New Year's events around the Bay.

By Sarah Han, Sean Patrick Maylone, and Lydia Brawner

WHETHER YOU'RE ALREADY feeling nostalgic for 2005 or you're ready for the New Year to start afresh, there's no turning back now, and hopefully 2006 will begin with a bang and never fizzle out. But we're getting too far ahead of ourselves – let's just stick to New Year's Eve, which, as always, is the best time to party. Take part in the festivities by attending one or more of the slew of parties, performances, and concerts. Most events are 21-and-over only, and advance tickets are recommended. All events take place Saturday, Dec. 31, unless otherwise noted.

clubs/parties

'1984 2006 NYE' Cat Club, 1190 Folsom; 703-8964, www.1984sf.com. 9pm-4am, $20-30. The Thursday-night club presents its New Year's Eve extravaganza with two separate rooms and four DJs playing new wave, '80s, synth pop, goth, and industrial music.Annie's New Year's Eve party Annie's Cocktail Lounge, 15 Broadman Pl; 703-0865. 4:30pm, free. See 8 Days a Week, page 44.

'Barefoot Boogie's New Year's Dance Party and White Elephant Gift Swap' Rhythm and Motion Dance Center, 1133 Mission; 820-1452. Sun/1, 7:30-11:30pm, $4-8. See 8 Days a Week, page 44.

'Catch-222' 222 Club, 222 Hyde; 440-0222. 8pm, free. This free event features live techno, drum 'n' bass, synth punk, psychedelic soul, gutterbreaks, and dance music with the Luxury Tax.

'Champions of the Arena' Club Six, 60 Sixth St; 863-1221, www.ticketweb.com. 8pm-4am, $20. More than 12 DJ acts, including J-Boogie, Zeph, Polo, I-Cue, Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist, Sake1, and D-Sharp, play hip-hop, club hits, and reggaeton at this party organized by True Skool, Dee Cee's Soul Shakedown, and Daddy Rolo. 'Cheap vs. Chic 2K6' Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd St; 647-2888. 9pm, $10. Club Neon and Fallout join forces for this New Year's Eve dance party featuring rock 'n' roll, indie, electronic, hip-hop, and soul spun by DJs EmDee, Jamie Jams, Rantz, and Moomaw; prizes given out for classiest and trashiest dressed.

'Dancin' on Top of the World' Carnelian Room, 555 California; www.bacw.org. 8:30-1:30am, $110. Bay Area Community of Women and National Center for Lesbian Rights present this event for lesbians featuring a dance party with DJ Claudia, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, party favors, a champagne toast, and more.

'Disco 2006' Mezzanine, 444 Jessie; www.ticketweb.com. 9pm-4am, $20-50. Popscene, Live 105, and Mezzanine present this New Year Eve gala featuring music performances by the Lovemakers, Every Move a Picture, She Wants Revenge; DJs Aaron, Omar, Nako, Disco Shawn, and Fletcher spinning Britpop, indie, post-punk, rock, hip-hop, new wave, electro; drink specials; a champagne toast; and more.

'Dispatch' Whisper Ultra Lounge, 535 Florida; www.whispersf.com. 9pm, $30. Celebrate the New Year with DJs playing hip-hop, '80s club classics, deep house, and breaks, plus complimentary hors d'oeuvres, an open bar, and more.

'Extra Classic' Madrone Lounge, 500 Divisadero; www.extra-classic.com. 9pm, $5. Welcome in the New Year at this party featuring '80s rock and '90s hip-hop with DJs AC Green, Dave Aju, Disco Jason, and Wrong?

Grand New Year's Eve celebration Grand Hyatt, Union Square, 345 Stockton; 1-866-468-3399, www.ticketweb.com. 6pm, $125-175. This big band-themed New Year's party includes champagne, a four-course dinner, DJs, and comedians.

