No doubt about it, it’s been a rough year for just about everyone. Luckily, a new year is just around the corner, and with it comes both the hope of better days and the year’s biggest party night. As usual on New Year’s Eve, the stretch of bars and clubs along Garnet will be crowded with revelers waiting for the clock to strike midnight, but there is no shortage of options throughout the area to take in the end of 2008. Here are a few of the night’s possibilities. The area’s biggest event will likely be the Beach Party at The Catamaran (3999 Mission Blvd.), located right on the waters of Mission Bay. Partygoers will find five rooms of entertainment, mixing live music from R&B powerhouses Lady Dottie & The Diamonds with turntable favorites. DJs Fresh One and Christopher Cutz of Sleeping Giants Music top the list of DJ’s, which includes DJ BDP and the team of Illustrious Culture. The Beach Party offers two levels of tickets, main event ($134) and VIP ($174), both with hosted bars. The difference in price, which will go up by day of show, nets VIPS dinner versus appetizers and more top-shelf liquor options as well as special seating sections. (www.newyearsevesandiegoparty. com/beach/index.html) Meanwhile, the best option in the area for Latin-jazz fans is going to be at Cane’s (3105 Ocean Front Walk), which will feature sets from The B-Side Players. The band’s performances are rarely less than celebratory, but for their New Year’s Eve sets they really let loose, with one terrific blast of dance music after another. Four bars and party favors are among the night’s attractions, with the rooftop Sky Lounge, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering one of the nights most scenic spots to usher in the new year. Prices range from $30 – $40. (www.canesbarandgrill.com/events.html) The 710 Beach Club (710 Garnet Ave.) will offer up one of the night’s bargains, with a no-cover show and drink specials from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Offering a real alternative from other local venues, The 710 Beach club will be perfect for fans of music with a little twang to it, with music provided by alternative country band Abe West and Johnny Cash tribute act, Cash’d Out. (www.710bc.com) A Moulin Rouge themed celebration is on tap for The Turquoise Bar Europa (873 Turquoise St.). The evening includes a nine-course meal along with live entertainment, fireworks and dancing to Latin-jazz until dawn as part of the action. Prices range from $45 to $95. A shuttle bus will be available between The Turquoise and its downtown sister location, La Gran Tapa, allowing eventgoers to take in two parties for the price of one. (www.theturquoise.com) Typhoon Saloon (1165 Garnet Ave.) is throwing “Pacific Beach’s largest New Year’s eve dance party,” with four levels and two dance floors. Entertainment includes a drum and mash set by DJ Austintatious and a secret celebrity guest drummer. Ticket prices have not been announced. (www.typhoonsaloon.com) One block south of Garnet at Hornblend and Cass, Bar West (959 Hornblend St.) is celebrating the holiday with a hosted premium bar and tray-passed hors d’oeuvres from 8 to 10 p.m. and complimentary champagne at midnight. Entertainment will feature DJ Joey Jimenez. (www.barwestsd.com)
