Still Sorting Out Your New Year's Eve Plans?
At Cool Cleveland, We'll Tell You Where To Go

Don't know what you're doing on New Year's Eve? We do. For at least part of the day, we'll be working hard on the Wed 1/2 issue of CC. But there are planty of options for the Hard Corps staff here at CC and we're all headed in different directions. Submitted for your perusing pleasure, we've gathered a list of possibilities for your fun night out. We also have a few choice selections gathered in our CC Kids section, if you're looking for something with some family-friendly flair. We've been here for 5 years now, helping you figure out where to go... you don't think we'd leave you hanging on one of the biggest party nights of the year. Well, did ya? Click below for some of the hottest choices in town.

HOT First Night Akron Now in its twelfth year, First Night® Akron is a New Year's Eve celebration unlike any other Mon 12/31. The family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration brings the community together to experience a brief moment in time while creating lasting New Year's Eve memories. Family-friendly entertainment and fun will delight everyone! And they tell us they might need some volunteers. For a complete schedule of events and volunteer details, visit http://www.firstnightakron.org.

The Blues Foundation has just nominated Nora Jean Bruso for Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year. She's performing at Wilbert's This New Year's Eve, Mon 12/31 at 9PM with local ladycrooner Kristine Jackson opening up. Fans of Koko Taylor or Shemekia Copeland will love her; a delectably and savory Prime Rib Buffet accompanies the gig. Wilbert's, 812 Huron Rd. E. http://www.wilbertsmusic.com.

NYE, NYC-style An incredible celebration drops at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven Mon 12/31 starting at 8PM. Party it up NYC-style, dress up or dress down. Features two live bands -- Run Avril Run and Eugene Ross & Co. -- plus a fully-stocked barm non-stop gourmet food, party favors, complimentary valet parking, and discounted room rates at newly-adjacent hotel. All inclusive cost. 21 and older. 440-449-0700 x288 for reservations. Executive Caterers at Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Dr., Mayfield Hts.

HOT Or... Who Needs Times Square? Ring in 2008 at SARAVÁ on Shaker Square Mon 12/31 starting with 5PM dinner and a full-blown party at 10PM. Last year, about 500 people grooved it out to Mazi -- an incredible DJ with one of the best Brazilian music collections in town. A do-not-miss event with three bars, a dance floor, live percussion and a Midnight drawing for a trip for two to Rio courtesy of Continental Airlines! Call 295-1200 or visit http://www.sergioscleveland.com for reservations.

New Year's Eve in Little Chicago Celebrate in a 1920's Speakeasy with the Canton Cabaret Musical Dinner Theatre by attending New Year’s Eve in Little Chicago on Mon 12/31 from 9PM - 1AM at the McKinley Grand Hotel Ballroom, 321 Market Avenue S., Canton. Overnight packages are available and include an open bar, buffet dinner with assorted desserts, a champagne toast, overnight accomodations for for two, complimentary parking, and a breakfast buffet served the next morning. Call 330-454-5000 for reservations. More info: http://www.cantoncabaret.com.

Rusted Root w/JiMiller Band PA's world-music-fusion ensemble lights up NYE with a festive, danceable groove Mon 12/31 at 8PM with local hero JiMiller and his band warming things up. House of Blues on Euclid. http://www.rustedroot.com. http://www.jimiller.com.

A Very Special New Year's Evening features Ian Mitchell & Kyle Vincent of the Bay City Rollers -- each will perform their tune as well as the Rollers' hits! Enjoy a toast and complimentary hor'dourves! Don't miss this intimate, yet rockin' night at The Winchester Music Hall, Lakewood. Mon 12/31 at 8PM. http://thewinchester.net.

HOT Detroit Cobras Killer hooks, mad garage rock energy and singer Rachel Nagy's fire make this former CMJ Rock Hall MusicFest act from the Motor City a must-see. Grab a PBR or two and check them out for NYE Mon 12/31 at 9PM at the Beachland Ballroom on Waterloo. Rock out your New Year. Not even to mention the special guests -- Cobra Verde and the Patrick Sweany Band. Holy smokes! http://www.beachlandballroom.com. http://www.myspace.com/thedetroitcobras.

Mystery of Two play at Now That's Class w/ Born Bad (Winnipeg), No Peace, Sun God, Mr. California & Burger Boys Mon 12'31 at 8PM. For thirty bones, there's an open bar... come celebrate NYE and MoT's Ryan Weitzel's b-day! http://www.myspace.com/nowthatsclass.

New Year's Eve at the Copa Welcome the New Year with music, fun and dance at the Cleveland Pops' 12th Annual Concert Dance Mon 12/31 at 9PM. Conductor Carl Topilow and company lead the charge with vocalist Gary Mauer (Broadway's Raoul from The Phantom of the Opera) to recreate the mood and music of the famous Copa Cabana nightclub. The two-hour concert begins offers up Manilow hits, including "Mandy," "I Write the Songs," "Copacabana," "Can't Smile Without You" and many more of Barry's biggest hits. Dancing begins at 11PM; coffee and desserts, cash bars and an amazing balloon drop at midnight. Severance Hall. http://www.clevelandpops.com.

From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com
(:divend:)