'Intrigue 2006' StudioZ, 314 11th St; 252-7666. 8pm-3am, $25. Celebrate the last hours of 2005 with DJs Modest Mark, Brainchild, and NB.

Juanita More's New Year's Eve party Mars Bar and Restaurant, 798 Brannan; www.juanitamore.com. 9pm, $25. Juanita More presents a party featuring a champagne toast, appetizers, and a live drag performance by Glamamore.

New Year's Eve Wish Bar and Lounge, 1539 Folsom; www.wishsf.com. 8pm-2am, $20. DJs Rachel, Mike Frugaletti, and Monty Luke spin funk, house, hip-hop, and more at this event also featuring complimentary champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

New Year's Eve 2006 Bohemia Lounge, 1624 California; 474-6968. 8pm, $25-75. Prague's DJ Dieselman gets the party started at this dance party; VIP tickets include full-service bar, party favors, champagne toast, and snacks.

New Year's Eve 2006 celebration Velvet Lounge, 443 Broadway; 788-0228. 9pm-2am, $100. This decadent party features an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, party favors, a midnight champagne toast, and two rooms of music featuring DJs spinning mashup, hip-hop, R&B, house, club hits, '70s, '80s, and Top 40.

New Year's Eve bash Argus Lounge, 3187 Mission; 824-1447. 9pm. DJs Subtext, Swahili Sheen, MC Child, and Urban Yetti spin records at this party.

'New Year's Eve Super-fun Dance Party Extravaganza' Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell; www.virtuous.com. 8pm, $30. Cambodian pop music band Dengue Fever and DJs Jefrodisiac and Brother Grimm make this party extraspecial and superfun.

'Pearl' Bambuddha Lounge, 601 Eddy; 885-5088. 8pm-2am, $25. DJs Ellen Ferrato, Rooz, and Rouzbeh spin funky soulful house and DJ Damage Allier and guests spin hip-hop and flashbacks at this party, which also features a midnight champagne toast, party favors, and a balloon drop.

'Resolution VI: New Year's Eve' Ruby Skye, 420 Mason; 693-0777. 8pm, $50-100. Mixed Elements, Flirty Flirty, Spundae, and Ruby Skye present this party with DJ Bad Boy Bill, Dimitris Mykonos, John Early, DJ Bali, and Friz-B; the party also features visual art displays, acrobatic entertainment, dinner (8-11pm), hors d'oeuvres, a complimentary champagne or Red Bull toast, and party favors.

San Francisco New Year's Eve 2006 Monte Cristo Cafe, 4 Embarcadero Center; 362-0646, www.montecristocafesf.com. 9pm-2am, call for price. This event features DJ Zaq, an open bar, and food from the Montecristo Cafe.

'Sea of Dreams' Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 Eighth St; www.seaofdreamsnye.com. Fri/30, 7pm-2am, $45; Sat/31, 7:30pm-4am, $70. Two-day pass $110. This party spectacular includes cabaret and circus acts, dance collectives, interactive art, and performances by the String Cheese Incident and the Dresden Dolls.

'SheShe 2006' Space 550, 550 Barnevald; www.creamsf.com. 9pm-4am, $25. Cream presents Northern California's largest lesbian New Year's Eve party, featuring a balloon drop, party favors, a midnight champagne toast, and appetizers and desserts.

'Smile' Knockout, 3223 Mission; 550-6994. 9pm, $5. DJ Neil Martinson's '60s and '70s retropop dance club celebrates New Year's with a performance by the Barbary Coasters and a midnight toast.

'Spin NYE 2006' Elan, 839 Howard; 1-866-415-CLUB, www.partysf.com. 8pm-2am, $40. This party boasts three levels of entertainment provided by DJ Mind Motion, Rick Lee, Allier and Jason Pro, DJ Tony O 'Ritmo, Rene, and JCT; an open bar from 8 to 10pm; a midnight champagne toast; party favors; and more.

