(All events take place December 31, 2002, unless otherwise noted.)
Parties
Evening of Elegance at the Atrium
Four Seasons Northwest cordially invites you to “an evening of elegance” at the Design Center Atrium. Manifestations of said elegance will include music by DJ Summerrise, dancing of every conceivable sort, and a buffet and no-host bar to satiate the partying masses. Needless to say, “festive holiday attire” is expected, and elegance is required at all times. $30 advance, $35 at the door. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. DECEMBER 26. 5701 Sixth Ave. S., 206-478-5085. GEORGETOWN
Absolut Red, White & Blue Ball
Theme rooms, edibles and potables galore, and funkmeister Maceo Parker (as well as other booty-shakin’ musical guests) await you at one of the largest private fiestas in Seattle. If nothing else, come for the B-52’s cover band-no year-end bash is complete without a round of “Rock Lobster.” $55/$80. 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Tues. Bell Harbor International Conference Center, 2211 Alaskan Way, 206-269-4103. DOWNTOWN
Double Your Pleasure at Watertown and Tini Bigs
Two beloved bars “under the Space Needle” are teaming up to provide you with maximum bang for minimum buck. Watertown and Tini Bigs Lounge cordially invite you to a night of dancing, drinking, and partying. Disco, house, and funk are on the musical menu, and reserved booths are available. $25 in advance (joint cover). 9:30 p.m.-3 a.m. Watertown, 100 Denny Way, 206-284-5003; Tini Bigs, 106 First Ave. N., 206-284-5003. DOWNTOWN
BluWater Ball
Two rooms of funkiness are yours to explore at this gala event. Dance tunes from DJ Cool-Ade will compete with “deep soulful jazzy-beat house” from DJ Bumble Bee-and let’s not forget the Vixens of Vinyl, who plan to spin deep ‘n’ funky house and breakbeats. “Funky Formal Dress” required! $23. 6 p.m. The BluWater Bistro, 1001 Fairview Ave. N., 206-447-0769. GREENLAKE
Knight on the Town at Excalibur
Have a knightly night at Excalibur-the party is set to include a buffet, the jazz ‘n’ blues of Phyllis Talley & Company, and the requisite champagne toast at midnight. You just know this place will be full of Renaissance Faire people, so come prepared: bring a broadsword and some armor. Just kidding. $40/ person, 75/couple 6pm.-2am 926 Harrington Ave. N.E., Renton, 425-430-1803. RENTON
Resolutions
Space City Mixer is calling this party “Resolutions,” and one resolution you can count on breaking is that pesky vow of moderation. Two fabulous DJs, superior drink specials, frenetic dancing, and even a prize wheel (!) will make the festive mood complete. $35 in advance, $45 at the door. 8 p.m. 2411 Alaskan Way at Pier 67, 206-269-4567. DOWNTOWN
A Very Special New Year’s at Chop Suey
Groove to music from the Indian subcontinent with DJ Peter Madril. He’ll be spinning Asian Dub, Hindi, Bhangra, and Bollywood with some help from Tablas player William Gilchrist and other DJ friends. $20 until Dec. 30; $25 at the door. 1325 E Madison, 206-324-8000. CAPITOL HILL
Shoot and Spin at Belltown Billiards
Belltown Billiards may not be the likeliest gathering place for New Year’s Eve festivities, but they’re doing their damnedest to be the best. DJ Benjammin (get it?) and his dear friend T-Bone will be on hand to provide “progressive house music,” and great food, fabulous pool tables, and party favors are all part of the plan. $10. 90 Blanchard St., 206-448-6779. BELLTOWN
Sultriness at Tia Lou’s
Tia Lou’s is promising a “sultry” New Year’s Eve, and hopefully they aren’t just talking about the music. Lou’s “all-inclusive party” will feature vocal house and trance with unstoppable DJs Shelby and Tamm. A complimentary buffet, champagne toast, and party favors will be provided, and you can even check out the pyrotechnics from the deck. $50 for ladies, $80 for gentlemen. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. 2218 First Ave., 206-501-9700. BELLTOWN
Barbecue Boogie at the Frontier Room
Zounds eclectic! The Frontier Room is celebrating its 50-year history with this gut-bustingly cool shindig, featuring the kick-ass rockabilly sounds of DJ Katan paired with some serious barbecue and the strong drinks you so desperately want and need. $10. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. (music at 9 p.m.; food until midnight) 2203 First Ave., 206-956-RIBS. BELLTOWN
Musicle at Rendezvous
