champagne. $25. 1040 Dell Ave, Campbell. 408.378.3970. Harold Ray Plus Gris Gris and Parchman Farm. 9pm. $10-$12. Hemlock Tavern, 1131 Polk St, San Francisco.415.923.0923 Hemlock Tavern. Hedley Club Music by the Dirty Thirties Obsolete Jazz Ensemble. 8:30pm. Free. Hedley Club, Hotel De Anza, 233 W. Santa Clara St, San Jose. 408.286.1000. High Country With Dix Bruce and Jim Nunally. 8pm. $26.50-$27.50. Freight and Salvage, 1111 Addison St, Berkeley. 510.548.1761. High Standards Featuring Wesla Whitfield and Mike Greensill performing works by Rogers, Hart, Gershwin, Porter and others. 8 and 10:30pm. $40-$80. New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco. 415.861.8972. Hot Buttered Rum With Scott Law and others. Plus hors d'oeuvres, coffee and a midnight toast. 8pm. $35. 142 Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.383.9600. Jerry Hannan With the Monophonics. A "New Year's Eve Blowout" party. 9:30pm. $20-$25. 19 Broadway Night Club, 17 Broadway Blvd., Fairfax. 415.459.1091. Jesus Diaz y su QBA AfroCuban salsa. 9:30pm. $23-$25. La Pena Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley. 510.849.2568. JJ's Blues Dog House Riley and JC Smith, plus champagne and prizes. 7pm. $25. 3439 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose. 408.243.6441. Kehoe Nation With Faun Fables and Opiate for Angels. 9pm. $15. Blake's on Telegraph, 2367 Telegraph, Berkeley. 510.848.0886. Kiki & Herb: The Resurrection Tour All-new songs with political commentary. 7 and 10pm. $35-$150. Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco. 415.392.4400. Kimberly Jackson Female jazz artist. 8pm. Shanghai 1930, 133 Steuart St, San Francisco. 415.896.5600. Kim Nalley Quintet Ticket includes a three-course prix fixe meal and glass of champagne. $120-$170. 9 and 11pm. Jazz at Pearl's, 256 Columbus Ave, San Francisco. 415.291.8255. www.jazzatpearls.com. The King's Head Pub Live music, party favors, hats and balloon drop. 9pm. No cover. 201 Orchard City Dr., Campbell. 408.871.2499. Les Claypool The Primus member hosts his annual soiree, now in its sixth year. 9pm. $57.50. The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd., San Francisco. 415.346.6000. Lorna Luft Female vocalist. 7 and 10:30pm. $65-$95. Plush Room, York Hotel, 940 Sutter St, San Francisco. 415.885.2800. The Lovemakers With Every Move a Picture and She Wants Revenge. Plus DJs, champagne toast, and an outdoor lounge. 9pm. $20-$50. Mezzanine, 444 Jessie St, San Francisco. 415.348.4625. Lyrics Born 9pm. $20. Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley. 510.548.1159 Mal Sharpe and Enrico's All-Stars 9pm. Enrico's, 504 Broadway, San Francisco. 415.982.6223. The Martini Brothers Band Plus dancing. 9pm. Cover varies. Le Colonial, 20 Cosmo Place, San Francisco. 415.931.3600. Murphy's Law Ring in the new year with Ruthie and the Gents, hats, noisemakers and complimentary champagne at midnight. No cover. 135 S. Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale, 408.736.3822. Number One Broadway Live music by Sage. 8pm. Cover varies. Number One Broadway, 102 B S. Santa Cruz Blvd, Los Gatos. 408.354.4303. Phil Lesh & Friends With the John Mayer Trio. Each act performs one set, with a combined set with Joan Osborne at midnight. 8pm. $65. Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 99 Grove St, San Francisco. 415.974.4060. Red Devil Lounge Featuring Pop Rocks. With an open bar. Presented by Drew Clark. 8pm. $100. 1695 Polk St, San Francisco. 800.965.4827. Reverend Horton Heat Psychobilly rock artist. 9:30pm. $70. Last Day Saloon, 120 Fifth St, Santa Rosa. 707.545.2343. Rhonda Benin With Soulful Strut. 9pm. Downtown, 2102 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley. 510.649.3810. The Saddle Rack A country party for the new year. Cover varies. 42011 Boscell Rd, Fremont. 510.979.0477 San Francisco Chamber Orchestra A New Year's celebration in memory of Edgar Braun. With guest artists the Jacques Thibaud String Trio. 8pm. Free. First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. 415.621.3186 ext 104. Sila and the Afrofunk Experience A dance party with partial proceeds benefiting victims of the recent quake in Kashmir. Plus the Afrofunk Sisters and DJs Jeremiah and Mpenzi. 9pm. $25. Elbo Room, 647 Valencia St, San Francisco. 415.552.7788. Steppin' Oscar Myers and Steppin' perform soul and funk music, plus champagne toasting, balloons and party favors. 9:30pm. $35. Boom Boom Room, 1601 Fillmore St, San Francisco. 