New Year's Eve: The Clock's Ticking
With ticket prices climbing as you're reading this, perhaps it's time to decide what you're doing this New Year's Eve, whether it involves tux rental and a kiss at midnight, or family and fireworks. Just some of the events:
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¿ You're young and looking to party, and money is no object. It's a return engagement for Mad Mad Masquerade, a bash thrown by the local Irish band Scythian at the old Carnegie Library building near Chinatown (it's Metro-accessible, too). The dressy affair features performances by '80s cover band the Reflex, illusionist Magic Nick, jazz band Yomamanem and Scythian, and open bar all night. And since it's a masquerade, you'll need a mask. The deadline to buy early bird $125 tickets is Saturday night (tickets then climb to $135, then $149). 21 and older only. 9 p.m. 801 K St. NW. 800-595-4849 or http:/
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center's Grand Ballroom is where some 5,000 other attendees will party at the Downtown Countdown, which includes host Elliot Segal of "Elliot in the Morning," open bar for five hours, a dinner buffet and performances by Naughty by Nature, Washington Social Club and others. Dress is "funky" (read hip) formal. Tickets are $139, and subject to increase. 21 and older only. 8:30 p.m. 801 Mount Vernon Pl. NW. For tickets, 202-397-7328. For information, visit http:/
¿ You'd skip a buffet and open bar for a good dance floor and beautiful people any day. At the Black Cat, it's the annual New Year's Eve Ball with Peaches O'Dell and Her Orchestra performing glam swing and exotic rumbas, which, yes, is highly unusual for this stage. The ticket includes DJ sets on the Backstage, but don't expect party favors or anything. Dress: Like yourself, but maybe with a few feathers. $20 in advance (at the Cat, 202-667-7960, or through Ticketmaster); $25 at the door. 9:30 p.m. 1811 14th St. NW. 202-397-7328.
¿ You've got a family. You just want fireworks, a countdown and maybe that kiss. Venues across the Potomac (galleries, schools, shops) stay open late and host music, storytelling and dance at First Night Alexandria, which ends with a fireworks display at midnight at the George Washington Masonic Memorial (101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria). Dress: Warm. $10 before Dec. 25; $15 thereafter; children 12 and younger, free. 5 p.m. For details and tickets, visit http:/
Save the Date
CONCERT: A Second Chance to See Van Halen It was a sold-out spectacle at Verizon Center last month when three of the original members of Van Halen reunited (the craggy-voiced David Lee Roth being the biggest draw), and were joined by Eddie Van Halen's son on bass and none other than Valerie Bertinelli in the crowd. If you didn't get tickets then, here's another opportunity: The band returns to the region for a show at Baltimore's First Mariner Arena on March 9. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. tomorrrow though Ticketmaster. $49.50-$125. First Mariner Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 202-397-7328.
ON STAGE: Dave Barry His book-signings in town last summer drew tons of people, but did anyone really get any quality time with the Florida funnyman? Early next year, Barry, a longtime humor columnist who writes the hilarious "holiday gift guide" each year, will visit Lisner Auditorium on Feb. 6 for a whole "Evening With Dave Barry." He's just published a book, "History of the Millennium (So Far)." $27-$125; there's a limited number of $21.60 tickets available to George Washington University students, at the Lisner box office (202-994-6800). 8 p.m. 730 21st St. NW. 202-397-7328.
THE SCENE: An "American Conversation" With Barbara Bush Next month, the National Archives brings in the former first lady for a discussion about her life, her time in the White House and her causes. The talk, led by Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein, is part of the series that has hosted Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Lynne Cheney. Bush visits on Jan. 25. Free. 4 p.m. William G. McGowan Theater, Constitution Avenue between Seventh and Ninth streets NW. 202-357-5000.
The District
