— Big Bashes
The Palazzo Grande
This Italian banquet hall promises an intimate countdown to 2015 with special hors d'oeuvres like calamari and arancini Italian rice balls and a plated dinner of filet mignon and stuffed chicken florentine. Tickets come with a premium bar and since you'll be dancing off your caloric intake from dinner, there will also be late night gourmet pizza. And, of course, there will be a champagne toast at midnight.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; 54660 Van Dyke, Shelby Charter Township; 586-731-2100; thepalazzogrande.com; tickets are $100 per person.
Laurel Manor
Live music by One Man Out, a premium bar, plenty of food, and a champagne toast make this NYE party a worthy choice this year.
Doors open at 7 p.m.; 39000 Schoolcraft Rd., Livonia; 734-462-0770; laurelmanor.com; $95.
Elektricity
The 10 musical acts (Dakota, Trblmakr, Chromatiq, Jeni V, 2Tall, Soul Goodman, Yos, A Guy Called Amir, Jacqe O, and the Ghita Sisters) that will be spinning inside this enormous EDM venue notwithstanding, the main attraction will surely be the spectacular balloon drop that will include amazing prizes like a day at the spa, a body makeover, Pistons tickets, a Justin Verlander signed ball, a Pavel Datsyuk autographed puck, and two round-trip tickets to London.
Doors open at 8:30 p.m.; 15 S. Saginaw, Pontiac; 248-599-2212; elektricitymusic.com; 18 and older.
The Hater's Ball
@ Tangent Gallery
Luminox, AFX, and plenty of local talent will be spinning at this gala for pimps, hustlers, streetwalkers, macks, hoes, whore-mongers, and tramps at this new NYE party. Suits, top hats, gator shoes, mink coats, and all other ghetto fab attire is strongly encouraged and all hateraide will be drank from a gold chalice, so don't forget yours at home.
Doors open at 8 p.m.; 715 E. Milwaukee St., Detroit; tangentgallery.com; ticket are $20; 18 and older.
Townsend Hotel
Expect all the pretty people to be at this Fiaz and Mikey George-hosted NYE party. The good-looking 20somethings with great hair and perfect clothes that attend this shindig will be doing a lot of dancing, and while they'll be paying a $50 cover, there won't actually be an open bar. There will, however, be light appetizers, a midnight buffet, and a champagne toast. If you plan to over-imbibe, there will be discounted hotel room rates that even as well.
Doors open at 9 p.m.; 100 Townsend St., Birmingham; 248-406-2020; check neptix.com for more event info; $50.
Retro Beats & Bowling Dance Party
@ Emagine
Put together by 96.3 WDVD and Metro Times, this event boasts a performance by C&C Music Factory. If you're old enough, you remember their '90s hits like "Everybody Dance Now," "Gonna Make You Sweat," and "Here We Go." Is the nostalgic band not enough to convince you to buy yourself a $35 ticket? There will also be food, drinks, dancing, and bowling until 4 a.m.
Party starts at 9 p.m.; 200 N. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-414-1000; emagine-entertainment.com; tickets are $35.
Motor City Gala
@ Atheneum Hotel
Countdown to a live broadcast of The Drop at this swanky hotel party in Greektown. Other amenities will include a VIP dinner seating, a special martini bar, open bar until 1 a.m.; a champagne bar from 11 p.m. to midnight, DJs and dancing. It boasts an upscale crowd of hip, young professionals, singles, couples, and groups.
Doors open at 9 p.m.; 1000 Brush St., Detroit; 248-543-1000; motorcitygala.com; tickets start at $85.
The Mirage
This bash bills itself as an Eastside NYE party that you don't want to miss, not just another typical hall party. There will be a gourmet dinner for VIP ticket-holders and complimentary valet parking, party favors, a premium bar, late night buffet, and, of course, a champagne toast. Stereo Kings and DJ RC will provide plenty of dancing tunes. Doors open at 8 p.m.; "afterglow" entry starts at 10:30 p.m.; 16980 18 Mile Rd., Clinton Twp.; 586-228-2222; themiragebanquets.com; presale tickets are $90; afterglow tickets are $40.
