Arts & Culture Bars & Nightlife Business Development Community Commentary Deal Family Featured Food, Restaurants & Dining Music & Events Sports Travel, Shopping & Leisure Fara Illich December 27, 2011

Bid farewell to 2011 and look ahead to the New Year in Downtown Phoenix, the Valley’s hottest New Year’s Eve destination.
MUSIC & COMEDY
Jerry Riopelle’s New Year’s Eve Concert
Jerry Riopelle is pretty much the Prince of New Year’s Eve in Phoenix, as chronicled in this Arizona Republic story. He’s been headlining New Year’s Eve shows in the Valley since the 70s and this year he’s at the historic Orpheum Theatre. Show starts at 9 p.m. and tickets are $45-$100.
Cirque du Soleil: Michael Jackson The Immortal Tour
A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music, and fantasy that immerses concert-goers in Michael Jackson’s creative world and literally turns the King of Pop’s moves literally upside down. U.S. Airways Center at 8 p.m. and tickets are $80-$175.
EastonAshe at Copper Blues Live
Ring in the New Year at Copper Blues with Phoenix natives EastonAshe. Here’s a link to the band’s MySpace page. 8:30 p.m. show. General admission $20 which includes champagne toast. Call 480-559-5005 for more info.
NYE with Phoenix Symphony
Joseph Young conducts the Phoenix Symphony as it celebrates the New Year with classics from New York to Vienna, including Broadway showtunes and legendary compositions from Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein, and more. Symphony Hall at 7 p.m., tickets start at $18. Call 602-495-1999 for more information or visit phoenixsymphony.org
Christopher Titus at Stand Up Live
Back by popular demand, one of the greatest working comics today returns to Downtown’s popular comedy venue for two shows (7 p.m. and 10 p.m.).  Follow the link to learn more about special New Year’s Eve dinner and a show packages or call 480-719-6100.
2012DINNER
New Year’s Eve at Province
One of Downtown’s newest fine dining restaurants, Province at the Westin Downtown Phoenix, is offering a special New Year’s Eve menu, available both in their modern dining room or picturesque urban patio. Call 602-429-3600 for reservations or visit the web site for menu details.
New Year’s Eve Celebration at District American Kitchen
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown offers a variety of New Year’s Eve specials and engagements, including a decadent 5-course dinner with wine pairings, special Dine, Stay, and Play packages starting at $299 (includes room, champagne toast and skating at CityScape’s NRG Ice Rink), and Chef Jay’s amazing New Year’s Day Brunch. Call 866-716-8134 for all the details.
New Year’s Dinner at Compass Arizona Grill
Enjoy 360-degree views from atop the Hyatt Regency Downtown and a savory 4-course dinner created by Chef Steve Bieniek. 5-10 p.m., $79 for adults and $40 for children ages 5-12. For reservations call 602-440-3166 or visit the web site for more special New Year’s Eve offers, including discounted room rates.
PARTIES
New Year’s Eve at Bar Smith
Pete Salaz and Senbad will perform on the patio, with Robbie Rob, Biggie, and Mane One in the main room. No cover before 10:30 p.m. and $10 after 10:30.
New Year’s Eve Pahtay & Amateur Night at Crescent Ballroom
Downtown’s newest music venue, located at 2nd Avenue and Van Buren, is hosting a FREE party starting at 7 p.m. featuring DJs Sean Watson, Beanie Beatnik, and others.
Bowling at Lucky Strike
Live DJs, party favors, champagne toast, and lane reservations starting at $60. Call 602-732-5490 for more information.
Stay and Play at Hotel San Carlos/Ghost Lounge
Stay and Play package at Hotel San Carlos includes party hats, beads, and chances to win cash and gift cards. Hotel San Carlos provides all-you-can-eat appetizers and Ghost Lounge offers all-you-can-drink 7 p.m. to close. Call 602-505-8127 to make reservations.
Irish NYE at Seamus McCaffrey’s
Seamus offers live music and a midnight toast for just a $5 cover and special room rates next door at Hotel San Carlos are available by mentioning “Seamus.”
MISC
CS Ice Rink-9WEBIce Skating at CityScape
Few things are more romantic (or fun) than skating under the city lights at the NRG Ice Rink, located at Patriot’s Square (Central, between Washington and Jefferson).
The rink will be open 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve.
$10 fee includes skate rental.
Countdown and Fireworks at CityScape
FREE fireworks show and complimentary toast (21 or older).