Party on at Rendezvous with some help from the hitgirl! collective, featuring such imaginatively named guests as L.A. Kendall, Ginger Vaughn, Gulie Herrera, and Chocha Fresca (“The Salsa Queen of the Universe”). $10. 2320 Second Ave., 206-441-5823. BELLTOWN
Tango Ball at Odd Fellow’s Lodge
Dance your way into 2003 at the Odd Fellow’s Lodge in Ballard, where local band Tango Divino will get you on your feet with hoppin’ tango music. The dessert bar should keep you sated while your mate begs for one last dance before the champagne toast at midnight. Beginners should arrive at nine o’clock for a complimentary tango lesson. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. 9 p.m.-12 a.m. 1706 N.W. Market St., 206-781-9553. BALLARD
Vegas New Year’s Party at Club Medusa
According to Club Medusa, Las Vegas is “where the good boys go bad and the bad girls get dirty.” Medusa is hosting a Vegas-style New Year’s Eve bash this year, complete with “showgirls, magicians, and celebrity impersonators.” Your MC will be Elvis Presley, of course. The King will be presiding over a champagne buffet from 8-10 p.m. and some serious prizes, including a trip for two to Vegas for whoever comes up with the campiest, most outrageous celebrity-impersonatin’ attire. DJs Adam Cantrell and Billy the Kid will be there to spin ’til you drop. $50 in advance, $75 at the door. 8 p.m.-4 a.m. 2218 Western Ave., 206-448-8887. BELLTOWN
Divas & Aphrodisiacs at Contour
Our wonderful friends at Contour are once again threatening to sexxx you up this New Year’s Eve with their dynamic Divas & Aphrodisiacs fiesta! Party favors, a seafood and oyster buffet (classy!), and chocolate-covered strawberries at midnight (sexy!) are just a few of the irresistible offerings. DJs Keri, Speedbump, and Paulina will groove you into 2003 with the funkiest progressive house this side of Funksylvania. “Creative semi-formal party attire” required. $38 in advance, $50 at the door. 8 p.m. 807 First Ave., 206-447-7704. DOWNTOWN
Sinners & Saints New Year’s Masquerade at Northgate
If a special appearance by “adult film superstar” Brittany Andrews isn’t enough to get you here, then maybe you’ll succumb to the music of DJs Siren, Star Eyes, and Taj. There will also be a bootylicious costume contest wherein “sexy sinners and saints” will be rewarded with solicitous glances and, in one extreme case, a trip to South Beach. But wait, there’s more! Professional pole performers, a “sexy acrobatic saint” who will supposedly soar through the air in an erotic manner, and even a body artist. How can you go wrong? $25 presale; $45 at the door; $150 VIP. 8 p.m. Northgate Music Theater, 120 N.E. Northgate Way, 206-516-8660. NORTHGATE
Drum ‘n’ Bass at the Baltic Room
The Baltic is throwing it down DJ-style this year, with local drum ‘n’ bassers spinning for the masses. Affordable and danceable, this party is keepin’ it real, as they say; and yes, there will be a champagne toast at midnight. $5. 9 p.m. 1207 Pine St., 206-625-4444. CAPITOL HILL
Dancing and Romancing at the Century Ballroom
Salsa and swing are going head to head this year at the Century. Watch them duke it out as you wine, dine, and shine on the dance floor. Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca will be taking care of the salsa, while DJ Hep Jen promises to deliver smashing swing to make you swoon. In addition, a succulent four-course dinner will be available to those who make reservations before Dec. 27. $40 for dancing; $95 for dinner and dancing. Dinner at 7 p.m.; party at 9:30 p.m. 915 E. Pine St. (2nd Floor), 206-324-7263. CAPITOL HILL
Siamese Dreaming at ToST
The popular Fremont club-“just a stone’s throw from Lenin!”-is going multimedia to mark the passing of 2002. Siamese will be there to provide live drum ‘n’ bass, while “visuals + projections by JUS-10” will occupy your ocular interest. Party favors and champagne are a given, but we’re mentioning them anyway. $10 in advance, $15 at the door, $25 for reserved seating. 5 p.m. 513 N. 36th St., 206-547-0240. FREMONT
Darts and Dancing at Richie D’s
Richie D’s has something for everyone this New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re in search of a darts contest, some dance grooves (courtesy of DJ Lil Mikey), or just a midnight buffet, you’ll find it here. $15/person, $20/couple. 8 p.m. 5602 232nd St. S.W., Mountlake Terrace, 425-670-9990. MOUNTLAKE TERRACE
New Year’s Eve in Pioneer Square