Bay Area

Coastal Health Alliance New Year's Eve party Dance Palace, Fifth and B Sts, Point Reyes Station; (415) 663-8198. 8:30pm, $40. Borderline performs live music at this benefit party for Coastal Health Alliance, also featuring dancing, champagne, snacks, and desserts.

'Heat It Up! A New Year's Eve Soiree' 142 Throckmorton, 142 Throckmorton; (415) 383-9600. 8pm, $35. Hot Buttered Rum String Band and Scott Law play at this gala also featuring hors d'oeuvres, coffee, and a midnight toast.

New Year's Eve gala Embassy Suites Hotel, Rings Nightclub, 101 McInnis Pkwy, San Rafael. 9pm-1am, $20. Single professionals are invited to this party featuring DJs, hors d'oeuvres, party favors, a champagne toast, and coffee; holiday attire is recommended.

'New Year's Eve Waltz Ball' UC Berkeley, International House, 2299 Piedmont, Berk; www.fridaynightwaltz.com. 9pm-12:30am, $30. Waltz, polka, tango, swing, and one-step at this dance event also featuring musical performances by Brassworks, a sing-along, desserts, and a nonalcoholic toast.

'New Year's in Shanghai' @seventeenth, 510 Seventeenth St, Oakl; www.at17th.com. 9pm, $75-100. This Chinese-themed party features performances by Raheem DeCaughn, dim sum appetizers and a Chinese food buffet (after midnight), Chinese dragon dancers, a balloon drop, a champagne toast, and DJs Hool, Fuze, and Pam the Funkstress; Chuey Homez and Newtrendz host.

Professional's Guild gala New Year's Eve bash San Ramon Marriott, 2600 Bishop Dr., San Ramon, (925) 937-4744, www.pguild.com. 8pm-1am, $725. The Professionals Guild throws this semiformal gala geared toward area singles, featuring the band Key Lime Pie, casino gaming, a champagne toast, and more.'Silver Fishes and New Year's Wishes' Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey; 1-866-963-9644, www.montereybayaquarium.org. 9pm-1am, $65-300. The aquarium celebrates the New Year with a party featuring three musical lounges amid the aquarium playing dance favorites, jazz, and swing. The party includes an open bar and is preceded by a four-course dinner.

events

'Decade of Dom' Palomar Hotel, 12 Fourth St, fifth fl; 348-1555, www.fifthfloorrestaurant.com. 11am, $500. This gourmet foodie event includes a seven-course dinner created by chef Melissa Perello, special champagnes from Dom Perignon, and caviar.

Japanese mochi-pounding party Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin; 581-3500, www.asianart.org. Tues/3, 11am-noon, free. Learn how the Japanese celebrate the New Year by making and eating delicious mochi (sweet rice cake).

Japanese New Year's bell-ringing ceremony Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin; 581-3500, www.asianart.org. 11am, free with museum admission ($6-10). Art activities and a bamboo flute performance accompany the ringing of a 16th-century 2,100 pound bronze bell, a gesture to mark the passing of one year and welcome in the next.'Namaste 2006' Samovar Tea Lounge, 498 Sanchez; 626-4700. 6 and 10pm, $60-75. Enjoy a delicious five-course Tibetan meal with limited-edition teas at this unique event; Karma Moffett performs at the 10pm seating.

New Year's Eve fireworks Pier 38; 357-1010, www.citykayak.com. 10pm-1am, $80, reservations required. Watch fireworks from the sea on a kayak, and enjoy a unique view of the SF cityscape. Not for first-timer kayakers.

'True Fiction Magazine's Spontaneous New Year' Florence Gould Theatre, California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, 34th Ave and Clement; www.truefictionmagazine.com. 8pm, $20. True Fiction Magazine Improvisational Theatre presents its annual show featuring improvisational plays based on titles from the audience.

