With creepy Ryan Seacrest taking over for Dick Clark, there's no reason to stay home and watch New Year's Rockin' Eve on TV. Actually, there was never any reason to stay home and watch TV on New Year's Eve. Whether you need a big drunken crowd to ring in 2008 or someplace quiet to reflect upon 2007, you'll find plenty to do around town.

Events
Champagne Masquerade Ball and Dinner Top hats, boas and formal attire are encouraged at this swanky event, featuring dinner, champagne tasting, live music and a toast with bubbly at midnight. Tickets are $75, reservations required. Dec. 31, 6pm. The Bayview Hotel, 8041 Soquel Dr., Aptos; 831.688.8654.

The Last Night Santa Cruz It must be the only parade where there are no spectators—only participants. This decentralized party has been going on for two years now, with little organization and lots of people. Event begins at sunset behind Saturn Café downtown, then moves onto Pacific and works its way down the block, encompassing jugglers, clowns, samba drums, pirates, families and anything and everything Santa Cruz has to offer. Dec. 31, sunset. Downtown Santa Cruz. For info, see www.lastnightdiy.org.

New Year's Eve's Eve Get down with the ultimate wedding entertainment, the Joe Sharino Band, on Dec. 30 at the Cocoanut Grove. This annual tradition sells out early, so call to make reservations now. Tickets are $40-$45. Dec 30, 8pm. Cocoanut Grove, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz; 831.423.2053.

New Year's Eve in the Cocoanut Grove Come back to the Grove the next night for a big traditional New Year's party, complete with grand champagne buffet, party favors and hats. Live music provided by Live Action Heroes on the ballroom stage and DJ Dave Lemly on the sun room stage. Reservations required; dinner is $94. Dancing and dessert is $54. Dec. 31, 7pm. Cocoanut Grove, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz. 831.423.2053.

New Year's Eve Peace Meditation A mindful way to manifest peace in 2008. Bring a blanket, prayers, and treats to share. Donations welcome. Dec. 31, 9:30pm. Vipassana Meditation Center, 1010 Fair St., Santa Cruz; 831.425.3431.

Twist and Shout 2008
New Year's Bash Hits from the '50s and '60s will be performed live on stage by the cast of The Buddy Holly Story, which comes to PacRep in July 2008. A two-hour show leads up to a champagne toast and dancing in the aisles. Tickets are $75, reservations required. Dec. 31, 8:30pm. Golden Bough Theatre, Monte Verde Street and 8th Avenue, Carmel; 831.622.0100.

Bars/Clubs
Britannia Arms New Year's Eve party with live music by the Juvenators. Dec. 31, 9pm. 8017 Soquel Dr.; Aptos. 831.688.1233.

Bocci's Cellar New Year's Eve Party with live dance music by Sweet Tea Band. No cover charge. Dec. 31, 9:30pm. Bocci's Cellar, 140 Encinal St., Santa Cruz; 831.427.1795.

Catalyst The Devil Makes Three plus Judgment Day Stomp in the New Year with Santa Cruz's favorite old-timey punk outfit and guests. Tickets are $19-$23. Dec. 31, 9pm. 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz; 831.423.1336.

Crow's Nest Santa Cruz originals Extra Large provide live music upstairs at Crow's Nest for dance party, featuring balloons, hats and party favors. Downstairs, a special menu will be served. $15 cover charge. Dec. 31, 9:30pm. Crow's Nest, 2218 East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz; 831.476.4560.

Davenport Roadhouse Mondo Blue and Virgil Thrasher provide tunes. Dec. 31, 9pm. 1 Davenport Ave., Davenport; 831.426.8801.

Don Quixote's New Year's Eve Rockin' Celebration features Keith Greeninger and friends with The Rayburns opening the show. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $25-$30. Dec. 31, 8pm. 6275 Highway 9, Felton; 831.603.2294.

Michael's on Main Special dinner and live music by El Cuatro Verde. Prix-fixe menu includes a glass of champagne for New Year's toast. $45-$55 per person. Dec 31, 7:30 and 9:30pm. Michael's on Main, 2591 S. Main St., Soquel; 831.479.9777.

Moe's Alley Count down to the New Year with Nobody's Own and Mizoma. Cover is $12. Dec. 31, 9pm. Moe's Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz; 831.479.1854.

Severino's Grill Four-course dinner and live music by Mike Hadley & the Groove help to ring in the New Year. Reservations required. $69. Dec. 31, 8pm. 7500 Old Dominion Ct., Aptos; 831.688.8987.

Windjammer Ronnie Dobbs and the Fuzz provide the live music for the New Year's party. Dec. 31, 9pm. 1 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos; 831.685.1587.

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