by LORRAINE CARPENTER
Blow-out parties 
Celebration Bal des Boys
Bell Centre, 1260 de la Gauchetière W., 908-9090, www.ticketpro.ca, www.bbcm.org
This year, the Bad Boys Club, 514, Gillett and Godskitchen present world-renowned U.K. DJs Paul Oakenfold and Steve Lawler, Toronto’s Sean Miller and locals Franco Fabi and Stéfane Lippé, bringing you “the world’s finest electronic dance music.” The 15-hour extravaganza (9 p.m.–noon) promises champagne, state of the art visuals and 6,500 party people. The first 2,000 tickets cost $80, $99 after that, and weekend passes for all of the BBCM’s New Year’s events is only $145.
Barhop
Various locations, Info: 816-7745, www.montrealparty.com, Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
Beat the rush and join the party on Dec. 30, when a fleet of shuttle buses will transport a projected 17,000 people to 25 of the city’s hottest house, techno and R&B clubs, with 40 DJs at your service, for only $20. Proper attire is required.
La Boom
1254 Stanley, 866-5463
DJs Maniak, MC Nightmare, John, Bass Sick and Explicit will bring the noise in four rooms at this laser-lit downtown hotspot. Drinks are dirt cheap from 7–10 p.m., the bar is open from 10 p.m.–3 a.m., patrons will receive a glass of bubbly just in time for the Times Square countdown, and walk (or roll) away with some sweet party favours, all for $90.
Break 2005
Aria, 1280 St-Denis, 987-6712, www.aria-nightclub.com, Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
Have a break, have a hot party from 10 p.m.–noon, with topnotch house and techno DJs Deep Dish featuring Sharam, Danny Howells, Creator and Maüs in the main room, and more in the urban room. Get your tickets fast, for $40–$70 depending on the speed of sales.
Countdown 2005–6
Le Medley, 1170 St-Denis, 842-6557, Info: www.montrealparty.com
Toronto DJ Scott Boogie busts out some sweet R&B, Top 40 and dance music at Medley’s annual mega-party, which promises a huge balloon drop, dirt-cheap drinks from 8–10 p.m., open bar the rest of the night, party favours and NYC’s countdown on a giant screen, for $85 in advance, or more at the door.
Elements
Circus Afterhours 915 Ste-Catherine E. (St-Thimothée entrance), 844-0188, www.circusafterhours.com
With a room pairing each party vibe with an element—Fire: VIP, Metal: hip hop, Air: house, Water: chill out, Earth: massage zone—this 14-hour bash (10 p.m.–noon) might be the one to beat. DJs such as Hector Morales and MightyKat take the main room, while the hip hop room combines live sets by Kasper and Sabrina Jeans with video from the Triple Tek Sound Crew, Kwite Sane and more. Tickets cost $45–$65, or $100 for complete VIP treatment. Check the site for details.
Enchantment 2006
Roxy Night Club, 1426 Stanley, 816-7745/973-0602
Expect a stacked extravaganza at this downtown club’s first crack at New Year’s, featuring 10 DJs spinning R&B, hip hop, house, old school, funk, club anthems, reggae and “Indian vibes” in two rooms, for $55–$65. Drink up at the open bar from 8–10 p.m., enjoy hors d’oeuvres and party favours, the NYC countdown on giant screens, a midnight balloon drop and champagne toast, state of the art sound, light and lasers, and prize giveaways all night long. Download the Enchantment 2006 mix CD for free at www.NewYearsEveMontreal.com
Extravaganza
Redlite (Laval), 1755 De Lierre, (450) 967-3057, www.red-lite.net
Bal en Blanc and Redlite ask patrons to get decked out in silver for this barnstorming blowout, starring Holland’s superstar DJ Armin Van Buuren in the house room, alongside Danny Torrence, Jester, Marco G and Phil Larochelle, while Eminem affiliate Clinton Sparks takes on the hip hop room with Short Cut, Kurtis C, Square, Lopez and Shadeye. The party runs from 9 p.m.–noon, and costs $55/$75.
