Ringin' It In

If you don't already have a hangover of fun from the holiday last weekend, then you're most likely starting to gear up for this weekend's party extravaganza, ready to ring in 2007. For most, the annual event is an evening filled with friends, food, adult beverages and resolutions kept until at least the next morning.

For others, it is simply a time of reflection on the year that's walking out the exit doors and a thought to the fresh beginnings that each New Year brings along with it.

Me? As is the tradition in my circle the past few years, I'm playing it safe and bringing the party to my place, complete with rockin' tunes, out-of-town buds, and my favorite party punch. It promises to be the best party on South Indianapolis. However, dear readers, since I can't invite all of you to my cozy house, here are a few suggestions for New Year's entertainment if you still haven't decided where you're going to be when the clock strikes midnight.

Cherokee Casino & Resort- I-44 East, Exit 240A- (800) 760-6700

Ring in 2007 in Catoosa! Well, at the Cherokee Casino and Resort, to be exact. Cherokee promises a host of entertainment and prizes over the course of the evening, including $500 hot seat drawings every half hour and a cash drawing for $2,007 at 2am. Live music acts for your enjoyment will be Travis LeDoyt, The Supros, Jon Glazer Trio, Funk Sydicate and Brian Capps. Cherokee's got everything you'll need for a happy New Year: great restaurants, three different bars, prizes and gambling a'plenty.

Elephant Run- 3141 East Skelly Drive- 746-8272

One of Tulsa's most happening nightspots, Elephant Run will be taking reservations for their New Year's Eve fun with karaoke and music by Dynamo Hum. They're expecting quite a turnout, so you may want to call early. There are party packages starting at $55 per person, which include live entertainment, party favors, hors d'oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight. For the more extravagant, or those not wanting to drive with the amateurs, there are also packages that include a night's stay in the Best Western, which houses the bar, and breakfast on New Year's Day.

Full Moon on Cherry Street- 1525 East 15th- 583-6666

Situate yourself on cozy Cherry Street for a special New Year's Eve Rock-n-Roll Dueling Piano Show, featuring Tulsa's favorite duelmeisters, Tom Basler and Brian Lee. For only a nominal cover charge that has yet to be determined, partygoers will enjoy free party favors and the ever-popular champagne toast at midnight. As this is one of the biggest drinking nights of the year, you must be 21+ to enter.

Christ United Methodist Church- 3515 South Harvard- 747-8601

For the 5th year in a row, Christ Church and Phoenix Singles have had a successful New Year's Eve Dance for people of all ages and faiths. This year, they assert, will be bigger and better than ever. They are expecting over 400 people to join in the celebration of the New Year.

Creek Casino- 81st & Riverside- 299-8518

Experience Creek Nation Casino like never before with their New Year's Eve Carnaval. This year's gigantic celebration will keep you entertained all night long with performances from The Return: The Beatles Tribute Band and Bennie & the Jets: The Elton John Tribute Band. Strolling entertainment such as showgirls and living statues will be featured throughout the casino. Hourly cash drawings will be held from 8pm to 2am, as well as a drawing at midnight for a trip for two to Las Vegas to stay in the Rio Hotel and Casino. To enter, just swipe your Players Club card at Guest Services beginning at 6 pm. Who knows? Maybe it'll be your lucky night.

Suede Ultralounge- 3340 South Peoria- 743-0600

They're claiming to be hosting "Tulsa's biggest and best New Year's Eve party," so you may want to swing by Suede at some point in the evening, but get there early, as there's usually a line down the block. In favor of housing more dancers, Suede has decided to use the stage as an extra dance floor and hire DJ Spin instead, who spins an eclectic mix of dance tunes. As is the custom, there will be a champagne toast at midnight with party favors. Tickets are $20 if bought in advance, or $25 at the door.

Tulsa Convention Center- 7th & Houston- details at 902-0207

Circle of Friends and S.K.I.N.S. (Spirits Keeping Individuals N Sobriety) will be hosting their 6th annual Sobriety Pow Wow. There will be dances, children's art contests, vendor booths and something for your whole family. Events start at 12pm, with the Grand Entry at 7pm and the evening culminating with a special Cedar Ceremony. All guests are invited to participate. The Pow Wow is free and open to the public.

