Countdown

A New Year's Eve top 10.

By Kristina Peterson

A FEW YEARS ago, my mother decided there was really no more room for improvement in terms of either character or appearance and switched from New Year's resolutions to affirmations of her own general splendor. The rest of us, most likely, should probably drink less, go to yoga more often, and not enter through the back door of Muni anymore. But let's save that for 2006, and have our fun while we can. The following roundup of New Year's Eve festivities should help keep you out past your bedtime.

From Anon Salon, the people who brought us "Burning Man Decompression," comes the ever popular 'Sea of Dreams,' a "New Year's Eve-olution." The double-header party (Dec. 30 and 31) features performances by the String Cheese Incident (both nights), the Dresden Dolls, Yard Dogs Road Show, and Vau de Vire Society as well as DJs, art installations, and an outdoor tent area. Dec. 30, 7 p.m.-2 a.m.; Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.-4 a.m., Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 Eighth St., SF. 18 and over. Two-day passes, $110; Dec. 30, $45; Dec. 31, $70. www.baselineticketing.com and www.ticketweb.com (tickets), www.seaofdreamsnye.com and www.anonsalon.com (info).

Step lively into the New Year with Steppin', a Fillmore soul and Oakland funk band led by Oscar Myers that'll have you boogieing all night long to their jazzy-bluesy-funky old-school music. Prepare to wear a party hat as you sip your champagne. 8 p.m., Boom Boom Room, 1601 Fillmore, SF. $35 in advance (www.boomboomtickets.com), $50 at the door. (415) 673-8000, www.boomboomblues.com.

In the event that you invested in Google back in 1999, spend your dividends decadently at the Fifth Floor's 'Decade of Dom.' Attendees partake of a seven-course menu, accompanied by caviar and selected champagnes from Dom Pérignon. At a mere $500 a head, it's practically a bargain. 12 Fourth St., SF. (415) 348-1555, www.fifthfloorrestauran.com.

In the alternate, and more likely, event that your holiday budget is completely blown and you might not be able to afford a drink again, ever, you'll be happy to learn that the Jacques Thibaud String Trio plays absolutely free three days in a row at various Bay Area locales. Presented by the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, the trio from Berlin will perform works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Golijov. Dec. 30, 8 p.m., Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness, SF; Dec. 31, 8 p.m. First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing, Berk.; Jan. 1, 4 p.m., St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado, Palo Alto. Free. www.sfchamberorchestra.org.

With the help of an army of DJs, Club 6ix hosts 'Champions of the Arena,' a tri-arena celebration of "true-skool," hip-hop/reggaeton, and dance/reggae music. Presented by True Skool, Dee Cee's Soul Shakedown, and Daddy Rolo, the night also features a live performance by Zion I. 8 p.m.-4 a.m., Club 6ix, 60 Sixth St., SF. $20 in advance (www.ticketweb.com, www.true-skool.org, participating music stores). (415) 863-1221, www.clubsix1.com, www.soulshakedown.com.

Ring in the New Year 1984 at the Cat Club with its 'Living on Video – New Wave' extravaganza. In the back room, DJs Melting Girl and Dangerous Dan put on a synth pop, goth, and industrial show with video faves from Depeche Mode, Men Without Hats, The Cure, and others. In the front, DJs Damon and Jules count down the year with all-time favorites from Madonna, Prince, and other '80s artists. Prizes go out to the best '80s outfits. 9 p.m.-4 a.m., Cat Club, 1190 Folsom, SF. $20 in advance (www.1984sf.com or the Cat Club), $30 at the door, $25 if dressed in new wave attire. (415) 431-3332.

La Peña Cultural Center hosts a festive evening of Latin jazz with Jesus Diaz and His Bay Area Afro-Cuban All Stars. Percussionist-vocalist Diaz has performed with such greats as Carlos Santana and Dizzy Gillespie. Café Valparaiso will be open, serving Latin American specialties and wines from Chile and Argentina. 9:30 p.m., La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck, Berk. $23 advance, $25 at the door. (510) 849-2568. For café reservations, call (510) 841-3800. www.lapena.org.

Raising money for Theatre Rhinoceros, Marga Gomez's New Year's Eve Spectacular promises a night of laughs for a cultural cause. One of the country's first openly gay comedians, Gomez will soon be taking her acclaimed play Los Big Names to the off-Broadway circuit. Local comedian Nick Leonard starts off the evening, which also includes a fake midnight countdown. 7 and 9 p.m., Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St., SF. $25. (415) 861-5079 or www.therhino.org.

For the sixth year in a row, Les Claypool and his "fancy band" host the Hatter's Ball at the Fillmore. In addition to a Most Original Hat Contest, the evening showcases a performance by bassist-songwriter Claypool. The Phenomenauts open. 9 p.m., the Fillmore, 1805 Geary, SF. $57.50. (415) 346-6000, www.thefillmore.com.

And lastly, Live 105 and popscene bring out the party animal in even the most jaded hipster at Mezzanine's Disco 2006. The Lovemakers, Every Move a Picture, and She Wants Revenge perform, and 10 DJs spin in three different rooms and an outdoor lounge. Arrive before 11 p.m. to enjoy the drink specials (and who doesn't enjoy a drink special?). 9 p.m.-4 a.m., Mezzanine, 444 Jessie, SF. $20 in advance (www.ticketweb.com). (415) 625-8880, www.popscene-sf.com.