One square, seven clubs, 25 bucks. Do the math-what a deal! Gain full access to Bohemian and Bohemian Backstage, Doc Maynard’s (see detailed listing), The Central Tavern, New Orleans Restaurant (see detailed listing), Old Timer’s Caf鬠and Larry’s Blues Caf鮠$25 (joint Pioneer Square cover). 6 p.m. Intersection of First Avenue, Yesler Way, and James St. PIONEER SQUARE
Dinner Parties
Bulgarian New Year’s Eve Party
Unchained Bulgarity is bound to occur at this landmark event celebrating all that is wonderful about Bulgaria. Included in the price of admission is a multi-course dinner, “live music all night,” and the opportunity to strut your stuff amidst the Bulgar masses. Cocktail attire, please. $80. 7 p.m. 4306 228th St. S.W., 206-227-0609. MOUNTLAKE TERRACE
New Year’s Eve at the Emerald Center
Food, drink, and a great deal of shimmying await you at this dinner deluxe. The multi-course meal will be followed several hours later by a midnight buffet; in between you can boogie festively to the tunes of May Palmer and her All Star Band on one of two dance floors. There will also be a DJ supplying nonstop grooves in the downstairs dance hall. $75. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. 6556 24th Ave. N.W., 206-789-2964. BALLARD
Gourmet Feast at Earth & Ocean
For the assiduous chefs at Earth & Ocean, whipping up a spectacular holiday dinner is about as difficult as changing channels with a remote control. How do they do it? This year’s festive menu includes such venerable gourmet blockbusters as American Osetra caviar, Maine lobster, and cherries jubilee. $56-$70. 5-11 p.m. 1112 4th Ave., 206-264-6060. DOWNTOWN
Party at Holiday Inn SeaTac
Nobody can throw a bash quite like Holiday Inn, and they’re at it again this year, hosting a five-course dinner and subsequent musical entertainment from the Charles Lambert Trio. $149.99 ($50 more gets you a room for two and a complimentary breakfast). Music begins at 9 p.m. Holiday Inn SeaTac, 17338 International Blvd., 206-248-1000. SEATAC
Gourmet Grub at Greenlake Bar & Grill
Greenlake Bar & Grill is all about treating you right this New Year’s Eve. Their four-course prix fixe dinner will include oysters, ahi, lobster, or salmon in the entr饠role and white chocolate cheesecake for dessert. Yowza! Everything else you expect from an end-of-year party-the party favors, the champagne toast, the live jazz-will also be present and accounted for. $40. Dinner served from 8:30-11:00 p.m. 7200 Greenlake Dr. N., 206-729-6179. GREENLAKE
Festivities at Flying Fish
Flying Fish is all about the headwear. “[B]ring your own festive party hat or be prepared to wear a decorative paper toque trimmed with marabou feathers.” The mild humiliation of wearing silly hats will surely be offset by the abundant wine selection and the special menu, which is set to include spiny lobster and Mexican sea scallops. Seatings from 5-10 p.m. 2234 First Ave., 206-728-8595. BELLTOWN
Latin Flair at Fandango
Appropriately enough, Fandango is giving its New Year’s Eve celebration a Latin spin this year, featuring such mouthwatering special menu items as tuna carpaccio with avocado oil and scallops with black truffles. Plus, Latin trio Marco de Carvalho will be kickin’ out the jams from 8 p.m. to midnight. Seatings from 5-10 p.m. 2313 First Ave., 206-441-1188. BELLTOWN
Double Fiesta at Bandoleone and Tango
The two Spanish restaurants are teaming up to present simultaneous New Year’s Eve dinners. Whichever one you choose, rest assured that “a sumptuous meal,” fine champagne, and wacky party favors await you. Seatings from 5:30-11:00 p.m. Tango, 1100 Pike St., 206-583-0382. CAPITOL HILL; Bandoleone, 2241 Eastlake Ave. E., 206-329-7559. EASTLAKE
Northern Italian Nirvana at Caf頊uanita
The special tasting menus at Caf頊uanita will produce convulsions of ecstasy in meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Their regular selection ($95) includes such exquisite creations as squab with sweetbread lentil ragout and oyster brodetto with caviar, while the meatless version ($65) features pear salad with white truffle oil and fonduta with spicy roasted cauliflower. Seatings from 5-10 p.m. 9702 N.E. 120th Pl., Kirkland, 425-823-1505. KIRKLAND
French Cabaret at Maximilien
Relive the spirited days of 1940s Paris at Maximilien, where the WWII era will live again thanks to a special four-course menu designed by Chef Francy (yes, that is his actual name). The festivities will include rapturous entertainment from a trio of talented musicians who intend to recreate the legendary chansons of Edith Piaf. $59 (prix fixe). Seatings from 6:00-6:30 p.m. and 8:30-9:00 p.m. 81A Pike St., 206-682-7270. PIKE PLACE MARKET
