December 29, 2007: Vol. 30, No. 51

New Year’s Eve can go either way. Sometimes a great party will keep you out until dawn, then staggering into a diner for breakfast having already broken most of your resolutions. In other years, a quiet night with friends can do the trick.

With this in mind, we’ve combed the borough for live music, dancing and over-the-top parties to keep you entertained all night long.

In Bay Ridge

The Wicked Monk’s New Year’s Eve bash, kicking off at 10 pm, boasts a giant balloon drop! Music by Dog Voices and a pop-rock DJ will keep the crowd moving, while a midnight champagne toast (not to mention complimentary noisemakers) will insure that your 2008 starts off with a bang.

10 pm to 4 am at The Wicked Monk (8415 Fifth Ave. at 84th Street in Bay Ridge). Free. Subway: R to 86th Street. For information, call (718) 921-0601 or visit www.wickedmonk.com.

In Brooklyn Heights

Put on your dancing shoes and swing by Magnetic Field for the “New Year’s Swingin’ Eve Blow-Out.” Live music from The Fleshtones (pictured) and The Black Hollies, along with DJ Phast Freddie — a 1960s music specialist spinning rockabilly, doo-wop and soul — will keep revelers moving and shaking all night long.

9 pm at Magnetic Field (97 Atlantic Ave. at Hicks Street in Brooklyn Heights). $20. Subway: 2, 3 to Clark Street. For information, call (718) 834-0069 or visit www.magneticbrooklyn.com.

In DUMBO

In anticipation of 2008, Bargemusic invites you to mellow out with a night of Bach, including performances of “Goldberg Variations” and “The Brandenburg Concertos.” Attendees can knock back champagne and cookies as the New Year’s countdown begins, all while taking in an unparalleled view of the Manhattan skyline. Just be careful not to go overboard — literally.

7:30 at Bargemusic (Old Fulton Street at the East River in DUMBO). $150. Subway: A, C to High Street. For information, call (718) 624-2083 or visit www.bargemusic.org.

In Greenpoint

The always-outrageous Studio B, famous for it’s creepy location and rave-like parties, is throwing a New Year’s Eve bash sure to top them all. Hairless hipster Moby will be spinning records while, in the side room, Tesley Snipes and Yours Truly perform live. The bar isn’t “open,” but with at least seven DJs spinning, you might not need to drink to have a blast at this bash.

8 pm at Studio B (259 Banker St. at Calyer Street in Greenpoint). $20 in advance, $25 day of. Subway: G to Nassau Avenue. For information, call (718) 389-1880 or visit www.clubstudiob.com.

In Park Slope

The weather outside may be frightful, but inside Barbes New Year’s Eve should be delightful. The jazz club will stay warm with the Peruvian party music of resident band Chica Libre. If you didn’t get away this holiday season, here’s a chance to enjoy a night of Latin heat. From 10:30 pm to 3 am, the band plays warm, cumbia-inspired songs. Don’t count on party favors or a sparkling ball dropping, but indulge with an evening of dancing for only $10.

10:30 pm to 3 am at Barbes (376 Ninth St. at Sixth Avenue in Park Slope). $10. Subway: F to Seventh Avenue. For information, call (718) 965-9177 or visit www.barbesbrooklyn.com.

Early birds can enjoy a five-course tasting menu at Melt on New Year’s Eve [see “New Year’s feast,” page 7], but the late-night crowd should show up at 11 pm for a dance party with a DJ, party favors and an open bar. Noisemakers and festive hats will be handed out at the door.

11 pm to 2 am at Melt (440 Bergen St. at Fifth Avenue in Park Slope). $40. Subway: 2, 3 to Bergen Street. For information, call (718) 230-5925 or visit www.meltnyc.com.

If you’re looking for someone to smooch at midnight, the party at Royale might be your best bet. The swanky pub will be hosting a five-hour open bar as well as hors d’oeuvres, party favors, go-go dancers and what they claim will be a “handsome crowd.”

10 pm to 2 am at Royale (506 Fifth Ave. at Fifth Avenue at 12th Street in Park Slope). $60. Subway: F, M, R to Fourth Avenue and Ninth Street. For information, call (718) 840-0089.

Not to be left out of the fun, Southpaw is hosting an all-night dance party with DJ Eleven, DJ Ayres, Cosmo Baker and DJ Sureshot. Snacks and a midnight champagne toast will be served, making this a perfect stop to refuel on a bar crawl down Fifth Avenue.

9 pm to 4 am at Southpaw (125 Fifth Ave. at St. Marks Place in Park Slope). $40 in advance, $50 day of. Subway: M, R to Union Street. For information, call (718) 555-1212 or visit www.itstherub.com.

In Williamsburg

For something a bit more offbeat, check out Cirque du Sogay, an “electric, queer, rock and roll circus” at Luna Lounge. The evening will feature go-go dancers, a champagne toast and performances by rock bands Jen Urban and the Box, Dirty Excuse and Triple Creme. And should one of your resolutions be giving more to charity, take note that a percentage of the cover charge goes to Circus Amok, a performance art troupe.

9:30 pm at Luna Lounge (361 Metropolitan Ave. at Havemeyer Street in Williamsburg). $15. Subway: L, G to Metropolitan Avenue. For information, call (866) 468-7619 or visit www.lunalounge.com.

It’s almost January, but there’s nothing quite as satisfying as some good “November Rain.” Mr. Brownstone, a Guns ‘N Roses cover band, complete with long hair, bandanas and that classic Axl Rose shuffle, will rock in the new year tonight at the Music Hall of Williamsburg.

9 pm at the Music Hall of Williamsburg (66 N. Sixth St. at Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg). $30. Subway: L to Bedford Avenue. For information, call (212) 260-4700 or visit www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com.

It’s a rare night when Galapagos Art Space isn’t having a party, but on New Year’s Eve, the programming is extra special. The evening, being billed as “Burlesque-O-Teque,” will feature live DJs, a burlesque show, “special surprise guests” and, with a VIP ticket, an open bar until 11:30 pm.

8:30 pm at Galapagos Art Space (70 N. Sixth St. at Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg). $30 before midnight, $25 after midnight, $75 for VIP ticket that includes open bar. Subway: L to Bedford Avenue. For information, call (718) 782-5188 or visit www.galapagosartspace.com.

©2007 The Brooklyn Paper