Blast: NYE 2015
@ Marriott Centerpoint
Brought to you by Jody Haddad, DJ Godfather, Bryan Chin, Mike Anthony, Jay Mahfouz, and Matt Aubrey, this enormous New Year's Eve bash will feature tons of DJs, a late night buffet, a ball drop, and confetti storm. Oh, and cocktail chic attire is strongly suggested for both the ladies and the fellas. Doors open at 9 p.m.; 3600 Centerpoint Pkwy., Centerpoint; 248-253-9800; nyeindetroit.com; tickets start at $55.
The Resolution Ball
@ The Fillmore
If you're looking for a flashy, glitzy good time with 1,700 of your closest friends, you could do far worse than the Fillmore's always-popular Resolution Ball. This self-described "Chicago-Vegas style New Year's experience" is a perfect party destination, especially if you attend with a large group of your own, so you can create your own human shield of celebration. Between all the dancing and drinks flung about, your dry cleaning bill might be pretty high.
VIP doors open at 8 p.m.; general admission doors open at 9:30 p.m.; 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 248-543-1000; resolutionballdetroit.com; tickets start at $115.
The Drop
@ Campus Martius Park
Forget Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, The Drop is Detroit's very own "ball drop," an event that's fit for metro Detroiters young and old. There will be something for everyone, including food, drinks, music, a heated tent, ice skating, carriage rides, fire pits, and plenty more. The Kids' Zone will have games, music, face painting, and the Kids' Drop, a special, early version of the main event that caters to those with early bedtimes. Of course, it all culminates as the D descends on Detroit to the chorus of, "10, 9, 8, 7 ..."
From 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; 313-355-0413; 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; motorcitynye.com; admission is free.
Hollywood in the D
@ V Nightclub
MGM's V Nightclub is known for resident DJ Captn20, hosting acts like Brody Jenner, and those super sexy, scantily clad go-go dancers. They'll be turning it up to 11 on New Year's Eve when they host their annual Hollywood in the D bash. Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite Tinsel Town starlets and enjoy the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles right here in the D. The venue promises "celebrity" appearances and special guest performances all night long.
Doors open at 10 p.m.; 1777 Third St., Detroit; 313-465-1650; hollywoodinthed.com; early bird tickets start at $50; 21 and older only; proper attire is required.
— Music, dancing, and more
Go Comedy!
If you're anything like us, you probably find the holidays a little depressing. New Year's Eve, a night that's supposed to be the best one of the year, can be a particular downer. Instead of whooping it up at da club, how about chuckling the night away at Go Comedy! There will be two improv shows, snacks, party favors, special prizes, and a champagne toast.
Shows at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.; 261 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-327-0575; gocomedy.com; tickets are $35.
Greensky Bluegrass
@ Royal Oak Music Theatre
If the sweet sounds of a dobro, lap steel, mandolin, banjo, bass, and guitar are enough to make you squeal with delight, then this is the New Year's Eve party for you. Greensky Bluegrass, the Kalamazoo-based five-piece Americana band will perform with Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers.
Doors open at 8 p.m.; 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; romtlive.com; 248-399-2980; tickets are $30-$35.
Murray's Motor City Greasers Ball
@ HopCat's Huma Room
Get out your pommade and slick back those raven locks – it's time for Murray's Motor City Greasers Ball. The Twistin' Tarantulas and the Hi-Views will perform in the second-story Huma Room inside Detroit's brand-new HopCat.
Starts at 8 p.m.; 4265 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-769-8828; hopcat.com/detroit; tickets are $14.50.
The Masquerade Bang!
@ Blind Pig
If you're not already familiar with the Bang!, a monthly mixtape dance party at the Blind Pig, then this is a great chance to get acquainted. This special edition will include a pre-midnight hot dog eating contest and the opportunity to make your own music station. Plus, DJ Captain Dickslap (you might remember him from our All Dolled Up feature a couple weeks ago) will be spinning along with Dan Tice.
Doors open at 9:30 p.m.; 208 N. First St., Ann Arbor; blindpigmusic.com; cover is $15; 21 and older only.
Kill Frenzy
@ Grasshopper Underground
Fans of house, techno, and booty are in for a treat with a special three-hour set from Belgium's Kill Frenzy (you know, producer of tracks like "Booty Clap" and "No Panties"). DJs Doug English and PRGRM round out the bill. We're told Grasshopper will be open and serving until 4 a.m. — so pace yourselves, ya'll. Inquire within Grasshopper about VIP booths and bottle service.