Fluid
Club Soda, 1225 St-Laurent, Ticket Pro: 908-9090, www.fluidnewyears.com
Bask in booze at this seventh annual all-inclusive blowout, featuring the best hard liquor, wine and beer at seven bars, scrumptious snacks, super sounds of hip hop, R&B, old school and funk on two floors, bongo players, dancers, free massages and the chance to win an iPod. Leave your wallet at home, as everything, even coat check and tips, is included.
Joy 2006
Complexe Millennium, 7500 Viau, 721-4949, www.milmtl.com, Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
Put on a happy face for this big bash, spreading the fun over 15 hours (from 9 p.m.–noon) in three rooms. Expect an open bar from 9–11 p.m., a cold buffet, three rooms, DJs Louis-Georges Cazabon and Maxwell House, performances by Danseuses Diamond, Paranoid, Tram Jam, Michael Tam Tam Seguin and the Times Square countdown via satellite in the Millennium room. DJs Sultan, Michel Simard and Uppercut will keep the MP3 Afterhours room crackling, while the Urban Lounge features DJs Code 3, Stress and Overbeat. Tickets cost $45 in advance, $60 at door, and $25 after 3 a.m.
Le Kopshop New Year’s
111 Roy, www.lekopshop.com
Spinning electro, grime, techno and funk (from ’80s nostalgia to favela bootyliciousness), Hollertronix’s Low Budget and local kids Chromeo and Ghislain Poirier will rock this Kops party, with Kopsight on the visuals, as of 10 p.m., for $25/$30. There are only 350 tickets available, so get yers fast.
Meet Me at the Waterfront
Marché Bonsecours, 305 de la Commune E. 816-1MIX, www.lymetyme.com
Ring in the New Year at the Old Port with hip hop, R&B, classic house, reggae, soca, Euro and old school with DJs Majess, Payce, the Lymetyme Squad, MC Chops and more. This mega bash features five VIP sections, multiple bars, hors d’oeuvres, party favours, champagne for the big countdown and free access to the World Premiere after-party on Jan. 1, all for $39.50/$99.50. You can buy tickets and download a CD’s worthy of party tunes online.
Neon Loves Paris
SAT, 1195 St-Laurent, 844-2033, www.iloveneon.ca, Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
Celebrate French electro at Neon’s latest love fest, featuring DJs Alex Gopher and Digitalism, along with local boys doin’ good, Jordan Dare and Sean Kosa, and Emmanuelle & friends in the Voyeur Room, at 9 p.m., for $35.
Les Planètes Tournent… Encore!
Bains Mathieu, 2915 Ontario E., 954-1714, Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
After last year’s success, the planets keep turnin’ with six DJs spinnin’ Top 40, ’80s, house and rock in one room and R&B, Latino and reggae in the other, both spaces flooded with astral imgery, from 9 p.m.–6 a.m.! The $80 ticket includes open bar all night, a buffet and champagne at midnight, coat check and parking.
Pressure 2005
The Museum, 2109 St-Laurent, Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com; www.montrealparty.com
Hot DJs will push it down on you and 2,500 of your closest friends this New Year’s, with hip hop, house and club anthems spread out over two dancefloors, three levels and four rooms, for $85 in advance and more at the door.
Silver 2006
Théatre Sans-Fil, 411 Letourneux. Info: 806-2246, info@silver2006.com
Say ba-bye to 2005 to a pumping house and trance soundtrack on three floors, with a multimedia spectacle and plenty of surprises, for $55 or VIP $75. The roster of top DJs includes Tao Nhan, Wizz and Eddy Jasmin in the Main Room, and Marco Petrocca, Uppercut and MightyKat entertaining the VIP.
Soma 2006
7205 St-Jacques W. Info: (450) 565-5305
Have a mind-melting old time from 10 p.m.–noon with steamy live sets by U.K. turntablists Scorb, NRS and Ram and local trance-inducing DJs and VJs from the Phonolite, Alien and Tech Safari crews. Tickets cost $40/$50.
