INDY'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTING ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Ringing in ’04 with music

Birdy’s, 2131 E. 71st St., 254-8971: The first IndianapolisMusic.New Year’s, sponsored by IndianapolisMusic.Net: Extra Blue Kind, Nine Drink Minimum, Nowhere Good Fast, 83 Feet, Opiate. Says IMN’s Matt Fecher, “This is the best deal in town for New Year’s Eve. Bands like Extra Blue Kind, 83 Feet and Opiate continue to impress. Nowhere Good Fast is fresh off a Punk Rock Night award and it’s always a party with 9 Drink Minimum.” Tickets are $5, with half-off discount tickets available at Birdy’s or from IMN.

Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave., 254-4900: “Kickin’ It @ The Kitchen,” featuring Mary Moss, Brenda Williams and Jimmy Guilford. Tickets are $20.

Melody Inn, 3826 N. Illinois St., 923-4707: A punk rock showcase featuring The Jabs, The Slurs, America Owns The Moon, Terminus Victor and Sex Tiger. This marks the second year in a row that garage-punk kings The Slurs have headlined a Dec. 31 show at the Mel. According to Slurs guitarist Jim Kuczkowski, the group is currently finishing mixing their long-anticipated debut album. The disc should be ready for release this spring. He also said the band will be debuting some new songs at the Melody Inn show.

The Patio, 6308 N. Guilford Ave., 253-0799: Johnny Socko and The Fuglees. Two of the most energetic and entertaining local bands join forces for a year-ending show.

The Vogue, 6529 N. College Ave., 255-2828: New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, featuring top 40 hip-hop, dance and techno music. Champagne toast. Free hors d’oeuvres. Cash balloon drop. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

8 Seconds Saloon, 111 N. Lynhurst, 486-1569: J.D. Cannon and Southern Draw. Dinner tickets $32, general admission $10. Hotel packages available.

Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect St., 955-0995: Rockabilly with Bigger than Elvis, The Crown Hill Diggers, The Swamp Devils. Tickets are $8.

Sundance Nightclub, 1040 S. Sherman, 357-8278: Champagne Jam, featuring Tantrum, the Dallas Miller Band and Hot Blue and Righteous. Free buffet from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance.

Zanies, 5914 E. 10th St., 357-6022: Hot original rock from Chris Shaffer and his band. Champagne toasts. Tickets are $15.

Claddagh Irish Pub, 234 S. Meridian St., 822-6274: Special seatings are at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., with reservations required. A full menu will be served along with chef’s specials. Hear live music from 10 p.m.-1 a.m., with bands TBA.

Cozy Restaurant and Lounge, 20 N. Pennsylvania St., 638-2100: Music from funky cover band Living Proof. For $35 per person, guests can enjoy dinner, dessert, champagne and party favors. For $10, come and enjoy the band.

Ianni’s, 325 S. College Ave., 685-0834: Music from DJ Cindy Crash Crawford.

The Murat, 502 N. New Jersey St., 231-0000: Dark Star Orchestra. The show begins at 8:30 p.m. Tickets available by calling 239-5151.

The Rathskeller, 401 E. Michigan St., 636-0396: The New Year’s Eve party will be rocking with music from Polka Boy and the Kim Archer Band. Ticket prices include hors d’oeuvres buffet, live entertainment, party favors and champagne at midnight. The cost is $40 per person and doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is also available separately, including shrimp cocktail, filet mignon, baked red potatoes, apple strudel and more. Call 636-0396 for reservations.

The Slippery Noodle Inn, 372 S. Meridian St., 631-6974: Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys and the Gordon Bonham Blues Band will perform. A buffet dinner begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 each, $60 after Dec. 25. If you’re only interested in the bands, the Slippery Noodle will open to the public at 10 p.m.

World Mardi Gras Entertainment, fourth floor, Circle Centre Mall, 630-5483: New Year’s Eve Groove Cruise, featuring C&C Music Factory and Rob Base with DJ EZ Rock. Interactive games, gambling with real tables for prizes. Tickets are $35 after Dec. 24 and $50 at the door.