Still recovering from last year’s New Year’s Eve blowout? You may not recall tabletop breakdancing, but your friends sure remember your moves. This year, ring in the New Year without doing permanent damage to your liver–or your reputation. Check out these entertaining alternatives that avoid the boozed-up crowds.
Lincoln Square Lanes
On New Year’s Eve, the lanes will stay open ’til 3 a.m., and a DJ will spin tunes (if it’s the usual crowd, expect some vintage Guns ‘N Roses). Several groups are already booked, so call ahead to reserve a lane. 4874 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-561-8191.
Holmes Place Health Club
Head to the Harmonious New Year’s Eve Celebration to limber your limbs in yoga and tai chi classes, relax in the coed steam room and sauna, indulge in complimentary massages, bodywork and healing, and vegbuffet of Indian and Western dishes at this meat-, smoke-, drug- and alcohol-free bash. 7:30 p.m.-2 a.m. $65-$80. 355 E. Grand Ave. 312-440-1866. Get tickets at www.iwomp.com.
First Night Evanston
Toast the new year with a glass of sparkling apple cider and a midnight fireworks show at this annual celebration, where 250 performers entertain in 19 venues. 6 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $8-$12. Davis Street and Orrington Avenue, Evanston, 847-289-4248.
Frankie J’s Methadome Theater
Catch a special performance of “Friday Night Follies,” a vaudeville-style variety show packed with music, comedy, improv and monologues. 10 p.m. $10. 4437 N. Broadway, 773-769-2959.
The Cornservatory
Join the city’s oddball fringe theater troupe for the New Year’s Eve Corn-stravaganza, featuring excerpts from “Screw Christmas” and skits by Chemically Imbalanced Comedy. There’s a champagne toast at midnight if you want to imbibe. 8 p.m. $25 a person/$40 a couple. 4210 N. Lincoln Ave. 312-409-6435.
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Make it a new you
Got your list of resolutions yet? Instead of making promises meant to be broken (quit smoking, lose weight), why not resolve to do something really cool this year? Become a wine snob! Get some laughs as a stand-up comedian! Claw your way to the top of the drag scene! Got better ideas? Tell us!
We’re looking people with wacky goals for 2005. Our resolution: to make them happen! Our audience will help us choose four big dreamers that we’ll hook up with coaches, classes and connections to make their wishes come true.
We’ll follow your progress online and in print. E-mail your resolutions to metromix@tribune.com (the crazier, the better) and we’ll publish some of our favorites in the Jan. 5 issue.