415.673.8000. Steve Kimock Band Plus a DJ. Dinner is also available. 9pm. $40; $59.95 with dinner. Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell St, San Francisco. 415.885.0750. Still Flyin' Plus Bart Davenport and Red Pony Clock. 9:30pm. $8. Hotel Utah, 500 Fourth St, San Francisco. 415.546.6300 The Sun Kings A Beatles tribute act. 9pm. $20/$25. Don Quixote's, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. 831.603.2294. Supersuckers With Hangmen and Naysayers. 9pm. $30. Slim's, 333 11th St, San Francisco. 415.522.0333 Tea Leaf Green Psychedelic jam rock group. 9pm. $75. The Independent, 628 Divisadero St, San Francisco. 415.771.1421. Tommy Castro Plus Katie Knipp. 9pm. $50. McNear's Mystic Theatre, 21 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. 707.765.2121. Top of the Mark A dinner and dancing gala featuring a five-course prix fixe dinner, complimentary bottle of champagne and music from the Black Market Jazz Orchestra. 7:30pm-1am. $295. 1 Nob Hill, San Francisco. 415.616.6916. Unauthorized Rolling Stones A tribute band, performing with the Shawn Evans Band. 8pm. $40. Little Fox, 2209 Broadway, Redwood City. 650.369.4119. Vinyl Plus party favors and a champagne toast. 9:30pm. $50. Sweetwater, 153 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.2820. Y&T Plus Frank Hannon and Rubber Side Down. Plus dinner prior to the show, cooked by Chef Machado. $25-$55. Avalon, 777 Lawrence Expwy, Santa Clara. 408.241.0777. Yaelisa and Caminos Flamencos Includes tapas, buffet dinner and traditional grape and champagne countdown. 9pm. $75-$95. Café de la Paz; 1600 Shattuck (at Cedar), Berkeley. 510.843.0662. Zydeco Flames Traditional zydeco band. 9pm. $35-$45. Rancho Nicasio, Town Square, Nicasio. 415.662.2219. Etc. Asian Art Museum New Year's Bell Ringing Visitors are encouraged to ring a 2,100-pound, 16th-century bronze bell in observance of an ancient Japanese New Year's tradition. 11am�2pm. Free. 200 Larkin St, San Francisco. 415.581.3500. Cal Skate "2Hot2Handle 2005" family skate. Midnight balloon drop, prizes. 8pm-1am. $15. 980 Los Coches St, Milpitas. 408.946.1363. Christmas in the Park Holiday fun and amusement rides for kids in downtown San Jose. Through Jan 1. Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Downtown San Jose. 408.286.1313. Early Bird Party Music and dancing for the whole family by Little Wheels Band. 5-9pm. No cover. Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, 390 Capistrano Rd, Princeton. 650.728.2739. Fantasy of Lights Cruise through Vasona Park admiring the colorful displays. 6�10pm. Vasona Lake County Park, 298 Garden Hills Dr., Los Gatos. 408.355.2200. First Night Monterey An annual party with music, arts, a twilight parade and theater performances. 3pm. Prices vary. Downtown Monterey. More info: www.firstnightmonterey.org. Hike Up Montara Mountain A seven-mile hike to the north peak of Montara Mountain at 1,930 feet. Presented by the Outdoor Adventure Club. 10:30am. $25-$38. Montara Mountain, Pacifica. 415.954.7190. Kayak Trip Paddle under the Bay Bridge to the Ferry Building and watch the fireworks. 9pm. $80. Reservations recommended. City Kayak, 415.357.1010. www.citykayak.com. Meditation and Fire Ceremony Chanting, meditation, affirmation and fire ceremony to set the course for the new year. Meditation 7:30- 9:30pm. Service 10pm�midnight. No cover. Ananda Sangha, 2171 El Camino, Palo Alto. 650.323.3363. New Age Visionary Music Marathon KKUP-FM (91.5) of Cupertino presents a marathon of ambient electronic and acoustic music starting Dec. 30 at midnight and continuing through Jan. 2 at noon featuring live interviews with artists. 408.448.6726; www.kkup.org. New Year's Eve Fireworks A huge fireworks display to welcome 2006. Midnight. Free. The Waterfront, San Francisco. New Year's Eve Murder Mystery A five-course dinner with interactive play. Madison Street Inn, 1390 Madison St, Santa Clara. 408.249.5541. www.madisonstreetinn.com. Noon Year's Eve Celebrate the arrival of Noon with a noisemaker, party hat and countdown. 10am-4pm. $5�$7. Children's Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. 408.298.5437. San Jose Skate Rink open 8pm to 1am. Live rock bands and a DJ. $8 includes skate rental. All ages. San Jose Skate, 397 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose. 408.226.1155. Send a letter to the editor about this story to letters@metronews.com. [ Silicon Valley | Metroactive Home | Archives ]