If you're reading this and you still haven't cleaned up your house from Christmas (or put your tree out to pasture), well, I'm with you—I normally ride the lazy train well into the new year. Which means that in years past, New Year's Eve has been less about cover charges and cab rides and more about cozy houses and passing out in the host and hostess's bed—typically around 12:07 a.m. or so, with a bucket on the floor next to me.
And yet this year, no one seems to have any concrete plans set for Sunday night. Not only that, but no one has stepped up and offered their abode, either. If you're in the same boat, I wish you the best of luck in finding a party to crash. But if come Sunday, it's looking like you're going to be ringing in the new year with your bad self and a tub of Ben and Jerry's, you might consider calling that friend you haven't seen since the great space cake flip-out of 2004 and cabbing it out to one of the following New Year's Eve parties:
The SolArt New Year's Eve Party, a night of games, DJs, live music, food and “surprises.” With SolArt's comfy array of couches and tables (and perfect low lighting), you'll definitely forget you're not at someone's house—just don't pass out. Here's hoping that by “surprises,” they mean “Sali's best-in-the-world sangria.”
Or hop, skip and jump (in the cab!) down the 55 to the Flying Saucers/Geisha Girls show at Avalon Bar. If loud rock N roll and a small room filled with sweaty people (and Pabst) are more your speed, this is for you. Wear layers—you'll be half-naked at least once that night.
And finally, if you're looking for something a teensy bit more upscale (but just a teensy bit), then head across the street to Detroit Bar for a Space Odyssey, “Tomorrow's New Year's Eve party . . . today!” Nearly a dozen DJs spinning everything from '80s to hip-hop to electro to funk will have you spinning like a disco ball right into '07, with food stuff, champagne toast (yum-o!), go-go girls and party favors. Totally future-riffic!
SolArt New Year's Eve Party, 2202 N. Main St., Santa Ana; www.myspace.com/solartgallerycafe. Sun., 8 p.m. $20. All ages. RSVP only; Avalon Bar, 820 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, (949) 515-4650. Sun. Call for time and cover. 21+; Detroit Bar, 843 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, (949) 642-0600; www.detroitbar.com. Sun., 9 p.m. $25. 21+.
