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News and Features
December 21-27, 2005

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Bonnie Hayes

End of an Institution: Bonnie Hayes is among the stellar performers gathering at Ted's in San Anselmo not only to celebrate New Year's Eve but to bid farewell to this Marin County mainstay, closing its doors after 30 years.

Stay Up All Night

(Almost) everything there is to do this New Year's Eve


Compiled by Tessa Brunton

Sonoma County

Events

The Edith Piaf Cabaret Car Cultureue Songs and banter at the historic Cinnabar Theater. Includes party favors, bubbly and joie de vivre. 3333 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. $50-$52. 707.763.8929.

Nina Gerber & the One Night Onlys Instead of "Auld Lang Syne," usher in 2006 with John Lennon's "Imagine," led by the Love Choir after a performance by guitar phenomenon Nina Gerber. Includes midnight Champagne and snacks. Show starts at 9pm. 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. $35-$45. 707.823.1511.

Santa Rosa Veteran's Memorial Hall Substance-free New Year's dance with DJ and band featuring Bluesomatic. 8:30pm to midnight. Santa Rosa Veteran's Memorial Hall. 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa. Suggested donation $10. 707.206.0360.

Three Kings Day Gloria Ferrer celebrates the winery's Spanish heritage with this annual community party. The Sonoma Valley Children's Chorus perform, and tapas and sparkling wine complete this family-friendly afternoon. From 4pm. Reservations required. 23555 Hwy. 121, Sonoma. $5. 707.933.1999.

Clubs

A'Roma Roasters & Coffeehouse George Hagerty plays the blues at 8:30pm. 95 Fifth St., Railroad Square, Santa Rosa. Free. 707.576.7765.

Ace-in-the-Hole Pub Three bands: Odd Girl In, the Trailer Park Rangers and Chicks with Picks. Show starts at 9pm and finishes with a midnight toast. 3100 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Sebastopol. $25. 707.829.1223.

Bar Code Festivities planned but not yet revealed. Call for details. 404 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.528.9478.

Black Cat Bar & Cafe Big New Year's Eve party with Slinky Minx and Cheap Date 13 starting at 9pm. 10056 Main St., Penngrove. Call for cover. 707.793.9480.

Black Rose Irish Pub The Wild Catahoulas play rockin' Cajun starting at 8pm, followed by a midnight toast. 2074 Armory Drive, Santa Rosa. $25-$35. 707.546.7673.

Carneros Dancing to the soulful sounds of EZ Kewl plus four-course prix fixe meal, desserts and bubbly. Four seatings, $115 per person. Or come later for the dessert bar, champagne toast and dancing. From 9pm; $25. 1325 Broadway, Sonoma. 707.931.2042.

Doubletree Hotel The Other Side, a dance club for women and their friends, features a midnight balloon drop and dancing in the Grand Ballroom, $500 in cash and prizes, and three full bars starting at 9pm; VIP lounge opens at 10pm. 1 Double Tree Drive, Rohnert Park. $25-$176. 707.584.5466.

Equus Lounge Ron Cameron plays piano from 6pm to 9pm, then the blues of the Tommy Golden Band takes the night over. Fountaingrove Inn, 101 Fountaingrove Pkwy., Santa Rosa. 707.578.6101.

Finbar Devine's Irish Pub Dancing from 10pm. 145 Kentucky St., Petaluma. 707.762.9800.

Flamingo Lounge A Champagne-popping New Year's Eve party with the Poyntlyss Sistars starts at 9pm. Fourth Street and Farmers Lane, Santa Rosa. $30. 707.545.8530.

Forestville Club Stiff Dead Cat ensure that it's a porch-punk New Year. From 9pm. 6250 Front St., Forestville. Call for cover. 707.887.2594.

Jasper O'Farrell's Jake Mackey's New Year bash gives the blues—in a good way. From 9pm. 6957 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. No cover. 707.829.2062.

Kodiak Jack's Feast on the midnight buffet at KJ's New Year's party before the toast. Doors open at 8pm. 256 Petaluma Blvd., Petaluma. 707.765.5722.

Last Day Saloon The Car Cultureerend Horton Heat tears the house down from 9:30pm. Treats include snacks, Champagne toast and party favors. Fifth and Davis streets, Santa Rosa. $70. 707.545.2343.

Little Switzerland Offering dinner, dancing, party favors and a midnight buffet, as well as the polka music of the Steve Balich Band. 401 Grove St., Sonoma. $75. 707.938.1616.

Liquid Sky House and dance music with DJ Monika with a free Champagne toast at midnight. No cover before 9pm; $10 for late-comers. 16225 Main St., Guerneville. 707.869.9910.

Main Street Station Toast in the New Year hourly (celebrating New Year's from New York to Guerneville) with free Champagne all night. Partygoers will also hear the blues of Gwen "Sugar Mama" Avery. Show starts at 7:30pm. 6280 Main St., Guerneville. $15. 707.869.0501.

McT's Bullpen The good news is the band Dream Machine will start at 8pm, and there will be prizes hidden in the balloons dropped at midnight. The bad news is that, unlike usual, the drinks cost more than 50 cents. 14246 First St., Guerneville. Free. 707.869.3377.