Bar and club bashes
737
1 Place Ville-Marie, PH2, 397-0737, Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
Hit this high-rise, known for its spectacular view of the city, and dance to R&B, hip hop, Top 40, house, trance, Latino and ’80s music, with an open bar from 8–11 to get the wheels in motion, champagne at midnight and party favours, for $65.
1234
1234 de la Montagne, 395-1111, 1234montreal.com
DJs MC Mario, Vito V., Kit Carson and Sound will ring in 2006 at the Bubbles Make Me Horny bash at 1234. The party starts at 9 p.m. and $35 tickets include access to another party on Jan. 1, while pricier package deals guarantee tables and bottles of bubbly.
Assommoir
112 Bernard W., 272-0777
Eat, drink and be merry at this Mile-End resto-bar, where music and visuals will flood the dancefloor and patrons will be greeted with cocktails and bottles of champagne. The staff will serve canapés at 1 a.m., and combinations of high-end hors d’oeuvres, martinis and wines are available for $100. This party starts at 9 p.m. and costs $30 before midnight, $20 after.
Au Diable Vert
4557 St-Denis, 849-5888
Dance with the devil in the pale moonlight with DJ Word E Word as of 9 p.m., when the bargain basement booze begins to flow and confetti starts to fly, for $25/$40.
Balroom Bar
3643 St-Laurent,
In the former le Swimming space, DJ Sebso will spin for your listening and dancing pleasure, and promises one complimentary drink, midnight specials and snacks, for $40.
Bar St-Laurent 2
5550 St-Laurent, 273-2359
Heather will be the hip hop, R&B and reggae DJ for those who like their New Year’s hot, from 10 p.m., for $10/$20.
Barraca
1134 Mont-Royal 525-7741
Patrons are asked to seek out invitations to this party, where DJ Alexander will pump up the house and there’ll be champagne and party favours on every table, as of 6 p.m.
Belmont
4483 St-Laurent, 845-8443
DJs Kaméléon and Lafleur will heat up the floor at this Plateau party, where the bar is open from 9 p.m.–midnight, and tickets cost $40.
Bifteck
3702 St-Laurent, 844-6211
Welcome 2006 at the Main’s main rock ’n’ roll dive, offering a free cold buffet and unusually awesome drink specials.
Big Cheeze
4479 St-Denis, 845-9010
DJs D, Swing, Katy Chaos and Party will rock the bar formerly known as Central Ganesh, where party favours and shooters will flow freely from 9 p.m.–midnight, for $10.
Bily Kun
354 Mont-Royal E. 845-5392
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to pick Space Oddity as your New Year’s destination, with DJs Mylène (pop français, yéyé, R&B) and Mir (techno), and very affordable drinks, at 10:30 p.m., for $15.
Blizzarts
3956A St-Laurent, 843-4860
DJs Mlle Bacon and Peas & Carrots will serve all your rock, oldies and dancefloor-shaking needs as of 10 p.m., while host Murad “lubricates the evening” with free shooters, party favours, midnight bubbly and specials on bottles. Tickets cost $10 now, $12–$15 at the door. Call about group prices.
Boul Noir
551 Mont-Royal E., 525-5091
DJ Miles Moore will be your pilot for this fourth annual party, promising sauce-serving stewardesses, top tunes and tons of surprises. Bar’s open from 10–11:30 p.m. and tickets cost $20, $10 after midnight.
Brutopia
1219 Crescent, 393-9277
Feel the funk, dance and soul with DJs Ilya and Heavy Traffic as of 9 p.m., and enjoy a buffet, party favours and free champagne for the countdown, for $20.
Budda Bar
3616 St-Laurent, 287-6555
The fun starts at 9 p.m. at this open-bar bash, featuring DJ AB’s mix of oldies, house and R&B. Tickets cost $79 per table or $500 for four people, including sushi, midnight champagne, party favours and access to another party on Jan. 1.
