Because the majority of the following parties will take place in bars and nightclubs, those bastions of punctuality and accountability, consider all start times, entertainment rosters and admission prices subject to change.
BROWARD
America’s Backyard
This open-air, downtown venue will offer a two-hour open bar, a champagne toast and a cash balloon drop at midnight. 8 p.m. at 100 S.W. Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-727-0950 or visit Myamericasbackyard.com. Admission is $20.
Athena by the Sea
This restaurant’s Big Fat Greek New Year’s Celebration will include live music, belly dancing, food and champagne. 9 p.m. Thursday at 4400 Ocean Drive, Lauderdale by the Sea. Call 954-771-2900. Admission is $75.
Blue Martini
Ring in the year with a masquerade ball featuring Top 40 band the Knot, a three-hour open bar and a chocolate fountain. 8 p.m. at 2432 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-653-2583 or visit Bluemartinilounge.com. Admission is $40.
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Feast on a dinner with all the trimmings prepared by executive chef John Eustace during a performance by the comedy troupe Laffing Matterz. A cast of 13 performers will address “the absurdities of modern living and the South Florida lifestyle.” 8:45 p.m. in the Abdo New River Room at Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-462-0222 or visit Browardcenter.org. Admission is $125 and includes dinner and the show.
Cheers
Party with classic rock band Brain Grenade, make some noise with your party favors and welcome 2010 with a champagne toast, 8 p.m.-4 a.m. Thursday at 941 E. Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-771-6337 or visit Cheersfoodandspirit.com. Admission is $10.
Club Purgatory
The party 2010, A Disco Odyssey will begin when many New Year’s parties are ending. Beginning at 8 a.m. Jan. 1, the party will include complimentary champagne and a continental breakfast to be followed by music from DJ Robbie Leslie and a light show by Steve D. The party will end at 6 p.m. 1000 State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-357-4700 or visit Purgatoryfl.com. Admission is $25.
Coral Springs Center for the Arts
A cash bar with exotic drinks, outdoor VIP rooms and a large dance floor are only a few reasons to close out the decade in Coral Springs. 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursday at 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs. Admission is $10.
Exit 66
Watch fireworks from an oceanfront terrace at a party featuring DJs, a live feed of the ball drop in New York, a balloon drop, an open bar including premium drinks and shots, and a champagne toast. 9 p.m. at 219 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-357-9981 or visit Exitsixtysix.com. Admission is $100.
The Field Irish Pub and Eatery
Celtic Mayhem will perform at this Irish bash featuring party favors, a champagne toast and a menu of the pub’s usual entrées and specials such as lobster bisque, chicken sea bass and petite rack of lamb. 3281 Griffin Road, Dania Beach. Call 954-954-5979 or visit Thefieldfl.com. Admission is $10.
Fort Lauderdale’s Downtown Countdown
This event in the Himmarshee District will feature live music, food, drinks, a ball drop and fireworks display. 5 p.m.-3 a.m. along Southwest Second Street, between Second and Fourth avenues in Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-828-5363. Admission is free.
Hard Rock Live
The B-52s will perform “Rock Lobster,” “Love Shack,” “Deadbeat Club,” “Planet Claire” and their other new-wave classics. 9 p.m. at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood. Call 954-797-5531 or visit Hardrocklivehollywoodfl.com. Admission is $64 to $154 for a VIP dinner package.
Improv at Paradise Live
Even though he has cleaned up his act as a contributor to The Jay Leno Show, Jim Norton still knows how to irritate people, as evidenced by his recent expletive-rich verbal row with former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura on Sirius XM’s Opie and Anthony Show. See if he pisses off anyone when he performs two shows at 7 and 10 tonight at 5700 Seminole Way, Hollywood. Call 954-981-5653 or visit Improvftl.com. Admission is $75.
Lips
Watch a special New Year’s Eve drag show while dining on a three-course meal that includes a salad or crab cake appetizer, a choice of filet mignon, crab-stuffed halibut or chicken rollatini, and Jamaican rum cake for dessert. 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. seatings at 1421 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-567-0987 or visit Lipsusa.com. Dinner costs $49 (6:30 p.m. seating) and $99 (9:30 p.m. seating).
The Monterey Club
Southern California psychobilly band the Rocketz will perform with Diablo Dimes and Hollowbody Hellraisers at this rockabilly bash held in conjunction with Kreepy Tiki Tattoos. The backyard party will feature food, art and clothing vendors, and an old-school car and bike show by Saints and Sinners car club. 8 p.m. at 2608 S. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-598-1887 or visit Themontereyclub.net. Admission is $20.
Murphy’s Law
Local bands Funkette and Stinky Malone will perform 8 p.m. at 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood. Call 954-791-4782 or visit Themurphyslaw.com. Admission is free.