Starts at 9 p.m.; 22757 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale; 248-298-0330; thegrasshopperunderground.com; $25; 21 and over only.
Shigeto
@ UFO Factory
Zach Saginaw has been wowing crowds as Shigeto for years, mixing electronic beats and live percussions to make spacey one-man soundscapes that should sound right at home at the relatively new UFO Factory. Jamaican Queens and Ritual Howls, and DJs Ice Cold Chrissy and Charles Tree also perform.
Starts at 9 p.m.; 2110 Trumbull St., Detroit; facebook.com/ufofactorydetroit; $10; 18 and up only.
Eran Hersh and more
@ Bleu
Music by Eran Hersh, Vyctor Ukraine, K@DOG, DJ Maverick, and Joe Palazzolo. Complimentary appetizers will be served between 10 p.m. and midnight, there's drink specials all night long, and the club will be open until 4 a.m.
VIP booths available for $450. Starts at 8 p.m.; 1540 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-974-7799; bleudetroit.com; $20; 21 and over only.
DJ Hardy and MC Yoda
@ Necto Nightclub
Celebrate New Year's Eve with DJ Hardy and MC Yoda. Complimentary champagne toast for age 21 and over at midnight — there will also be complimentary party favors, a balloon drop, and pizza; 18 and over are welcome with proper ID and attire. Open until 4 a.m. $15 in advance, $20 the day of show. Starts at 9 p.m.; 516 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-994-5835; necto.com, 18 and over welcome with ID.
Bop(Harvey)
@ Magic Stick
It's hard to believe these maestros from Michigan State celebrated 30 years playing their own brand of funky reggae this year. Come celebrate three decades of hard work — plus, how many other bands in town will play with a four-piece horn section on New Year's Eve? Also featuring Detroit's own Shotgun Soul and Dirk Kroll Band. Doors at 8 p.m.; 4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit; majesticdetroit.com; 313-833-9700; $25.
Minnestoa
@ Majestic
Welcome California transplant Christian Bauhofer, aka Minnesota, back to the Midwest for this special New Year's Eve show. See why dubstep giant Bassnectar is a fan. Exmag and Dopedelic will also perform. Doors at 9 p.m.; 4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit; majesticdetroit.com; 313-833-9700; $25; 18 and over.
Haute to Death
@ Park Bar
DJ duo Haute to Death are always a great time, known to spin the gamut from David Bowie to Whitney Houston. As an added bonus, Tunde Olaniran will also perform, bringing his own bizzaro brand of pop to the stage. Seriously, if you haven't seen Olaniran perform yet, you're missing out — nobody else in the scene is making such smart and fabulous pop. Tickets include coat check, photobooth, and late night hors d' oeuvres. Starts at 10 p.m.; Elizabeth Theater at the Park Bar; 2040 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-962-2933; $15 advance tickets available at buy.smplfd.com.
Third Coast Kings
@ Cliff Bell's
You can count on Cliff Bell's to provide classy entertainment, and this year's New Year's Eve party choice doesn't disappoint, bringing the Third Coast Kings' authentic funk and soul onstage. There's also a $60 four-course dinner option, served from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. — advanced reservations recommended. Ian Finkelstein Trio plays from 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Third Coast Kings play from 10:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m.; 2030 Park Avenue, Detroit; 313-961-2543; cliffbells.com; $25.
Salsa
@ Cantina Diablos
The annual Latin New Year's Eve bash returns with two floors of DJs and dancing. Get your salsa, bachata, and merengue fix on the main floor with DJ Cisco and Andres R. On the second floor, DJ Tony Toca spins reggaeton, hip-hop, and top 40. The night will also feature the debut performance of Salsa Detroit Dance Team. Tickets include a champagne toast and party favors; VIP booths available. Starts at 10 p.m.; 100 South Main Street, Royal Oak; 248-543-4300; cantinadiablo.com; $10.
Mega '80s New Years Eve Bash
@ Magic Bag
CBS Detroit crowned the Mega '80s as one of five "Best Up-and-Coming Detroit Bands of 2014" — which is nice, but also a strange honor to give a 12-year-old '80s cover band. We digress — the '80s were a great era for pop music, so why not ring in a new year reliving the decade. Doors at 8 p.m.; 22920 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale; 248-544-3030; themagicbag.com; $27; 21 and over.
