Any mention of famous rock ’n’ roll New Year’s Eve performances would have to include the Grateful Dead. The legendary Bay Area band made a practice of celebrating the dawn of the new year in high style, including a six-hour set at the Winterland Ballroom in 1978. Now the Dead tribute band China Cats keeps the tradition alive with an end-of-year performance at Don Quixote’s. Comprising lead guitarist Matt Hartle, rhythm guitarist Scott Cooper, bassist Roger Sideman, keyboardist Steve Sofranko and drummer Michael Owens, China Cats is an all-star group of music veterans and a favorite of local deadheads.
INFO: 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. Don Quixote’s, 6275 Hwy. 9, Felton. $35/gen, $99/dinner. 335-2800. WANT TO GO? Go to santacruz.com/giveaways before 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21 to find out how you could win a pair of dinner packages.