New Moon
DJ Rae Rae will spin at this neighborhood gay and lesbian bar’s party, featuring drink specials, a champagne toast, party hats and noisemakers. 8 p.m. at 2440 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. Call 954-563-7660 or visit Newmoonbar.com. Admission is Free.
Opium Hard Rock
“Sex Sells” is the theme of this 21-and-older party hosted by Vivid Girls Monique Alexander, Sunny Leone and AJ Bailey, whose master’s degree has earned her the title “World’s Smartest Porn Star.” 9 p.m. at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 5729 Seminole Way, Hollywood. Call 954-327-9094 or visit Opiumhardrock.com. Admission is $100.
Pangaea and Gryphon
These two nightclubs at the Seminole Hard Rock will present One Night in Bangkok, a party boasting a three-hour open bar, DJs Robbie Rivera and Tom LaRoc, and the obligatory champagne toast and party favors. 9 p.m. Thursday at 5711 Seminole Way, Hollywood. Call 954-581-5454 or visit Pangaea-lounge.com. General admission is $50; admission and open bar costs $100.
Passion
In the January 2000 issue of Playboy, Carol and Darlene Bernaola became the third set of identical twins in the magazine’s history to pose as Playmates. Tonight, Darlene Bernaola will host a party at this Seminole Hard Rock nightclub, presumably clothed. 9 p.m. at 5701 Seminole Way, Hollywood. Call 954-321-3443 or visit Passionnightclub.com. Cost is $50 for general admission, tables start at $600.
Round Up Country Western Nightclub and Restaurant
The largest country bar in Broward County will begin partying at 8 p.m. at 9020 W. State Road 84, Davie. Call 954-423-1932. Admission is $15.
Tarpon Bend
At this Himmarshee hot spot, the party surely will spill into the street. Count on live bands, a balloon drop and confetti cannons. Ashley Red will perform inside the bar while Grindstone will play outside it. 8 p.m.-4 a.m. at 200 S.W. Second St., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-523-1000 or visit Tarponbend.com. Admission is free.
Voodoo Lounge
DJs will spin house in the main room and hip-hop and old school in the back of the club and on the deck. The cover charge includes a champagne toast. 9 p.m. at 111 S.W. Second Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-522-0733 or visit Voodooloungeflorida.com. Admission is $30.
PALM BEACH
Blue Martini
Located in CityPlace, Blue Martini will present the Midnight Masquerade Ball, with an open bar from 8 to 11 p.m., live music by Mr. Nice Guys and special guests Kevin and Virginia from Wild 95.5.-FM. 8 p.m. at Blue Martini, 550 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. Call 561-835-8681. Admission begins at $40.
Clematis Countdown
Traffic will be diverted from Clematis Street so thousands of people can celebrate the holiday with live music, a midnight ball drop and festive drink specials. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursday along the 500 block of Clematis Street, West Palm Beach. Call 561-833-8873 or visit Clematiscountdown.com. Admission is free.
Dr. Feelgoods Rock Bar and Grill
This rock bar’s Fantasyfest New Year’s Eve Party will feature free drinks from 8 to 9 p.m. Doors will open 8 p.m. at 219 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Call 561-833-6500 or visit Drfeelgoodsbar.com. Admission is $20.
New York Comedy Club
Eddie Clark will throw down the punch lines during two shows. Party packages including dinner and open bar are available. 7 and 10:30 p.m. at 8221 Glades Road, Boca Raton. Call 561-470-6887 or visit Nyccboca.com. Admission is $20.10 to $65.95.
Palm Beach Improv
Ralphie May, the plus-size comedian who appeared on the first season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, will perform two shows. The 7 p.m. show will include dinner, dessert and a champagne toast. The 10 p.m. show will feature appetizers, a champagne toast and a ball drop. 550 S. Rosemary Ave., Suite 250, West Palm Beach. Call 561-833-1812 or visit Palmbeachimprov.com. Admission is $75.
MIAMI-DADE
Big Orange New Year’s Celebration at Bayfront Park
Dubbed the Times Square of the South, this outdoor event will feature a disco party with DJ Tarik. Follow the Big Orange ball as it climbs 400 feet up the Inter-Continental Miami Hotel at Chopin Plaza until the stroke of midnight. 8 p.m. in and around Bayfront Park, 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Call 305-358-7550 or visit Bayfrontparkmiami.com. Admission is free.
Cameo
A former star of Canada’s Degrassi: The Next Generation, Aubrey Drake Graham has reinvented himself as budding hip-hop star and Lil Wayne acolyte Drake. Last week, he promised fans that the first single from his new album, Thank Me Later, will be released within weeks. Try to get him to nail down an exact date when he performs tonight. The show also will feature an open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight. The party will go from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. at 1445 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Call 786-235-5800 or visit Cameomiami.com. Admission is $50 to $5,000.