— Low Key
Boogie Stomp: The Play!
@ The Performance Network Theatre
Fans of American piano music and boogie woogie are in for a treat this New Year's Eve. Boogie Stomp: The Play! explores American piano performers and the audiences they've entranced for the past century. Attendees will be treated to swing, stride, blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, and good ol' rock 'n' roll. Two of the world's best piano performers, Bob Baldori and Arthur Migliazza, will star in this show, providing not just entertainment but a musical education. The late showing includes a pre-show champagne toast.
Showtimes are at 6 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.; 120 E. Huron St, Ann Arbor; pntheatre.org; 734-663-0681; tickets are $75-$100.
Bringing Up Baby New Year
@ Planet Ant Theatre
Planet Ant's original production, Bringing Up Baby New Year, has gotten plenty of critical acclaim since it debuted in 2012. In fact due to its immense popularity, it's back for its third year in a row. For those who aren't familiar, the plot follows Baby New Year and his attempts to make himself remembered as he also deals with puberty, a mid-life crisis, and old age, all within the span of 12 months. If you already have NYE plans, there will also be performances on Dec. 26, 27, and 29.
Show starts at 9 p.m.; 2357 Caniff, Hamtramck; 313-365-4948; planetant.com; tickets are $10.
Weber's Restaurant
Some of us prefer to stuff ourselves with good food rather than drinking to excess come New Year's Eve, and for us there's the gorgeous offerings at Weber's Restaurant in Ann Arbor. There will be an hors d'oeurve buffet featuring crab cocktail, chilled lobster tails, smoked salmon pate, and shrimp cocktail. Dinner will include prime rib, Tuscan pan chicken breast and caramelized salmon filet. And don't forget about dessert – there will be bumpy cake, a Vernors float, and dried cherry compote. Live music will be provided by Jerry Ross Band and DJ Mechial E. White. 3050 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor; 734-769-2500; webersinn.com.
Detroit Historical Society's Noon Year's Eve
@ Dossin Great Lakes Museum
Naturally, it's not easy to find events suitable for the whole family on New Years. For "Noon Year's Eve," the venerable institution invites you to join in for a countdown to noon, culminating in the ringing of their giant bell salvaged from the ship City of Detroit III. There are also snacks, crafts – and did we mention it's free?
Starts at 10 a.m.; 100 Strand Dr., Belle Isle, Detroit; 313-833-7935; detroithistorial.org; admission is free.
London Chop House
Not everyone enjoys hard partying come New Year's Eve. If you're looking to ditch the dreaded club scene, London Chop House just might have the refined, sophisticated atmosphere you're looking for. There will be three dinner seatings and live music. Seatings are at ;155 W. Congress St., Detroit; 313-962-0277; thelondonchophouse.com; $100 per person.
Selden Standard
This brand-new Detroit establishment is still celebrating just being open, which calls for double the celebration this New Year's Eve. Reservations are required starting at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31, though the bar will accept walk-ins. They'll be offering their regular menu, along with a few special, festive items. Drinkers can except a holiday punch and a few other NYE-inspired cocktails. There won't be a complimentary champagne toast, but they will be offering a champagne flight that will come with three full glasses of different bubbly. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit; 313-438-5055; seldenstandard.com.
The Whitney
Old-school elegance and charm are the name of the game at Detroit's The Whitney – don't expect to be fist pumping and slamming shots here. They're offering a pared down version of their regular menu, plus live music. Don't forget to check out the Ghost Bar while you're there. It's a great place to toast to the New Year. 4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-5700; thewhitney.com.
The Bird and the Bread
Not quite a year old yet, Birmingham's the Bird and the Bread will be ringing in their first New Year come Dec. 31. Their plans include three courses with three choices each and three seatings, all set smack dap in the middle of the city's picturesque downtown. Crispy pork belly, lobster and scallops, and blood orange panna cotta could comprise your dinner that evening, among other choices. A champagne toast will be provided only at the 9 p.m. seating.
Seatings are at 4 p.m.; 6:30 p.m., and 9 p.m.; 210 S, Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-203-6600; thebirdandthebread.com; tickets are $60 for 4 p.m. and $70 for 6:30 and 9 p.m.
