2004-'05 New Year's Eve Guide

If your idea of a fun New Year's Eve consists of sitting at home in front of the TV and doing shots of Tequila Rose while watching the ball drop in Times Square, consider this: Those poor East Coast bastards are freezing their buns off, and there are plenty of hot New Year's events right here in the Valley of the Sun. The following is a select listing of parties, dinners and events happening around the Valley on Friday, December 31, and Saturday, January 1, so you can take your pick of places to sing "Auld Lang Syne." All events are subject to change. Call the venue to confirm details.

Friday, December 31 Events

Castles-n-Coasters Annual New Year's Eve Bash

9445 North Metro Parkway East, Phoenix

Christian music from local bands, unlimited rides and golf, plus 10 arcade credits. 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. $12. Call 602-997-7575.

A Good Ol' Country Bash

La Mision de San Miguel

335 McKeon, Patagonia

www.lamisionpatagonia.com

A cowboy barbecue dinner prepared by Cecilia San Miguel, and entertainment by Dave Insley's Careless Smokersand Andy Hersey. Admission (including dinner) is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Admission for music only is $10 at the door after 8:30 p.m. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. Call 520-394-2102.

New Year's Eve Ballroom Gala

Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort

5401 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

www.maesche.com

Guy Pennacchio and the Summer Wind Bandperform the music of Frank Sinatra. There will also be holiday gift displays (guests can purchase raffle tickets to win the items), party favors, a cocktail reception with appetizers, a sit-down dinner (three entree choices available), a dessert sampler, and a champagne toast and balloon drop following a viewing of the New Year's ball drop in New York City's Times Square. $125 per person. Call 480-947-5400.

New Year's Eve Ballroom Gala

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch

7500 East Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale

www.hyatt.com

Hosted by KEZ 99.9's Marty Manning, this ballroom gala promises to ring in 2005 with luxurious style. Live entertainment will be provided by The Shining Star Band, and ticket prices include party favors, an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, a sit-down dinner, a dessert sampler, and a midnight balloon drop and champagne toast. Tickets cost $150 per person, must be purchased in advance, and are only available to those 21 and over. The resort is also offering special "New Year's Eve Packages," which include admittance to the gala and resort room accommodations for one night for $640, or two nights for $912. Call 480-991-3388.

"A Night to Remember" New Year's Eve Package

Hyatt Regency Phoenix

122 North Second Street, Phoenix

Overnight package includes deluxe guest room for two, party tickets (party entertainment by The Groove Merchantsand DJ Ray), eight complimentary drink tickets, champagne toast at midnight, hors d'oeuvres, party favors, and balloon drop at midnight. Package price: $249 per couple. Party-only price: $79 in advance, $89 at the door. 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Call 602-252-1234.

Orange Tree Golf & Conference Resort

10601 North 56th Street, Scottsdale

Five-course dinner, champagne toast, wine and champagne paired with each course, midnight continental breakfast buffet, party favors, fireworks at midnight. 7 p.m. to midnight. $125 per person. Call 480-443-1225 for reservations.

The Phoenix Symphony

Dodge Theatre

400 West Washington Street, Phoenix

www.phoenixsymphony.org

The symphony rings in the new year with a program that includes love songs, jazz numbers and more, featuring Don Farrell on baritone, and dancers from the Neos Dance Theatre. Includes a free champagne toast. 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20-$55. Call 602-495-1999.

Rawhide

23023 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Rawhide Steakhouse Party, Family Desert Party, or dinner in one of Rawhide's dining rooms. Live country band, door prizes, dancing, and fireworks. Hours and costs vary. Call 480-502-5600 for more information.

Scottsdale's Ultimate Block Party

Craftsman Court between Third and Fifth avenues, Third and Fifth avenues from Scottsdale Road to Marshall Way, and Stetson Drive to Sixth Avenue, Scottsdalewww.openairevents.com

10,000 people attended last year's block party, and 18,000 are expected this year. The event begins during the day, with a High School Music Festivalon Fifth Avenue at 10 a.m. At 5 p.m., the evening festivities begin for those 21 and over. A variety of bands will be playing on three music stages, including The Chadwicks, Chalmer's Green, Chrome 9, Dimonet, 1000 Yard Stare, Simplfly, and Prince Charming. Lit, and The Fixxheadline the main stage. There will also be a slew of DJs spinning hot dance tunes, food, beverages, street vendors, and fireworks at midnight. Tickets cost $35. Proceeds benefit Scottsdale and Phoenix Firefighters Charities and Scottsdale School District's music programs.

Tempe Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Block Party

Mill Avenue and Tempe Beach Park, Tempe

www.tostitosfiestabowl.com

Food and beverage booths, interactive games, two fireworks displays, and more than 30 bands, including Smash Mouth, which headlines the main stage in Tempe Beach Park. 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. $20 ($15 with VIP card at Fry's). Call 480-350-0911.

2004 New Year's Eve Bash at Livinghead Studios

2746 West Thomas Road, Phoenix

www.livinghead.com

Many people blew their wads on Christmas shopping, but the seasonal po' folk can still get in on the action at this local music extravaganza, which features 15 bands for five bucks. In addition to performances by . . . And Guppies Eat Their Young, Natalie Espinoza of Bella, Wonderful Wednesday, The Budget Sinatra, 2nd Hand Emotion, Treasure Mammal, Asleep in the Sea, Sweet Bleeders, Colorstore, The Ruby Lee, Minibosses, Rum Tenor, Fatigo, Vin Fiz, and Oblio, there's also an open bar. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the bands begin at 8 p.m. Call 602-352-8535.