Cabaret Cleopatra
1230 St-Laurent (2nd floor), 871-8066
On the second floor of the strip palace, music and entertainment come courtesy of Popeline, Frankie Night, Gerry Cyr and the Dancing Stars Revue, with a cold buffet, a complimentary glass of champagne and a draw for a whole bottle, all for $15.
Cabaret Music Hall
2111 St-Laurent, 845-2014
Catch Saturday night fever at Mademoiselle Julie’s C’est Disco party, starting at 8 p.m., for $25/$30.
Café Campus
57 Prince-Arthur E., 844-1010
For those craving a tropical escape, dig the tiki temptation of Aloha, Campus’s Hawaiian bash with DJs, beginning at 7:30 p.m., for $15 (at the door only).
Casa del Popolo
4873 St-Laurent, 284-3804
Dirty Ought Six is a super-dance bash featuring filthy DJs Auld Lang Slutsky, Jones Lang Syne and New Year’s Steve, spinning everything from synthetic hip hop to hallucinogenic rock. For your $6, you will be champagned at midnight.
Central Station
4432 St-Laurent, 842-2836
All aboard for Celebration 05, featuring three DJs spinning house and R&B, surprise performances throughout the night, open bar from 9–11 p.m., champagne at midnight and $5,000 in prizes, all for $45/$55.
Cheers
1260 Mackay, 932-3138
DJ Marcus takes the tables at this $50 New Year’s drink-a-thon, where the bar is open from 10 p.m.–1 a.m., and you’re doomed to mix those drinks with some midnight bubbly. Luckily, there are snacks.
Clyde’s
286 Lakeshore (Pointe-Claire), 630-8118
DJ Matt Stephens delivers rock, alternative and punk tunes as of 9 p.m. at this casual celebration, where your $5 includes free champagne and a buffet at midnight.
Dôme
32 Ste-Catherine E., 875-5757, www.clubdome.com, Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
Get your world rocked with Dôme’s 15 open bars, two rooms, two floors and two DJs spinning house, techno, Top 40, reggae and hip hop, along with party favours and the traditional Times Square countdown on a giant screen, for $90.
Eclipse Nightclub
1082 Rosemont, 272-1082
Patrons are bound to party hard to the sounds of DJ Hugo Bass & DJ Dominik Bro. This party starts at 9 p.m. and costs $20/$25, which includes a fine buffet. A bottle of champagne, and other assorted door prizes, will be awarded before midnight.
Edgar Hypertaverne
1562 Mont-Royal E., 521-4661
Dance to DJ Pascal Leveillé’s party music as of 9 p.m. at this chic Plateau bar, promising complimentary champagne. Entry costs $25/$40.
Electric Avenue
1469 Crescent, 285-8885
Patrons will be greeted with glasses of champagne, party favours and high-end ’80s nostalgia with DJ Andy as they count down to midnight, and the NYC spectacle via satellite. Tickets ($25/$50) are limited, so reserve by phone and credit card.
Exit
3553 St-Laurent, 285-2223 Ticket delivery: 806-5392
From the Big Apple, Hot 97’s Cipha Sounds takes the tables with local boys Kwite Sane, Majestic, B-Ware and Kurtic C at another of Exit’s classic hip hop parties. Doors open at 9:45 p.m., the bar is open until midnight, when champagne will be served, and tickets cost $40.
Foufounes Électriques
87 Ste-Catherine E., 844-5539
DJs Carbone and Mutante deliver the retro, rock and pop sounds of Foufs to this year’s NYE bash, Smoked Out, where there’ll be champagne and door prizes. The party starts at 8 p.m. and costs $15.
Frappé
3900 St-Laurent, 289-9462
Hit the Main and the dancefloor as DJ Yappy delivers dance, rock, blues and Latino as of 10 p.m., for $5.
Funkytown
1454 Peel, 282-8387
Take yourself to Funkytown and DJ Claude Cormier’s hot New Year’s mix, Times Square on a giant screen and free champagne. Reserve $25/$50 tickets by phone.