Bay Area

New Year's Eve balloon drop Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakl; 336-7373. 3:45-5pm, free with general admission, but advance tickets are required ($15-20). Celebrate the start of the New Year (at Greenwich Mean Time) with music and prize-filled balloons.

New Year's Eve worship service Unitarian Universality Church, 1 Lawson Rd, Kensington; (510) 525-0302, www.uucb.org. 5pm, free. Worship in a diversity-embracing church.

concerts

'Amnesia's Unforgettable New Year's Eve' Amnesia, 853 Valencia; 970-0012. 7pm, $15. Andre Karpov and the Kazaks, the Kerosene Kondors, HUD, the Paper Dolls, Emily Anne and Her Hot Nuts, and the Blushing Roulettes perform at this musical event.

Marvin Banks Biscuits and Blues, 401 Mason; 292-BLUE. 8:30 and 10:30pm, $20-75. Enjoy traditional Southern cooking while grooving to the music of the "Godson of Soul," Marvin Banks.

Black Market Jazz Orchestra Top of the Mark, Mark Hopkins Intercontinental Hotel, 1 Nob Hill; 616-6916. 7:30, 8, and 8:30 pm, $295. Enjoy a five-course prix fixe dinner, a complimentary bottle of champagne, and music by the Black Market Jazz Orchestra.

'Carnaval del Mundo' Peña PachaMama, 1630 Powell; 646-0018. 5:30 and 8:45pm, $79.95. Celebrate New Year's Eve with world music performers Sukay, Fito Reinoso, and Fo Go Na Ropa; late show includes a three-course dinner.

Fucking Am, Fucking Champs, Trans Am Bottom of the Hill, 1233 17th St; 621-4455. 9pm, $20. See 8 Days a Week, page 44.

Harold Ray: Live in Concert!, Gris Gris, Parchman Farm Hemlock Tavern, 1131 Polk; 923-0923. 9pm, $12. See 8 Days a Week, page 44.

'Hatter's Ball' Fillmore, 1805 Geary; 346-6000. 8pm, $57.50. Les Claypool's New Year's show sees its 10th year.

Hi-Fives, Top Ten, Mothballs Parkside, 1600 17th St; 503-0393. 9pm, $10. See 8 Days a Week, page 44.

Jacques Thibaud String Trio Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness; 248-1640, www.sfchamberorchestra.org. Fri/30, 8pm, free. (Also Sat/31, 8pm, First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way, Berk; Sun/1, 4pm, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado, Palo Alto; same phone number and Web site.) The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra celebrates the New Year with three classical music concerts featuring special guest artists the Jacques Thibaud String Trio.

Jerry Oakley Quartet Cafe Claude, 7 Claude Ln; 392-3505. 7:30pm, $70. Enjoy a prix fixe dinner and the musical stylings of the Jerry Oakley Quartet at this show.

Kim Nalley Quintet Jazz at Pearl's, 256 Columbus; 291-8255. 9 and 11pm, $120. Enjoy a three-course meal, a champagne toast at midnight, and the sensuous voice of Kim Nalley backed by her quintet.

Curtis Lawson Saloon, 1232 Grant; 989-7666. 9:30pm, call for price. Curtis Lawson is joined by Billy Dunn, Ray Sayre, Roy Pope, and Michael Borbridge for an R&B and soul concert.

Phil Lesh and friends, John Mayer Trio Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 99 Grove; 421-TIXS. 8pm, $65. The legendary Phil Lesh performs with Joan Osborne, Jimmy Herring, Barry Sless, Rob Baracco, and Jeff Sipe; the John Mayer Trio also features Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan.

'New Year's Eve Roast Fish, Collie Weed, and Corn Bread Mashup!' Hotel Utah Saloon, 500 Fourth St; 546-6300. 9:30pm, $8. Still Flyin', Bart Davenport, and Red Pony Clock play at this indie rock show.