The Catalina Hotel and Beach Club
Taking place in three buildings on the hotel’s grounds, the Catalina’s New Year’s party will include a four-hour open bar, a dinner buffet, a performance by the Spam Allstars and DJs spinning even after the sun comes up. 8 p.m. at 1732 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Call 305-674-1160 or visit Catalinasouthbeach.com. Admission is $95.
Electric Pickle
Slip and the Spinouts, a psychobilly band from Yeehaw Junction, will perform, at Cheap, Easy and Out of Control, a party featuring DJs Gran Torino, Haitian Hillbilly and Lliam; a champagne toast; and Chef Nassie’s gourmet hot dogs in the garden. 10 p.m. at 2826 N. Miami Ave., Miami. Call 305-456-5613 or visit Electricpicklemiami.com. Admission is $10.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
If you can’t get tickets to either of Lady Gaga’s shows at the Knight Center, then maybe you’d like to fork over big bucks to catch her perform poolside at the Fontainebleau. Gear up for the big moment with sounds from New York DJs David Berrie and Jus Ske, and a three-hour premium open bar. 9 p.m. at 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Call 305-538-2000 or visit Fountainbleau.com. Admission starts at $375.
Hotel Gansevoort
Reality-TV star Brody Jenner will host this rooftop party, with DJs Steve Powers and Jacomino spinning throughout the night. 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Thursday at the Hotel Gansevoort, 2377 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Call 305-604-1000. Tickets start at $225.
Jazid
Latin reggae band Bachaco and hip-hop act Raging Geisha will welcome the new year. 9 p.m. at 1342 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Call 305-673-9372 or visit Jazid.net. Admission is free before 11 p.m. and $10 after.
Louis Bar-Lounge at Gansevoort South
Electro-house act LA Riots will perform at a 21-and-older party with a three-hour open bar. 9 p.m.. at 2325 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Call 305-531-4600 or visit Louismiami.com. Admission is $150.
Mansion
DJ Steve Angello will headline this party that also features Laurent Simeca and An21. 9 p.m.-7 a.m. Thursday at Mansion, 1235 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. E-mail info@newyearseve.com. Tickets start at $200.
Moonchine Asian Bistro
Sanedrac Hunter, Pancho DV with Geoff McFly, Kirk Jon and Eddie Lopez will select the music played at A Wicked New Year, a party featuring live art by Miami artist NF Romero. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. at 7100 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Call 305-759-3999 or visit Moonchine.com. Admission is free.
Shore Club
The ThirtyOneDecember party will include performances by Busta Rhymes, Ron Browz “Pop Champagne” and Pras of the Fugees. Indulge in an open bar from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at 1901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Call 305-695-3100 or visit Shoreclub.com. Admission is $225.
SoBe Live
Busta Rhymes also will perform at the club that VH1 has deemed the best hip-hop venue in the nation. The party will offer a three-hour open bar, a premium buffet and a midnight balloon drop. Resident DJ Element and DJs from 99 Jamz will spin. 9 p.m. at 1203 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Call 305-695-2820 or visit Sobelivesouthbeach.com. Admission is $100.
Space
Take advantage of an open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight, party favors, champagne at the stroke of midnight and music by DJs Oscar G, Martin Buttrich, Louis Puig and others. 10 p.m. Thursday to 2 p.m. Friday at 34 N.E. 11th St., Miami. Call 305-372-9378 or visit Clubspace.com. Admission is $20 before midnight (includes open bar) and $40 after.
Transit Lounge
Latin funk band Suenalo and hip-hop act Mayday will perform. 8 p.m. at 729 S.W. First Ave., Miami Beach. Call 305-377-4628 or visit Transitlounge.us. Admission is $25.
Vagabond
Miami Beach funk band Afrobeta will do its thing at a party featuring “naughty mischief” courtesy of the Ladies of the Shameless Burlesque, Bamby’s Kittens and Wildchild. Ray Milian, Ryan Evans, Lolo and Jessica Who? will DJ. 10 p.m. at 30 N.E. 14th St., Miami. Call 954-379-0508 or visit Thevagabondmiami.com. Call for admission price.
Viceroy Miami
Take in the fabulous view of the city at Club 50 while the appropriately named DJ Sky Nellor spins. 8:30 p.m.- 12:30 a.m. at 485 Brickell Ave., Miami. Call 305-503-4400 or visit Viceroymiami.com. Tickets start at $200.
W Hotel Miami Beach
Kid Cudi and John Legend will perform. 90210 star Annalynne McCord will lead the countdown to midnight. 9 p.m.-5 a.m. Thursday at the W Hotel, 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Call 305-938-3000 or visit Whotels.com. Tickets start at $50.