Green Room
5386 St-Laurent
Rock and dance your socks off to the tunes of DJ Steady B and guests from the Kidnapper Crew, whose films will be projected on the walls. Expect prize giveaways such as concert tickets, party favours and the banging of the ceremonial gong at midnight. That’ll be $10.
Hard Rock Café
1458 Crescent, 987-1420
The HRC’s bar is open until midnight and DJ Romeo will keep you on your feet with (no, not hard rock) R&B, Top 40 and dance music, there’ll be hot and cold appetizers, party favours and celebratory bubbly. Tickets cost $60/$65.
Holiday Inn La Plaza
420 Sherbrooke W. Info: 331-6707, www.malibuproductions.com
A five-course meal, an open bar, party favours, snacks, valet parking, champagne at midnight and Top 40 and Greek music can be yours this New Year’s Eve, for $130.
Inferno
1592 Ste-Catherine E. www.infernoclubmix.com
DJ Mario Leonard brings the best of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s to this Village spot at 10 p.m., with a buffet and some surprises in store, for $20.
Jet
1003 Ste-Catherine E., 842-CLUB, Admission: 790-1245, www.admission.com
Make it an R&B New Year’s with ace DJs Quest, Mahesh, Ruckus, Smokey and MC Ricky J, and an all-night open bar to grease your wheels. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets cost $89 (or more at the door), which includes access to a party on Jan. 1.
Juice Nightclub
3603 St-Laurent, 282-3332 www.juicenightclub.ca
Put your trust in DJ Psychology’s mind-bending mix of R&B, hip hop, house and ’80s, and get your juices flowing at the bar, open all night. Midnight promises champagne, a balloon drop, hats and tiaras, while prizes will be up for grabs throughout the night. Your $69 ticket includes a $20 reduction to Circus Afterhours. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more.
Jupiter Room
3874 St-Laurent www.myspace.com/jupiterroom
Friday’s Off the Hook and Saturday’s Rock ’n’ Roll High School meet as DJs Evan-Nescence, Orion and BuddaBlaze alternate in a New Year’s mash-up. Entry costs $7 before midnight, and $10 after. Doors open at 9 p.m., the champagne flows just ahead of midnight, and two-for-one specials will keep the crowd saucy throughout the night. 
Kloc
523-1434
This new late-night club finds the balance between bar hours and afterhours, and, for its first New Year’s celebration, techno and house, with DJs Robert de la Gauthier, Simon Perreault, Luc Raymond, Yoni and Pascal B. Tickets cost $35/$45/$55.
Kunta
2021 St-Denis, 842-9223
Frogland Breakers, IDJ and Metrolium present breakbeat and drum & bass DJs Space Kadet, Pinky 38, Kai, Somsay, Murdock, Nitrous and Axionfigga as of 9 p.m. this New Year’s, with drink specials before 11 p.m., a midnight toast, a buffet and lots of surprises, for $10/$15.
Living
4521 St-Laurent, 286-9986 www.livingnightclub.com
With hip hop, R&B and old school by DJ Blast, house by Japai and R&B and hip hop by Renegade, each of Living’s three floors will feature a fine flavour. Living also promises an open bar until midnight, party favours and giant-screen action. Tickets cost $50/$60.
Loft
1405 St-Laurent, 281-8058
Say hello to 2006 with the college crowd in this lower-Main club’s rock and dance dungeons. Expect Formula 1 specials on drinks from 10 p.m. till closing, and a little bubbly as the clock strikes, for $20/$30.
Lola Lounge
1023 Bleury, 875-0004
DJs Grandtheft, D.R. One, Maysr and special guests make this a hip hop one-stop, with a free CD, champagne at midnight and party favours, at 9:30 p.m., for $20.
Madhatter’s
1220 Crescent, 987-9988
Corks will be popped and pop/rock will be played by DJ Joey at this pub party, featuring a buffet, a midnight toast and party favours, starting at 8 p.m., for $10.
Metropolis
159 Ste-Catherine E.
TicketPro: 908-9090, www.ticketpro.ca
Éric Lapointe hosts his anuual New Year’s rock-off with several surprise guests. The rock will be brought as of 8:30 p.m., for $50.