'New Year's Eve Shakedown' Elbo Room, 647 Valencia; 552-7788. 9pm, $25. Sila and the Afrofunk Experience, the Afrofunk Sisters, DJ Jermiah, and DJ Mpenzi perform at this benefit; partial proceeds go to the Save the Children Fund to help children affected by the earthquake in Kashmir.

'El Nuevo Año' Balazo 18 Gallery, 2183 Mission; 255-7227. 9pm, call for price. This show features La Plebe and others.

Oscar Myers and Steppin' Boom Boom Room. 9:30pm-2am, $35. The old-school Oakland funk band performs; other highlights include a midnight champagne toast and party favors.

Pop Rocks Red Devil Lounge, 1695 Polk; 921-1695. 9pm, $100. The '80s tribute band performs at this fun-filled party.

Red Meat, Earl Brothers, Belle Monroe and Her Brewglass Boys Cafe du Nord, 2170 Market; 861-5016. 9pm, $20. Celebrate the New Year with a bluegrass and country music show; champagne toast at midnight.

Scott Amendola Trio Bacar, 448 Brannan; 904-4100. 9pm, free. The trio, featuring Scott Amendola, Art Hirahara, and John Shifflett, performs a jazz concert.

Steve Kimock, David Jacobs-Strain, Pyeng Threadgill, DJ Jonah Sharp Great American Music Hall, 859 O'Farrell; 478-2277. Wed/28- Sat/31, 9pm, $25-$40. Steve Kimock and his Grammy Award-winning backup band play music from the new album Eudemonic.

Supersuckers, Hangmen, Naysayers Slim's, 333 11th St; 255-0333. 9pm, $30. See 8 Days a Week, page 44. Bay Area

Beatropolis, DJ Tahoe Jupiter, 2181 Shattuck, Berk; (510) 843-8277. 9pm-1am, $10, free before 10pm. Bay Area future-jazz band Beatropolis and DJ Tahoe play at this high-energy show.

Bobi Cespedes and Her Trio Anna's Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way, Berk; (510) 841-5299. 7 and 10pm, call for price. Cuban singer Bobi Cespedes performs at this dinner concert.

Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers Eagles Hall, 2305 Alameda, Alameda; (415) 285-6285. 8pm, $35. Get a zydeco dance lesson and enjoy tasty foods, music by Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers, and party favors at this concert.

Brother Buzz Band Sanchez Concert Hall, 1220 Linda Mar Blvd, Pacifica; (650) 355-1882. 9pm-1am, $28-35. The R&B funk band performs at this party featuring hors d'oeuvres, desserts, a midnight champagne toast, and raffles.

Cab Calloway Orchestra 707 W Hornet Museum, Alameda; (510) 521-8448, ext 225, www.hornetevents.com. 8pm-1am, $55. Under the leadership of Cab Calloway's grandson, the Calloway Orchestra performs vintage jazz hits for the New Year.Chuck Prophet and the Mission Express Ivy Room, 858 San Pablo, Albany; (510) 524-9220. 10pm, $15. See 8 Days a Week, page tk.

Dave Matthews Blues Band Baltic Square Pub, 135 Park Pl, Pt Richmond; (510) 237-4782. 9pm, call for price. The local blues band performs.

'Drums for the New Year' Trinity Episcopal Church, 1688 Bush St; (707) 224-4222, www.cavemusic.net. 8pm, $40. This performance promises Norman-Roman style drumming and use of ancient wind, string, and percussion instruments from around the world.

Fourtet Jazz Group Albatross Pub, 1822 San Pablo, Berk; (510) 843-2473. 10pm-1am, $7. Ring in the new year at this jazz concert featuring a midnight champagne toast and party favors.

Jesus Diaz and His Bay Area Afro-Cuban All Stars La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck, Berk; (510) 849-2568. 9:30pm, $25. Percussionist and vocalist Jesus Diaz and his band of talented Latin jazz musicians (Orlando Torriente, Saul Sierra, CotoPincheira, and Javier Navarette) perform.

