From anarchist to Zen master, New Year’s Eve celebrations in Santa Cruz are a cross section of our fair city’s rich diversity. Whether a person wants to march through the streets or meditate, rub up against a sexy stranger, mine a buffet for all it’s worth or just catch some great live music, there’s a party for every persuasion and price point. Not afraid to be of service, we’ve compiled a guide to the best parties of (the last night of) the year.
Last Night (5pm, meet at Saturn Café parking lot; free; LastNightDIY.org) was originally formed in opposition to the corporate and city-sponsored First Night Santa Cruz (cancelled in 2005, cue victory gloat). And the authorities don’t much like the fact that it’s unpermitted; organizer Wes Modes was fined $250 for the 2010 event. While there’s no telling what folks will do when collected for the parade—billed as a decentralized, D.I.Y. spontaneous gathering—past years have seen appearances by puppeteers, square dancers, fire dancers and mariachi musicians, among many others.
Those homesick for Burning Man can join like-minded individuals under a 36-foot geodesic dome draped in silk, filled with cushions and erected behind the 418 Project for Timbavati (8pm; $25; 418 Front Street, Santa Cruz. Timbavati.info). Organizers Laura Bishop (an energy healer) and Jonah Kai (a sound healer) call it a “conscious gathering,” complete with live music, body and energy work and—courtesy of DJs Kaminanda, Karim So, Kai, Bird Of Prey and Outersect—womping beats that will make attendees feel like they’re right back on the Playa.
Downtown, DJs will be spinning at Motiv’s Magic Masquerade (9pm; 15 adv/$20 door general, $70 adv/$85 door VIP; 831.429.8070), where revelers will mix with roaming magicians performing tricks. Cocoanut Grove will be cornering the market on diversions for a slightly older demographic with a classy prime-rib dinner, dessert spread, the musical stylings of the six-piece California Beach Party and a balloon drop at midnight (7pm; $39-$89; 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz. 831.423.2053). Those who are swearing off partying Jan. 1 can begin their resolutions right on time, welcoming the New Year with Evening of Meditation, Reflection, Music and More at Vipassana Santa Cruz (8:30pm-12:30am.; free, but bring a vegetarian or non-alcoholic refreshment to share and a bell to ring at midnight; 1010 Fair Ave, Santa Cruz. VipassanaSC.org). The event is a venue for people to explore their deep, true intentions and offer blessings and aspirations for themselves and others. At midnight, participants will ring in the New Year together by striking bells 108 times.
For all our differences, there are few among us who can’t appreciate the sweet sounds of real live music—it’s kind of the best part of living here. Appropriately, there is a slew of concerts lined up around town. Homegrown funk-rock outfit Wooster will be at Moe’s Alley with special guests Taxi Project (8pm; $12 adv/ $15 door; 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. 831.479.1854). Local blues-rockers Sourgrass will appear at the Crepe Place with Birdhand. (9pm; $15; 1134 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.429.6994). Perennial favorites Sambadá will lay down some Afro-Brazilian beats at the Catalyst with help from Flor de Caña (9pm; $15 adv/$19 door; 1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.423.1338). Classic Americana act Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours will play the Rio Theatre in a show doubling as a one-night-only reunion between Antsy and original Troubadour Stephen Fleming (9pm; $27.50-$37.50; 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.423.8209). Lynard Skyn-heads can catch the Gator Alley Band covering “Free Bird” at the Brookdale Lodge (8pm; $15; 11570 Hwy 9, Brookdale. 831.338.1300), and up in Felton, Who’s Holdin will take the stage with SuSpex for Don Quixote’s “Rockin’ the Valley” extravaganza (9pm; $15; 6275 Hwy 9, Felton. 831.603.2294).
