Is it over yet? Can we look?
Don't know about y'all, but we're more than ready to put the titanic clusterfuck that was 2008 behind us. Frankly, we're hoping to forget the past 365-odd days (with the exception of November 4, natch) and welcome 2009 with open arms and more hope than a warehouse full of Shepard Fairey posters. But first, we're gonna send this bitch out in style with saan endless night of hedonistic boozing and carousing (believe us, we need it). We'll be sipping Chablis at the W Scottsdale before hanging with glammy scene kids down at the Rogue Bar. Or maybe we'll sup on sushi and sake and then dance until noon on New Year's Day with the house-music maestros at Bar Smith. The night is ours to be had and can be yours as well if you peep the following listings of select fetes and festivities going down on Wednesday, December 31 (unless otherwise specified).
The Gin Blossoms are scheduled to perform at Scottsdale’s Ultimate Block Party.
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See you next year.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Arizona Broadway Theatre
7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria
www.azbroadwaytheatre.com
Cast members of A Christmas Carol and Annie Get Your Gun sing during a gala Broadway revue, and patrons can drink and sup during a lobby reception with hors d'oeuvres, as well as a three-course dinner. Deluxe party favors, dancing, a midnight countdown, and a toast are also planned. Cocktail or contemporary formalwear required. 6:15 p.m.-1 a.m. $150 per person. Call 623-776-8400.
Carefree Resort & Villas
37220 Mule Train Rd., Carefree
www.carefree-resort.com
EastonAshe's annual New Year's bash will feature a performance by the local rockers, party favors, champagne toast, a balloon drop, midnight countdown, and more. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. All ages. Admission, food, drink, and lodging prices vary (with various packages available). Visit www.eastonashe.net for full details.
Cave Creek Coffee Company
6033 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
www.cavecreekcoffee.com
The Grateful Ball with a midnight champagne toast, and Miles and Rhonda Lester performing an evening of Grateful Dead songs. 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m. $15 pre-sale, $18 at the door. Call 480-488-0603.
Celebrity Theatre
440 N. 32nd St.
www.celebritytheatre.com
Perennial New Year's Eve favorite Jerry Riopelle presents an evening of rootsy blues-rock. 9 p.m. $40-$95. Call 602-267-1600.
Dodge Theatre
400 W. Washington St.
www.livenation.com
Perpetually angry comedian Lewis Black stages some New Year's Eve stand-up. 8 p.m. $39.50-$72. Call 480-784-4444.
Fairmont Scottsdale
7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale
The Stone Rose Lounge hosts a sophisticated New Year's Eve soiree featuring beats by DJ P-Body, hors d'eouvres from Bourbon Steak from 8-10 p.m., a broadcast of the Times Square countdown and ball drop, party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, and more. 8 p.m. $50 per person. A special $99 room rate is also available at the resort. Call 917-434-0250 or email mstamper@gerberbars.com for tickets or reservations.
Fort McDowell Casino
10424 N. Fort McDowell Rd., Fort McDowell
www.fortmcdowellcasino.com
The Lucky 7 Saloon hosts “Rockin' in 2009 at The Fort” featuring free hors d'oeuvres starting at 6 p.m., music from '80s tribute band The Whip Its starting at 9 p.m., free party favors, and a midnight champagne toast. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Call 800-843-3678.
Harrah's Ak-Chin
15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa
www.harrahs.com
The Cherry Poppin' Daddies will unleash their swinging ska-pop and Latin-inspired sounds during two free shows in the Oasis Lounge. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 8 and 10 p.m. Free. Call 480-802-5000.
Hyatt Regency Hotel
122 N. 2nd St.
The Atrium hosts a New Year's Eve dance party with high energy Motown and R&B music from The Groove Merchants, a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight, light hors d'oeuvres, party favors, and more. Dressy casual outfits preferred. 21 and over. $89 in advance, $99 at the door (both include four drink tickets per person). 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Call 602-252-1234. The Compass Restaurant will also being serving a four-course dinner. $89 per person for adults, $40 for children 5 to 12 years. Call 602-252-1234 (extension 4510) for seating times.
Insight Bowl
Sun Devil Stadium
500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe
The Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-5) will face off against the Kansas Jayhawks (7-5) during the 20th annual Insight Bowl. 4 p.m. kickoff. $20-$80. Call 480-350-0900 or visit www.insightbowl.org.
Insight Fiesta Bowl Block Party
Mill Avenue District, Tempe
www.insightbowl.org
Countless college football fans, partygoers, and revelers will cram themselves into downtown Tempe for one of the Valley's premier New Year's shindigs, which always boasts a stellar mix of music, food, and fun. The 2008 version of the event features performances by Styx and more than 40 local bands, including 60 Degrees North, Gooder, Tractor Pull Divas, What Laura Says, Peachcake, Five High, and Duct Tape Repairman. There's also freestyle motocross jumping, dueling pianos, magic shows, air guitar competitions, parades, pep rallies, food and drink vendors, the midnight countdown drop, and a fireworks show. 4 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. $20. Call 480-350-0911.
Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino
10438 N. Fort McDowell Rd., Fort McDowell
Jet back to the '70s for KOOL 94.5’s New Year's Eve Disco Party, featuring groovy dance music by Wonder Boogie, appetizers, prizes and giveaways, '70s cocktail prices, a Disco Inferno ball drop and champagne toast at midnight, free souvenir photos with a psychedelic VW microbus, and more. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $70 in advance, $75 at the door. Call 888-695-0888.