Michele's Restaurant & Bar Murder Mystery Dinner. Two shows at 5pm and 9pm, costing $60 and $70. Follow this morbid mayhem with a DJ and Champagne toast in the bar. 521 Adams St., Santa Rosa. 707.542.2577.

Murphy's Irish Pub The Celtic fusion band Greenhouse begin playing at 3pm (at 4pm, it's the New Year in Ireland). At 9pm, the evening heats up with the Carrtunes playing blues, swing, jazz and country. 464 First St., Sonoma. Shows are free, buy a pint! 707.935.0660.

Mystic Theatre The Tommy Castro Band wail the blues till the balloons drop. Best Of Readers' Poll Marin fave the Katie Knipp Band open. 23 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. Show starts at 9pm. $50. 707.765.2121.

Negri's Party with live music starting at 9:30pm. 3700 Bohemian Hwy., Occidental. Free. 707.823.5301.

North Light Books & Cafe The Polkanomics celebrate the new year a day early on Friday, Dec. 30, at 7:30pm with polka mania. 550 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati. No cover. 707.792.4300.

Papa's Taverna Find your Inner Zorba from 8pm to midnight with live Greek music and dancing. 5688 Lakeville Hwy., Petaluma. 707.769.8545.

Phoenix Theater Call for all-ages shows! 201 Washington St., Petaluma. 707.762.3565.

Quincy's Pub & Cafe Party to a hip-hop DJ before a midnight toast. Cover starts at $5, but increases throughout the evening, so show up early. 6590 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park. 707.585.1079.

Russian River Brewing Co. Burlesque dancing with Ooh La Luz followed by 5AM at the annual Big Blue Ball. Music starts at 9pm. 725 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. $25. 707.545.BEER.

Russian River Resort The Grrrnville New Year's weekend at the premier gay resort features a pajama party, beer bust and New Year's Eve party at Club Fab. New Year's Day festivities include an ice plunge and barbecue. $35 buys an all-access VIP pass. 16390 Fourth St., Guerneville. 707.869.0691.

Spancky's A New Year's Eve party featuring the dance-rock music of Endeavor, bubbly at the witching hour and prizes. Show starts at 9pm. 8201 Old Redwood Hwy., Cotati. $10; two people, $15. 707.664.0169.

Stumptown Brewery The Champagne toast at midnight is certain, the band is still to be announced. 15045 River Road, Guerneville. No cover. 707.869.0705.

Sweet Lou's Family Trattoria Start the night with the jazz sounds of Bill & Gill at 6pm, followed by Wiley's Coyotes at 10pm. 8201 Old Redwood Hwy., Cotati. No cover. 707.793.0955.

Sweet Spot Pub & Lounge The French groove group Dgiin start at 9pm; food and Champagne complete the night. 619 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. $20. 707.528.7566.

Tradewinds Featuring the all night rock 'n' roll of the Detroit Disciples. Music starts at 9:30pm. 8210 Old Redwood Hwy., Cotati. $25. 707.795.7878.

Twin Oaks Tavern DJ music, snacks and midnight toast. Music starts at 9pm. 5745 Old Redwood Hwy., Penngrove. No cover. 707.795.5118.

Willowbrook Ale House The NorCal Country band start playing at 9pm. Lose your dignity after a dinner of prime rib, salmon or portabella mushroom with some funny hats and free Champagne at midnight. 3600 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. $25. 707.775.4232.

Zebulon's Lounge Bubbly and party favors with the highly danceable funk of Levi Lloyd. Music starts at 9pm. 21 Fourth St., Petaluma. $20. 707.769.7948.

Marin County

Events

Coastal Party The Coastal Health Alliance throws itself a party with live music by Borderline, as well as Champagne, light appetizers and desserts from 8:30pm. Dance Palace, Fifth and B streets, Pt. Reyes Station. $40. 415.663.8198.

142 Throckmorton Theatre New Year's soiree features the Hot Buttered Rum String Band with Scott Law and a midnight toast. Show starts at 8pm. 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. $35. 415.383.9600.

Clubs

Cafe Amsterdam Features the Latin jazz stylings of the Company She Keeps at 9:30pm. 23 Broadway, Fairfax. $6. 415.256.8020.

Fourth Street Tavern Check out the funk-hop of Legitimate Business. 711 Fourth St., San Rafael. 10pm. $5-$10. 415.454.4044.

Mancuso's Bar & Grill A traditional New Year's party complete with midnight toast and DJ dancing. 1535 S. Novato Blvd., Novato. Call for cover. 415.892.5051.

19 Broadway The Monophonics and Jerry Hannan start at 9:30pm. 19 Broadway, Fairfax. $20-$25. 415.459.1091.

No Name Bar Celebrate with funny hats, noisy horns and Genie Stout at 9pm. 757 Bridgeway, Sausalito. $10. 415.332.1392.

Old Western Saloon Two bands, Six L Six and the Oppressors, start at 8pm and go till the bubbly runs out (or 2am arrives). 11201 Hwy. Route 1, Pt. Reyes. $5. 415.663.1661.