Mile End Bar
5322 St-Laurent, 279-0200, info@mileendbar.com
DJs Yovan and Platine will make the beautiful people bust a move as of 8 p.m. at this upper-Main party, which promises tapas. Space is limited, so get your $10/$20 tickets today.
Nexxt
1635 St-Laurent, 849-6398
The lower Main can be equally upscale, as this sleek little nightclub proves. The bar is open all night, a special toast will take place at midnight. Doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets cost $79.99.
Opium
2100 Crescent 848-1751
This multi-level entertainment complex promises the NYC countdown on giant screens, an enormous balloon drop, open bar all night and sweet R&B and hip hop sounds. Tickets cost $75 in advance and more at the door.
Parking
1296 Amherst, 282-1199, www.parkingbar.com
Star DJ Angel Moraes hosts 2006: Future Perfect, a festive party on two floors with a midnight countdown on five giant screens, at 10 p.m., for $15.
Pub Jacques-cartier
1702 Ontario E., 282-1199
Mr. Black and Kaotik’s (Black) Celebration will meet all your EBM, goth, synthpop, industrial, dark wave, alt ’80s and future-pop needs, as of 9 p.m., for $10 (including a glass of champagne).
Rumba
3785 St-Laurent, 985-6667
This new Main nightspot throws its first New Year’s party this year with DJs Baby Boy and Rico spinning the hottest salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton and more. The bar is open until 11:30 p.m., there’ll be free champagne and a balloon drop at midnight, a hot and cold buffet, party favors and one lucky couple will win an all-inclusive trip to Cuba. Doors open at 8 p.m., and entry costs $40.
Salon Daomé
141 Mont-Royal E., 282-8777
Dress up and get down with DJs Uzi and Bougie Solitère, spinning 2005 away as of 10 p.m.
Saphir
3699 St-Laurent, 284-5093
For the best glam rock, Britpop and new wave, ring in 2006 with DJs Plastik Patrik, Napoléon and Axiène on Saphir’s first floor, while metal rules upstairs with DJ Ostrogoth and Twisted. The bar is open all night as of 10 p.m., and tickets (granting access to both floors) cost $30/$35.
Sir Winston Churchill Complex
1459 Crescent, 288-3814 Info@swcpc.com
Ring in the New Year Crescent-style, with three DJs on three floors and party people on three dancefloors, each greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne. Access to the Sir Winston Churchill Pub, Winnie’s restaurant and Karina Lounge, as of 7 p.m., costs $35/$45. Call or e-mail for reservations.
Stereo
858 Ste-Catherine E., 286-0325
Dance into the wee hours to hot house DJs XL, Danny Torrence and Oscar G, working one of the city’s best sound systems. Doors open at 11 p.m., and tickets cost $50 in advance, more at the door.
St-Sulpice
1680 St-Denis, 844-9458
Catch some New Year’s fever at this chaotic bash, featuring seven bars, two discos and three DJs spinning everything under the sun (and moon). Entry costs $25 and includes free champagne at midnight and super drink specials all night.
Syndrome
5777 St-Laurent, 278-5746, www.barlesyndrome.com
Rock out alternatively with DJ Arek in a festive atmosphere of noisemakers, balloons and goofy hats for the big countdown. The party starts at 9 p.m., and costs $8.
System Nightclub
2020 Crescent, 288-2582
Formerly Club Extreme, System invites the young jet set to dance and drink to the tune of R&B and hip hop on the ground floor and house, dance, trance and Top 40 upstairs. Doors open at 8 p.m., drinks are free all night and the $89 tickets grant access to parties at either System or Jet on January 1.
Taproom
500 Rachel E., 524-4446
Rock, dance and romance at this trendy Plateau haunt featuring DJ Martin Blanchette’s mix of top tunes from the ’80s to today, and a big-screen Times Square countdown at midnight. In addition, management will reward patrons with one bottle of champagne each. Amazingly, the cover is only $5, and there’s a buffet to boot.