Early or Late to Brasserie Margaux
Brasserie Margaux is offering New Year’s Eve dinner in two varieties: splurge and ultra-splurge. Will it be a lovely three-course meal ($37.50) or a lavish six-course feast ($52.50)? Both options include a complimentary glass of champagne. Whichever you choose, count on live music and unfettered gaiety. Three-course menu starts at 5 p.m.; six-course menu starts at 8:45 p.m. 401 Lenora St, 206-443-4300. BELLTOWN
French Finesse at Dulces Latin Bistro
From the sexiest Latin bistro in Madrona comes this totally seductive New Year’s Eve prix fixe dinner. Chef Julie Guererro is whipping up a French theme this year; her culinary concoctions will include duck breast with shallot-rosemary reduction and the ever-popular petit filet mignon au bigarade et foie gras. Complimentary champagne will be provided for a midnight toast. $50. 5-11 p.m. 1430 34th Ave., 206-322-5453. MADRONA
R鶥illon at Campagne
Be still my beating heart. Campagne is serving up a luscious four-course prix fixe for New Year’s Eve. Entr饠choices include monkfish wrapped with bacon, boneless rib-eye, grilled lamb loin, and Perigord black truffles with champignon risotto. Dinner ends at eleven o’clock, but the festivities will continue into the night. $78. 5:30-11:00 p.m. Post Alley and Pine St., 206-728-2800. PIKE PLACE MARKET
Festa at Tempero do Brasil
You and the girl from Ipanema will feel right at home when Tempero do Brasil tempts you with its special New Year’s Eve menu. Non-edible diversions will include a prize drawing and live Brazilian music featuring the considerable talents of Kiko Freitas and Nilza Lessa. 5-10 p.m. 5268 University Way N.E., 206-523-6229. UNIVERSITY DISTRICT
Buffet and Bellies at the Caspian Grill
Belly dancing and a kebob buffet are just two of the wonders to behold at the Caspian Grill’s special New Year’s Eve dinner. Live music from Russia and its friendly neighbors will add to the merriment. 5717 University Way N.E., 206-524-3434. UNIVERSITY DISTRICT
Loy Kratong at Toi
Toi is recreating the traditional Thai festival of light, in which sinners wash away their bad karma by sending “floating vessels of candles and incense down the Chao Phraya River.” For those less nautically inclined, a prix fixe menu will include lemongrass filet mignon, lobster tail with lime and lemongrass butter, and various other Thai specialties. Champagne will flow freely, and tunes will be provided by Misskick and Danny Fortunato, with Dawnya on live vocals. $40. Seatings at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. 1904 Fourth Ave., 206-267-1017. DOWNTOWN
Traditional Dinner at Nonna Maria
Nonna Maria is serving up five heapin’ helpings of traditional Italian this New Year’s Eve, including some special dishes created back in the Old Country to ring in the nuovo anno. The five-course feast will include a glass of Spumante and the endless hospitality Nonna is known for. $60. 5:30 p.m. 530 First Ave. N., 206-378-0273. LOWER QUEEN ANNE
Celebration at the Capitol Club
The capital Capitol Club invites you to a festive evening of feasting and partying. 414 East Pine Street, (206) 325-2149 CAPITOL HILL
Foie Gras F괥 at Rover’s
Ask anyone: the French really know how to party. Enjoy a lavish five-course dinner early in the evening or a sinful six-course meal on the late side at Rover’s, where the owner’s accent is as real as the foie gras is fattening. Speaking of which, for a mere $20 you and your admiring tablemates can have “a special foie gras course” added to either prix fixe menu option. Your liver will thank you. $95 for five courses, $130 for six. Seating for five-course dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m.; for six-course dinner, 8:30-10 p.m. 2808 E. Madison St., 206-325-7442. MADISON VALLEY
Concerts
Tribute Bands at the Showbox
Super Diamond and Ants Invasion (the very best Neil Diamond and Adam Ant tribute bands in the world, respectively) will rock the Showbox ’til 2003. Food will include basic hors d’oeuvres. $30. 8 p.m. 1426 First Ave., 206-628-3151. DOWNTOWN
Ralphie May at the Comedy Underground
The subterranean comedy club hosts Mr. May; Alysia Wood is the opening act. The earlier performance costs a mere $10, while the late show will set you back $20. 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. 222 S. Main St., 206-628-0303. DOWNTOWN