Peri's Silver Dollar Ring in the new with the Ed Early Blues Band from 9:30pm. Free Champagne toast. 29 Broadway, Fairfax. $7. 415.459.9910.

Rancho Nicasio The Zydeco Flames celebrate with party favors and a Champagne toast. Music starts at 9pm, or come early for a special New Year's Eve dinner at 5pm. Town Square, Nicasio. $35-$45. 415.662.2219.

Rings Nightclub Show yourself off at the Society of Single Professional's New Year's singles-only bash. Party favors, DJ dancing and free midnight Champagne. Embassy Suites Hotel, 101 McInnis Pkwy., San Rafael. $20. 415.507.9962.

Saylor's Landing Ring in the new year with the jazz of the Mike Angel Group. Music starts at 7pm. 305 Harbor Drive, Sausalito. 415.332.6161.

Seafood Peddler This year the Peddler will feature the New Wrinkles, a coming- of-middle-age band. Dinner and show at 5:30pm for $95, or come for the second show and dance till the wee hours at 9:30pm for $75. 100 Yacht Club Drive, San Rafael. 415.460.6669.

Smiley's Count down with country band Whoreshoes. Show starts at 9pm. 41 Wharf Road, Bolinas. $5. 415.868.1311.

Station House Cafe Join the dinner-dance party with the Artifacts, who play swing, folk and blues. The show starts at 9pm and comes complete with a multicourse dinner and a Champagne toast, both included in the $55 cover. Such a deal. 11180 Hwy. Route 1, Pt. Reyes Station. 415.663.1515.

Sweetwater Funk faves Vinyl will be playing at 9:30pm and finishing up 2005 with free Champagne and party favors. Ride to and from the show in style in the free 14-person limousine service also offered by Sweetwater within the Mill Valley city limits. 153 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. $50. 415.388.2820.

Ted's Restaurant Omigod! After 30 years in business, Ted's says farewell this New Year's Eve, albeit in style. Singer-songwriter Bonnie Hayes and her brother Kevin Hayes of the Robert Cray Band gig with members of Bon Tempe and the Vibros as a funk, rock and blues collective known as the Swampaholics. Come for dinner, stay for the end of an era. 218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo. Fifteen measly bucks. 415.453.8600.

Shawn Ryan

Nuthin' But Blue Skies: Jazz singer Shawn Ryan lightens the Rainbow Room at the Depot Hotel.

Napa County

Events

Clos Pegase Enjoy a Great Gatsby celebration. Visit the Roaring Twenties in the romantic caves of Clos Pegase. The evening begins at 8pm with a reception, followed by a four-course dinner, wine and live jazz. Event limited to 150 people. 1060 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga. $200. 800.366.8583

Clubs

Boone's Saloon This roadhouse features the Ralph Woodson Trio with party favors, finger foods and bubbly on the house at midnight. Come back New Year's Day for flapjacks and coffee from 9am to 1pm. 4370 Knoxville Road, Napa. $10. 707.966.2420.

Calistoga Inn & Restaurant In-house DJs start at 9pm playing hip-hop, funk and rock 'n' roll. Free Champagne toast at midnight. 1250 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga. Call for cover. 707.942.4101.

DG's Dance the night away at DG's one-year anniversary New Year's celebration with John Lee Hooker Jr.'s smokin' blues band. Dinner show at 8:30pm features prix fixe dinner, wine and da blues; New Year's show at 10:30pm offers music, midnight buffet and Champagne. 530 Main St., Napa. $80-$150. 707.253.8474.

Downtown Joe's Treat yourself to a four-course meal of crab or prime rib followed by the tunes of Johnny Smith's Band, a balloon drop and a midnight buffet. Two dinner seatings at 7:30pm and 9pm. Music starts at 9:30. Advance reservations required. 902 Main St., Napa. $100. 707.258.2337.

Hydro Grill Get down with bluesy Mojo Jelly at the festive Hydro Grill. Show starts at 9pm. Lincoln Street and Washington Avenue, Calistoga. Call for ticket prices. 707.942.9777.

Rainbow Room Cabaret venue located in the Depot Hotel features jazz and cabaret artist Shawn Ryan with the Kelly Park Trio. Shows at 8:30pm and 10:45pm. Tickets cost $50 and $75, respectively. Both shows have a two-drink minimum. The lobster-positive buffet is $50. Following the late show, DJ dancing until 2am, with a $10 cover. 8806 Fourth St., Napa. 707.252.4477.

Silverado Brewing Co. The DJ party starts at 8:30pm, but everyone will be waiting for the after-midnight breakfast buffet. Don't worry about cab fare—Silverado supplies a shuttle service between St. Helena and Calistoga. 3020 N. St. Helena Hwy., St. Helena. 707.967.9876.

Silverado Resort The main lounge will be open with live music at 9pm. The safety-conscious should rejoice that a police fundraiser is also occurring at the resort that night. 1600 Atlas Peak Road, Napa. 707.257.0200.

1351 Lounge Party at the New Year's White Ball featuring the Brian Cline Band, party favors and free midnight Champagne. Doors open at 9:30pm. White attire encouraged. 1351 Main St., St. Helena. $35. 707.963.1969.


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