Jewdriver, Stigma 13, Second Class Citizen, Year of the Wildcat 924 Gilman, 924 Gilman, Berk; (510) 525-9926. 8pm, $5. Punk kids gather for this intense and high-energy show.

Kehoe Nation, Faun Fables, An Opiate for Angels, Train Wreckers Blakes, 2367 Telegraph, Berk; (510) 848-0886. 9pm, $18. This rock show also features a champagne toast and party favors.

Lyrics Born, DJs Platurn and Treat U Nice Shattuck Downlow, 2284 Shattuck, Berk; (510) 548-1159. 9pm, $25. Celebrate the New Year with live hip-hop.

'South Bay Rocks on New Year's Eve' Avalon, 777 Lawrence Expressway, Santa Clara; (408) 241-0777, www.nightclubavalon.com. 7:45pm, $55. 107.7 the Bone, Meanstreak Music, and TLO Touring present this concert featuring Y&T and former Tesla guitarist Frank Hannon and his band.

Unauthorized Rolling Stones, Shawn Evans Band Little Fox, 2209 Broadway, Redwood City; (650) 369-4119. 8pm, $40. The Rolling Stones tribute band headlines this show with funk jam band the Shawn Evans Band. comedy and performance

'Beach Blanket Babylon' Club Fugazi, 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St); 421-4222. 7 and 10:15pm, $65-190. Steve Silver's long-running, ever-changing musical revue celebrates New Year's Eve with a special show that includes a chorus line of tap dancing Christmas trees and parodies of pop culture.

Big City Improv Shelton Theater, 533 Sutter; (510) 595-5597. 8 and 10pm, $25-30. The improv comedy troupe performs two shows to ring in the New Year with some laughs.

'Fauxgirls!' Marlena's, 488 Hayes; 864-6672. 10pm-2am, free. The drag cabaret presents a party featuring special guest stars and free champagne at midnight.

'In Bed with Fairy Butch New Year's Eve' 12 Galaxies, 2565 Mission; 970-9777. 9pm, $10. This popular dyke cabaret celebrates New Year's Eve with a special show.

'Kiki and Herb' Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness, 392-4400, www.kikiandherb.com. 7 and 11pm, $35-150. Justin Bond and Kenny Mellman, as the characters Kiki and Herb, bring their new musical show to San Francisco.

'Marga Gomez's New Year's Eve Spectacular' Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St; 861-5079, www.theRhino.org. 7 and 9pm, $25. Local favorite Marga Gomez and special guest Nick Leonard help ring in the New Year with "stand up comedy at its gayest!"

'New Year's Eve Comedy Countdown 2005' Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon; www.ticketmaster.com. 9:30pm, $49.50. David Cross, Zach Galifianakis, Maria Bamford, Al Madrigal, Doug Benson, and Tony Camin yuck it up at this comedy show; the Big Lou Band plays.

'The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean' Post Street Theatre, 450 Post; 771-6900. 8pm, $80. This special holiday rendition of the Post Street Theatre's popular Rat Pack tribute show features champagne, party favors, and a complimentary CD. Bay Area

'Black Comedy Explosion' Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakl; (510) 465-6400, www.ticketmaster.com. 11pm, $39.50-67.50. D.L. Hughley, Lavella Crawford, and others perform at this gut-busting stand-up show.

'Johnny Steele's Hilarity Hoedown and Jocularity Jamboree' Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College, Berk; (925) 798-1300, www.juliamorgan.org. 8pm, $25-30. Comedian Johnny Steele presents his annual variety show featuring stand-up and sketch acts, live music by Dan DeShara and Joe Aspatore, and more.

Paul Mooney Black Repertory Group, 3201 Adeline, Berk; (510) 652-2120. 7, 9 and 11pm, $50-100. Comedian Paul Mooney performs three shows to ring in the holiday; 11pm VIP show includes champagne and soul food.