Pho Bang! New Year’s Eve at Re-bar
Musical mayhem will reign supreme at this year’s Re-bar bash, with special guests the Turn-Ons joining Ursula Android and Jackie Hell and their respective bands, the Androids and the Control Tops. Prepare to rawk, but good. $10. 1114 Howell St., 206-233-9873. DOWNTOWN
The Hokum Show: A New Year’s Eve Bash
Prof. Hokum W. Jeebs will preside over what is sure to be an evening of nonsense, musical whimsy, and just plain fun. This four-hour variety show will almost certainly go by in a heartbeat, thanks in part to the presence of the 1929 Wurlitzer Pipe Organ to which Prof. Jeebs owes much of his livelihood. $30. 8 p.m. Hokum Hall, 7904 35th Ave. S.W., 206-937-3613. WEST SEATTLE
Homegrown Blues at Doc Maynard’s
Northwest blues band Left Hand Smoke will be rocking Doc Maynard’s this New Year’s Eve. Opening for LHS will be Sunday Morning Music. $25 (Part of Pioneer Square Joint Cover). 6 p.m.-1:30 a.m. 610 First Ave. S., 206-682-4646. PIONEER SQUARE
Living Daylights at the Tractor
Mosey on down to the Tractor this New Year’s Eve for a rip-roarin’ musical rendezvous with Living Daylights and their very special guests Scott Law and Elizabeth Pupa Walker. The hippest venue in Ballard promises “funky, avant-garde soul-jazz,” and who are we to doubt them? Free party favors and noisemakers will be available “while supplies last.” $20. 9:30 p.m. 5213 Ballard Ave. N.W., 206-789-3599. BALLARD
Cajun Blues at New Orleans Restaurant
Celebrate your spicy cajun heart at New Orleans Restaurant, where maestro Mark Whitman and his All-Stars will pump you up as only the blues can do. The restaurant will be offering its regular menu, which means tons of cajun ‘n’ creole goodies to keep you hoppin’ ’til the wee hours. Oh, and did we mention the party favors and champagne toast? $25 (part of Pioneer Square Joint Cover). 9 p.m. 114 First Ave. S., 206-622-2563. PIONEER SQUARE
Ring out the Old at the Sunset Tavern
Catch the Lowebeats with members of the Young Fresh Fellows and The Model Rockets, Christy McWilson and The Kwabs, Ballard’s most exciting Kinks cover band. $10. The Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Avenue (206) 784-4880 BALLARD.
A Gala New Year’s Eve in Baroque Rome
Celebrate safely and sanely at “Seattle’s oldest classical New Year’s Eve Celebration.” The singers of Cathedral Cantorei will join special guest soloists and the Cathedral Chamber Orchestra for an all-H䮤el program. Works to be performed include “Dixit Dominus,” arias from the Chandos Anthem No. 5, and the Organ Concerto in B-flat. $22. 11 p.m. 804 Ninth Ave., 206-382-4874. FIRST HILL
Hotel Events
Overnight Affairs at the Warwick
Nothing is quite as romantic as gourmet cuisine and a luxury hotel room. Consider the Warwick and its special dinner ‘n’ lodging packages for two. $289 gets you the “basic” eat-and-sleep, while $329 puts you in the center of a whirlwind of festive activities (and even more good food). 5 p.m. 401 Lenora St., 206-443-4300. DOWNTOWN
Goings-On at the Sorrento
Adding to the cavalcade of hotel events, the Sorrento weighs in with two festive choices: a laid-back evening of dinner at the Hunt Club and the musical stylings of “Reggie Goings and his trio” ($15 cover); or the full overnight treatment ($260/room), including champagne at midnight, continental breakfast in the morning, and “homemade gingerbread cookies” in between. Music starts at 9 p.m. 900 Madison St., 206-622-6400. DOWNTOWN
Cheers to the New Year at Vintage Park
The Hotel Vintage Park joins the soir饠scene with this overnight package, which includes a champagne reception as well as souvenir champagne glasses and party favors just before midnight. $165 ($315 with dinner at Tulio’s Ristorante). 5 p.m. 1100 Fifth Ave., 206-624-8000. DOWNTOWN
Art of the Party at the Alexis
The Alexis Hotel gets somewhat funky fresh with its overnight package, which includes the usual (champagne reception) as well as the slightly unusual (“Rise and Shine Happy Hour” on New Year’s Day and free chair massage to boot). $275/room, $325/suite. 5 p.m. 1007 First Ave., 206-624-4844. DOWNTOWN
Party and Predict at the Monaco
The Monaco plays it conservative, offering overnighters a continental breakfast in the morning hours of the newborn year, as well as a collection of old favorites: the champagne reception, the party favors, the palm readers. $175/room, $215/suite. 5 p.m. 1101 Fourth Ave., 206-621-1770. DOWNTOWN