Tokyo Bar
3709 St-Laurent bartokyo@hotmail.com
Snack on sushi and sip champagne at Tokyo’s tropical Hawaii 5-0 bash, with DJs Spin, Fast Break and guests, at 9 p.m., for $30 and more at the door.
La Tulipe
4530 Papineau, 529-5000
The ’80s are alive and kicking at Pop 80’s New Year’s celebration with MC Hasard, at 8 p.m., for $25/$30.
Typhoon Lounge
5752 Monkland, 482-4448
This NDG martini bar hosts its ninth annual Cat in the Hat Party, for $5, or $10 for the hatless (toques and baseball caps don’t count). Proceeds from this party go to the Children’s Wish Foundation.
Unity II
1171 Ste-Catherine E., www.club-unity2.com
This is The End, my friend, but you’re never alone at Unity II, where doors open at 9 p.m., tickets cost $10/$15, and NYC DJ Alex Lauterstein gets the main room hopping while Bobzilla heats up the Bamboo Bar.
Upperclub
3519 St-Laurent
This ultra-sleek Main space, with its ostrich leather, plasma screens and VIP corners, promises the best of house R&B, Dance and Top 40, along with an open bar, as of 9 p.m., for a starting price of $70. Call about VIP and group rates.
Vatican
1432 Crescent, 845-3922, www.clubvatican.com
DJ Everton Green and guests bust out the finest R&B and hip hop at this big bash, featuring open bar as of 10 p.m., the countdown from Times Square, party favours, balloons and midnight bubbly. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and tickets cost $79.99.
Live music and
mistletoe shows
Barfly
4062A St-Laurent, 993-5154
Ring in the New Year with some good old blues courtesy of Blind, featuring Colin Perry and Stephen Barry, at 10 p.m., for $3.
Bourbon Street West
1866 des Sources (Pointe-Claire), 695-6545 www.bourbonwest.com
Rebound liven up this West Island hotspot, where there’s an open bar, a hot and cold buffet, a balloon drop and champagne prizes, all for $75.
Cabaret Mado
1115 Ste-Catherine E., 525-7566, www.mado.qc.ca
What better way to drag out 2005 than with Mado’s cast of cream-of-the-crop performers, including Nana, Miklos, Kiki, Dream and Sophie Stickée. Doors open at 9 p.m., the show starts at 10:30 p.m. and DJs Marc Laflamme, Mado and Gigi will take over with DJ sets after midnight. Tickets cost $15 in advance.
Café Chaos
2031 St-Denis, 844-1301
Do it up punk with the Ripcordz, the Brains, Barricade Mentale and Tainted Youth at this big old bash, which costs $10 for the show alone, $30 for open bar or $35 for both, and starts at 10 p.m.
Circles
730 Montreal-Toronto Blvd. (Dorval), 636-4195
Performer Dessi di Lauro will delight jazz fans at this swank dinner party, featuring a five-course meal and champagne at midnight. The venue is open from 5:30 p.m.–3 a.m., and tickets cost $75/$80.
House of Jazz
2060 Aylmer, 842-8656
Billy Georgette & the Paradise Band and Michelle Sweeney will entertain patrons as of 8:30 p.m., for $85 including dinner, or $20 for the bar before midnight, $15 after (and even bar-only tickets include generous snacks).
Jello Bar
Ontario, 285-2621 www.jellobar.com
Catch some real live Aliens and DJ Andy Couchman for a funk, soul and R&B party of interplanetary proportions.
Kola Note
5240 Parc, 274-9339
Ernie Butler’s Comedy Nest throws its annual New Year’s bash with local comics Mark Scalia, Mike Paterson, Ryan Wilner, Phil Shuchat, Jocko Alston, Martha Chaves and Derek Seguin. Expect some midnight bubbly and party favours, and watch out for that finger food. The fun unfurls at 8 p.m., for $45.
Main Hall
5390 St-Laurent
Fantasy throw the ’80s in your face at this glittery, gaudy party with guest DJs, a balloon drop and all that. Entry costs $10 before midnight and $15 after.
