Attempting to make big plans for New Year’s Eve anywhere, let alone in Buffalo, is always a hassle. Coordinating with friends and family, trying to all agree on one thing and then make an actual decision, braving the chaos and craziness outside — these are all things we could probably do without on this one-special-night-of-the-year affair. For a worry-free New Year’s Eve, the Buffalo Police Athletic League and 97 Rock have made a few decisions for us, and will keep the energy going well into the night. The 19th Annual Ball Drop and fireworks display from the Electric Tower downtown in Roosevelt Square always draws a huge crowd, and unlike Times Square, you can actually move around and relocate if you want a better view of the festivities. Get to the square early at 11pm and watch a presentation of the events that have shaped 2006 on several of the Jumbotron screens in the area, with the ball drop and fireworks to follow. Also going on that night will be special New Year’s Eve menus and packages from downtown restaurants and hotels (be sure to make your reservations early). If you’re in the mood for some music, Lance Diamond will move his show over to the Tralf for an evening featuring hors d’oeuvres served from 10 to 11pm and a champagne toast at midnight. But that’s just a suggestion; tonight is one night you can go to almost any bar or lounge and be certain to find an evening of special entertainment.

Who says charity and pleasure don’t mix? Certainly not Judy Adgate, newly appointed Coordinator of the Old First Ward Community Center, and not Gerhardt J. Yaskow, the new owner of Gene McCarthy’s Irish Pub. Throughout the day on December 22, Adgate will be joined by local politicians including Erie County Deputy County Executive James P. Keane, New York State Assemblyman Mark Schroeder and Erie County Legislator Tim Kennedy as they step behind the mahogany to donate their time and tips as guest bartenders in an effort to raise money for the Old First Ward Buffalo River Food Pantry Program and the Old First Ward Community Center’s Christmas Party. The pantry provides free food every two weeks for 40-60 families, and the Christmas party provides around 150 toys and gifts to area children. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and Santa Claus himself will be dropping in on the holiday cheer around 5pm to give rides on his sleigh—complete with reindeer. According to Laura Kelly, Executive Director of the Old First Ward Community Center, these type of events “help us aid more people and their families.” This is one time where your trip to the Friday happy hour can work to spread even more happiness, so raise a toast and leave your change on the bar.

Ever since 1967, when his young band The Tweeds scored a regional hit with “A Thing of the Past”, singer/guitarist Dave Constantino has been a part of WNY rock royalty. In the seventies he was one third of the legendary power trio Talas, a band that became a sensation at local rock clubs like He & She’s and the Barrel Head. The band went on to release an international hit, “See Saw,” and sold out Kleinhans Music Hall once in 1979 at the height of their popularity and again as a reunion show in 1997. They were tapped as openers for a tour with Van Halen, and when U2 first played in America it was they who opened up for Talas at Stage One in Williamsville. In a show that’s sure to draw some of the most devoted music fans from all over the region, Dave Constantino Band releases a new CD entitled Bump in the Road. This Buffalo Supergroup will also host special guest appearances from international bass guitar god and original Talas member Billy Sheehan along with Johnny Angel of legendary regional stars Rock Candy.

For those of you tired of the same old New Year’s Eve party, Sound in Motion 2006 has put together a dynamic event that’s sure to shake things up as you ring in the new year. Thought (pictured here), Pseudo Slang, Lazlo Hollyfeld and Hylofi, four incredibly talented bands who all originated in Buffalo, will return to their hometown to perform as a part of what’s sure to be a ground-breaking event. Along with these musical acts, party-goers can enjoy DJ intermissions from Cutler and Sick & Tone as well as a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, a VIP area, visuals by Jon Simon and the Fractal Project, projections and live art installations. This multi-media experience is set to take over the entire third floor of the Pearl Street Grill & Brewery. This is a 21+ event and organizers ask that you be sure to bring proper ID. Advance tickets are available at Pearl Street Grill, New World Record and Terrapin Station, or at www.inticketing.com