IT'S TIME TO push 2009 out the door (and maybe down a flight of stairs) and get on 2010's good side by giving it a big wet kiss on its way in. Here are some parties around town where people will be doing the same.

Downtown Santa Cruz

DIY Last Night Parade

After Santa Cruz's First Night celebration went away, this more appropriately named grassroots event took its place. It's not organized, there's no entry form and it doesn't cost anything. Just put on a costume (or not), grab a musical instrument or glowstick or stilts (or not) and meet at the Saturn Café parking lot around 5pm for a parade through downtown Santa Cruz and a party at Cooper and Pacific streets. Or not. But someone probably will, and they're probably going to have fun doing it. 5pm. Saturn Café parking lot (Pacific and Laurel streets). Free.

Brookdale Lodge

Trulio Disgracias & Monkey

A night of revelry celebrating the opening of the pool room features Trulio Disgracias, a funk band supreme featuring members of Fishbone, P-Funk and Slightly Stoopid, plus South Bay ska band Monkey and others. DJs spinning all night in the Fireside Lounge. 7pm. 11570 Hwy. 9, Brookdale. $25 advance/$30 door.

Calvary Episcopal Church

Jazz Society Party

Featuring nonstop music with the Little Big Band and three Combos—two jazz and one salsa. Lasagna main course and champagne at midnight; otherwise event will be BYOB. 532 Center St., Santa Cruz. $20.

The Catalyst

The Devil Makes Three

Ringing in 2010 with Santa Cruz's favorite cowpunks, plus the Stone Foxes. 8pm. 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $20 advance/$23 door.

Cocoanut Grove

A Blue Moon New Year's Eve

A classic California dinner and dance extravaganza featuring DJ Robin Cortez, a prime rib buffet and dozens of desserts to choose from. 7pm. 300 Beach St., Santa Cruz. Dinner and dance $79 advance. Dance only $35 advance/$45 door.

Crepe Place

Harry & the Hit Men

Santa Cruz's favorite psychedelic R&B outfit explodes into the back room of the Crepe Place with a barrage of Motown faves done with a twist. 9pm. 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $10.

Cypress Lounge

Selecta 7 Sound and Bigga Happiness

This dancehall-infused celebration promises more than just ganja smoke and Marley wannabes. With DJ Osha Baka "Selecta 7," DJ Rudi B and many others. 8pm–1:30am. 120 Union St., Santa Cruz. Free before 10pm/$5 after. 831.459.9876

Don Quixote's

Aja Vu

Consummate tribute band Aja Vu plays the music of Steely Dan as well as various R&B and classic rock hits from artists like Stevie Wonder and the Temptations. Complimentary party hats, favors and champagne at midnight. 9pm. 6275 Hwy. 9, Felton. $25.

Moe's Alley

The Boneshakers

Funky live blues by Randy Jacobs and Sweetpea Atkinson of the Boneshakers. 9pm. 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $18 advance/$20 door.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Silver Fishes Gala

With three themed VIP lounges, two live bands, a DJ and gilled guests of every color, this celebration proves that under the sea is the place to be on New Year's Eve. 9pm–1am. 886 Cannery Row, Monterey. Tickets $75–$150 aquarium members/$95–$175 general.

Rio Theatre

Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours

Ring in the New Year with a band with a country twang. 8pm. 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $27.50 general/$37.50 gold circle.

Vets Hall

Timbavati

If celebratory shots and champagne hangovers aren't a personal favorite, this two-day, substance-free spiritual event will be sure to satisfy. Through meditation, tantric healing or late-night chai sessions, the New Year has never looked so serene. Dancing with Yum at the late hour. 8pm. Santa Cruz Vets Hall, 846 Front St., Santa Cruz. $50.

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