McKibbin’s Pub
1426 Bishop, 288-1580
George’s Bush brings it on with college-rock covers (the Pixies, Oasis etc.) as of 8 p.m. at this downtown party promising two free drinks per patron, champagne at midnight and party favours. Tickets cost $35 and proceeds go to Make Poverty History.
McLean’s Pub
1210 Peel, 392-7770
Strawberry Jam spread the New Year’s love with rock covers galore from 9 p.m. to the wee hours. Expect some midnight champagne action, and no cover.
Missy Bar
250 Mont-Royal E., 845-7946
Heat up your New Year’s with Brazilian band Balako Do Samba and an open bar all night, starting at 8 p.m., for $50.
O’Regan’s
1224 Bishop, 866-8464
The Jimmy Dogs let their love for classic rock ring in the New Year at this annual bash, featuring free snacks, a midnight champagne toast and more, as of 7 p.m., for $10.
Place Jacques-Cartier
1-877-BONJOUR
Brave the big bad outdoors for Fééries de Noel, a unique Old Montreal experience featuring local pop/rock band Rusty, the festive sounds of Rickard’s Choral and more live traditional music. Expect dancing and all manner of outdoor merriment from 9:30 p.m.–1 a.m., and fireworks at midnight.
Quai des Brumes
4481 St-Denis, 499-0467
Les Gümes will never leave you wondering “Where’s the beef?”, especially when the bubbly’s flowing and there are prizes to be won. Doors open at 11 p.m. and tickets cost $10/$12.
La Sala Rossa
4848 St-Laurent, 284-3804
The stellar staff of CD Esoterik (RIP) host a night of avant-garde noise, electronics, actuelle and “mayhem!” with Feu Thérèse, Rivers & Mountains, Scream Baby Scream, Headspace, DJ 1-Speed Bike and more, and champagne. Doors open at 8 p.m., tickets cost $10.
Le Shop
2090 Moreau 866-4004
Manic Manon and the Guestlist, Danger and les Séquelles bring punks and rock ’n’ rollers together this New Year’s Eve, from 9 p.m. till the wee, wee hours, for $10. There’ll be free champagne at midnight, but Manon says please BYOB so you don’t freak when the beer well runs dry.
Sofa Bar
451 Rachel E., 285-1011
Electric Waves pays homage to the ’80s at this intimate party, which promises a warm buffet from 8–9 p.m., snacks thereafter, open bar from 8–10 p.m. and champagne at midnight. Tickets cost $25/$35.
Upstairs
1254 Mackay, 931-6808
Jazz singer Annie Sellick will be backed by a trio for four sets this New Year’s while patrons enjoy a three-course meal and a champagne toast as the clock strikes 12. The soirée begins at 8 p.m., and tickets (already half sold) cost $129.95.
Wunderbar
901 Victoria Square, 395-3196
Local synthpunk duo Dandi Wind and DJ Paddy Boom (of the Scissor Sisters) bring this small swank party’s Modern Nature theme to life as of 10 p.m. Tickets cost $75 and include gifts, champagne and party favours.
Ye Olde Orchard
5563 Monkland, 484-1569
There’ll be live bands, champagne Black Velvets, midnight bubbly and a buffet at this NDG party, where there’s no cover, though patrons can donate on-site to the NDG Food Depot for the cold months ahead.
Ye Olde Orchard Pub & Grill
1189 De La Montagne, 874-1569
Local Celtic band Swerve will play four sets for this “semi-casual” New Year’s, while the clientele has a choice between a 6 p.m. dinner and hard-liquor open bar ($75) or the open bar alone (after 9 p.m., for $50). There’ll be beer specials as well, and a Black Velvet midnight toast (with sparkling wine instead of cider).
Zoobizarre
6388 St-Hubert, www.zoobizarre.org
Synth rockers Duchess Says and special guests liven up the Plaza with help from DJs Bartek (Sons of Warsaw) and Mingo l’Indien (Les Georges Leningrad) at 10 p.m.
