Repeat after me: Twenty-Eleven.
It's here, folks. Time to start making plans. Whether you want to do it up with flashy style or with the family in mind, we've got your Dec. 31 happenings here. Stay tuned as this listing will be continuously updated and subject to change. ... Happy New Year!
Aja New Year's Eve The two Bay area locations of the swanky Asian-inspired nightclubs, with locations in Channelside and the Shops at Wiregrass, are hosting end-of-the-year celebrations 9 p.m.-3 a.m. DJ Lil John gets the crowd dancing at Channelside, and Deville spins at Wiregrass. Aja Channelside is at 290 S. Meridian Ave., 813-223-5758; Aja Wiregrass is at 28330 Paseo Drive, 813-994-0002. $50. Table service from $850 to $2,500.
Bellini's New Year's Eve Usher in 2011 in style with music by a three-piece dance band, a five-course dinner by Chef Henry, free late-night snack and Champagne toast at midnight. Bellini's Mediterranean Grill, Beach Boulevard South and 29th Avenue South, Gulfport. No cover charge; dinner is $49.95, 727-327-4222, bellinisonline.com.
Black Sheep and Count Zero at Orbit 19 Lounge See the underground hip-hop sensation and up-and-coming indie pop band with DJ D-Volv spinning old school hip-hop and mash-ups between sets. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. 21 and older admitted. $25. Two-person limit on ticket purchases. Champagne & party favors included. 1542 U.S. 19, Holiday, 1-727 937-8330.
Busch Gardens Count down to 2011 with the theme park’s annual huge New Year’s Eve party. Performing will be ’60s pop sensation The Guess Who (“These Eyes,” “American Woman”) at 10:30 p.m For more information, call 1-888-800-5447 or visit buschgardens.com.
Cheap Celebration The popular Hyde Park restaurant ushers in 2011 with chic style byconverting into a full-fledged lounge with black-and-white decorations, VIP Tables, a dance floor and extended outdoor area with heaters. Highlights include a red carpet-paparazzi entrance, midnight celebration and Champagne toast. Plus, there’ll be live coverage of the New York Ball drop, DJ Gravity and “special guest,” drink specials, door gifts and party favors. Open to women 18 and older and men 21 and older. Cheap is at 309 S. Howard Ave. S., Tampa. Advance tickets are $10, $15; $20, $25 at the door. Proceeds benefit House of Hope. For information and tickets, visit TheTucciFoundation.com. For VIP and bottle service, call 813-541-1940.
Comedy Bash with Tommy Blaze The annual New Year's Eve Gala includes an open bar, performance, party favors and Champagne toast at midnight; plus, music and dancing after the show, and a continental breakfast buffet. Fri., Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. $11, $58. Side Splitters Comedy Club, 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-960-1197, sidesplitterscomedy.com.
Crowbar Free New Year's Eve Bash Three of the Bay area's best bands perform for no cover charge — the artsy folk-poppy band the Marksmen, the high-energy, rocking Her Name Is Victory and the gritty hillbilly garage rock group Tailgunner Joe and the Earls of Slander. 8 p.m. 1812 N. 17th St., Ybor City, 813-241-8600, crowbarlive.com.
Dead Kennedys at the State Theatre Attention aging punk rockers: You can ring in the New Year with heroes of your youth. The legendary, spastic, bombastic, controversial and socially-conscious forefathers of punk bands great and small appears, sans Jello, of course, with local opener The Spears, a hyperkinetic and truly punk rock band in its own right, bearing some respectable resembles to DK and featuring members of Pseudo Heroes, Down By Law, Hated Youth and Pink Lincolns. 8 p.m. 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, $25, 813-897-3045.
Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe NYE N.C. rock-folk act the Dex Romweber Duo and local fave Roppongi's Ace perform at what's become a pleasant annual tradition in Seminole Heights — a neighborhood party known for its easygoing atmosphere and tasty home-style-fresh buffet. The Brokenmold event features Dex Romweber, former frontman for the psycho-surf-rockabilly-garage-punk combo Flat Duo Jets and partner/sister, Sara Romweber, who has pounded skins for Mitch Easter, Lets Active and Snatches of Pink. Roppongi's Ace is a young, energetic act with resemblances to the Black Keys, but earthier. Owner Ernie Locke (of Nervous Turkey fame) performs a solo set before the bands start. $25, includes dinner and Champagne. Party starts at 8 p.m. Ella's is at 5119 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-234-1000, ellasfolkartcafe.com.
Florida Aquarium Aqua Eve Make a splash NYE with entertainment, complimentary food, beer and wine and a Champagne toast. In addition, revelers can gaze from the terrace at one of the best views in town and see the fireworks display over the channel at midnight. To order tickets, call 813-273-4030. You Must be 21 or older to attend. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $90 Dec. 6-19; $100 after Dec. 19; members, $75 through Dec. 19. Creative Loafing readers save $10. To order tickets, visit cltampa.com/newyears. FloridaAquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, 813-273-4000.
First Night St. Petersburg The downtown-wide New Year's Eve party is in its 17th year and has steadily grown each year, offering Tampa Bay citizens a plethora of fun ways to drink in the arts and culture of Tampa Bay over simply getting drunk. From 5 p.m. to midnight, revelers can participate in family-oriented festivities, ranging from kids stuff, like a musical petting zoo and clay workshop, to live music, dance, games, art and the annual fireworks display on Spa Beach. Highlights of the event proper (and mini-celebrations surrounding it) include a performance by Michael Lynche, the St. Pete vocalist who finished as a finalist on TV's American Idol, at North Straub Park; plus performers from the St. Petersburg Opera belting out arias from Rigoletto at St. Peter's Cathedral; local music artists Have Gun, Will Travel and Ella Jet in North Straub Park and the Tampa Bay Steel Drum Orchestra feat. Fred Johnson at the Museum of Fine Arts Colonnade, in addition to a bevy of fire dancers, magicians and other acts. For a complete schedule of First Night events, visit firstnightstpete.com/schedule.html.
Greek New Year's Eve Opa! Ellada, a popular Greek band, performs at New Year's Eve gala at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Event includes hors d'oeuvres, prime rib dinner, Vasilopeta, Champagne toast and continental breakfast. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. 9426 Little Road, New Port Richey, 727-844-0260. Fri., Dec. 31. Adults $50, children $25. Tickets available in advance only and won't be sold at the door.