Wild Horse Saloon- 8186 South Memorial- 286-3125

If you're looking for a contemporary country New Year's jamboree, Wild Horse will be just your spot for the night. The doors open at 7:30pm with free party favors at the door and a champagne toast with over $1,000 coming down on the dance floor a balloon drop at midnight. It'll be $10 to get in, but their drink specials will make it worth your while, and if you catch some of that cash, you might just make enough moolah to cover your entry and your bar tab.

Pour House- 18th & Boston- 551-7600

Come party with Captain Morgan and the Pour House crew for the New Year! Dance the night away with live music by Snapdragon, get your tarot cards read, and enter to win a Coors Light Snowboard as the clock switches to midnight. The best part of all? If you eat your last indulgent meal before making your New Year's resolutions at Kilkenny's or Baxter's Interurban, you'll pay no cover at the Pour House. If you sup elsewhere, it'll cost you $7.

Race Into the New Year- 41st & Riverside- details at 749-7557

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to get into shape, why wait? At 11:45pm, runners of Tulsa will unite for a 5K race to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Contact Kathy Sager, Runners World, 4329 S. Peoria, for more details. Registration is $18 for adults with a super-cool tech shirt. Racers will get to celebrate the New Year in style and health at the finish line with good eats, drinks and prizes.

Mayo Hotel- 115 West 5th- 560-1113

Ring in the New Year with Family and Children's Services Ice Ball from 9pm-2am in the historic Mayo Hotel. The Ice Ball will have it all -- fun, music, food, a drawing for jewelry courtesy of Bruce G. Weber and confetti cannons that will go off at midnight. There will even be a bar carved out of ice from which drinks will be served! In the Raw, Kampai and the Brasserie will provide the food, and local band Uninvited Guest is sure to get everyone on their feet. Individual tickets are $30 and benefit FCS. So, you get to live it up for a good cause. Please call to reserve your space on the dance floor.

Crowne Plaza- 100 East 2nd- 560-2200

Z.104.5 The Edge and Crowne Plaza have collaborated to throw the party of the year. The hotel is offering room packages that include admission to five separate parties in the hotel: Hero Factor in concert, Casino Night, Sports Bar for the Bowl games, I.J. Ganem playing live and What If, pleasing audiences in the Jazz Bar. Plus, if you decide to be smart and crash where you party, you'll also get a champagne toast at midnight and breakfast when you finally wake up. If you just want access to the shindigs, individual tickets are $75. Call the hotel for reservations and tickets.

Doubletree Hotel Downtown- 616 West 7th- 587-8000

Get dressed to the nines and party it up downtown with Mix 96.5 and the Doubletree Hotel. Offering all levels of party packages, you can simply enjoy a prime rib dinner in their restaurant, Seven West, or you can go all out and participate in the festivities throughout the evening and spend the night in a luxurious room. There will be simultaneous parties in the hotel, depending on your mood and taste, with Earl Clark and Spectrum in one area and Jumpshots performing in another. The hotel expects over 1,000 guests this year, so this might just be one of the hottest spots to be this New Year. Reservations are recommended.

Renaissance Hotel- 6808 S. 107th East Avenue- 307-2600

Renaissance Tulsa has teamed up with two of Tulsa's favorite performers, Toni Estes and Grady Nichols, to bring you an NYE tribute to every year of the 80s that's sure to rock your neon socks off. The hotel has a number of events packages that may be coupled with suites for the night. Choices range from dinner and dancing in the ballroom all night to a five course meal in the Cypress Grill, entertainment, a night's suite stay and breakfast for two. Prices start at $89 per couple. For reservations, call the hotel or visit www.stayatmarriott.com/nyetulsa.

If you still haven't found the perfect way to spend your New Year's Eve, check out our events pages, ##-##. As always, please party responsibly. If you do not have a designated driver and require one, that's what taxis are for. Thank you for reading UTW in 2006. We look forward to seeing you in 2007!