Noah Hunt

Resolve to Rock!
Sunday night offers no shortage of NEW YEAR'S EVE festivities -- fireworks at Fountain Square, fancy shindigs all over town or Ryan Seacrest and poor ol' Dick Clark on the boob tube. But there's nothing quite like tying one on with friends and loved ones while your favorite local musicians do the countdown from the stage at your favorite local watering hole. Here's a taste of some of Sunday night's live local music options, most of which won't cost you the proverbial arm/leg to attend. Grab some earplugs, get a designated driver (or at least program the taxi service's phone number into your cell) and make your plans now.

· It won't cost you a dime to get into the Northside Tavern Sunday. And one of Cincy's finest Indie bands, RUBY VILEOS, will usher you into 2007 with their crafty, artsy Indie Rock. Grab some copies of the band's awesome new CD, Fall of the Motor People, for all those people who unexpectedly gave you Christmas presents, to which you said, "Oh, thanks, I accidentally left yours at home but I'll get it to you next week."

· Rocker NOAH HUNT, vocalist for the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, has been gigging a bit more frequently in town with his buds, the 420 ALL-STARS. For fans, though, nothing beats Hunt & Co. on NYE -- and this year the band returns to Stanley's Pub with guests THE JON JUSTICE BAND.

· York Street Café is the place to be for the "Jam band" connoisseur. Two of Cincy's best -- RAY'S MUSIC EXCHANGE and GRAND OVERSOUL -- helm the foray into 2007 with what are sure to be epic sets. G.O. remains one of the city's most popular Jam/Rock acts, and Ray's hasn't played out a lot lately, so get there early as the York's small-ish performance room is sure to fill up quick.

· Funk superheroes FREEKBASS usually are on the road on New Year's Eve, but grab your boa and dancing shoes 'cause this year they'll be tearing the roof off East End Café.

· If Folk music's your thang, you can't do any better than celebrating the New Year with JAKE SPEED AND THE FREDDIES at Arnold's. If you slept through '06, just ask the frontman what happened -- Jake's been chronicling the year with his weekly current-events-related "Speedy Delivery" song column at citybeat.com. -- MIKE BREEN

THURSDAY 28
If it's anything like those old Bones Brigade videos or the fascinating big-screen documentary Dogtown and Z-Boys, the world premiere of THE STREETS IS TALKIN should be a blast. Eric Girgash's skateboarding doc features some of Cincinnati's and New York City's finest 'boarders doin' their thing: Dave Abner, Dave Caddo, Alex Davis, Sammy Holton, James Kelch, Ed Kennedy, Doug Korfhagen, Bobby Puleo and Scott and Chad Zellner. Presented and nurtured with the help of locally based Anonymous Skateshop (big ups to the West Side!), Thursday's premiere is the culmination of more than two years of work. Doors open at 8 p.m. at The Poison Room Downtown, and complimentary alcohol flows for early arrivals courtesy of DC Shoes. The all-ages event is free for those 21 and up and $2 for those less mature. 513-333-0010. (See Events.) -- JASON GARGANO

THURSDAY 28 FRIDAY 29 SATURDAY 30 SUNDAY 31
Comedian ROBERT HAWKINS believes his comedy goes over better with audiences in the eastern part of the U.S. "I really think it does," he says. "It's not silent when I'm on stage in the west, but people get sarcasm way better (in the east) because they invented it." Hawkins is speaking specifically of the northeast and cites examples. "I got into a cab (in Philadelphia) and said, 'How much to the Lincoln Hotel?' And the cab driver goes, 'What'd you hear it was?' I love that kind of stuff." And that's not an isolated incident. "Even the homeless people here are quicker witted than out west. Well, I should say more sarcastic, like the guy goes, 'Do you have any change?' I said no. 'Do you have any cigarettes?' I said no. 'Do you know what time it is?' I said no. He said, 'It's 8:30' and walked off. The guy has no home, no change and no cigarettes, but he's got an attitude." Hawkins performs Thursday-Sunday at Go Bananas in Montgomery. $7-$40. 513-984-9288. (See Onstage.) -- P.F. WILSON

FRIDAY 29
With the holidays almost behind us, it's time to run out the door and check out great art. Currently on view at the MANIFEST CREATIVE RESEARCH GALLERY AND DRAWING CENTER are Whimsical Muse, featuring 14 works by 12 different artists from the United States and Canada, and the Drawthrough Collection, featuring Scott Robertson. The Whimsical Muse has successfully converted the main gallery into a wealth of childhood delight, featuring toys, dolls, animals and a variety of other art-filled items. In the Drawing Room, the Drawthrough Collection hints at what it would have been like if Leonardo DaVinci was a young man working in Los Angeles. Continues through Jan. 20. 513-861-3638 (See Art.) -- JACQUELYN VAUGHN

SATURDAY 30
Are you completely Scrooged out? How about something onstage with wit that's lasted almost as long as Dickens' classic? A show that will give you a few quips to bandy about on New Year's Eve? That would be THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST. Not that you have to be earnest on New Year's Eve -- although if you're making resolutions or other long-term propositions it's something to consider. In this case being earnest has as much to do with being "Ernest," a name beloved by Gwendolyn Fairfax and Cecily Cardew in Oscar Wilde's romantic romp about two guys with the ardor but not the moniker. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is giving the show a frothy production that's been playing to full houses all month. Head downtown to Race Street this weekend, memorize a few lines (like "The truth is rarely pure and never simple") and be the life of the party the next evening. 513-381-BARD. (See Onstage.) -- RICK PENDER

SUNDAY 31
Cult Psychobilly hero UNKNOWN HINSON (pictured) will be burning rubber at the Southgate House on New Year's Eve, joined by local Rockabilly faves STAR DEVILS. The campy North Carolina-based rocker has toured with Rev. Horton Heat and Hank Williams III, and his antics have made fans out of everyone from The Simpsons' Matt Groening and Billy Bob Thornton to Tom Petty and The Rolling Stones. Unknown spikes his Rockabilly roar with a hint of Country & Western, and his albums for labels like Capitol and Coffin Records (home to his most recent release, Target Practice) have even won over stone-hearted music critics. Fittingly, there's no fancy-pants champagne at midnight; the Southgate is promising a Pabst Blue Ribbon toast as the clock strikes 12! $15. 859-431-2201. (See Music.) -- MIKE BREEN

SUNDAY 31
Looking to ring in the New Year with style and perhaps a few classic martinis? Know Theatre of Cincinnati is hosting a 007 NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY guaranteed to be a great time that's "shaken, not stirred." Similar to a scene in the latest Bond film, Casino Royale, you'll enjoy a live band, a DJ, appetizers and a full cash bar, so come dressed to impress in your favorite Bond attire and try your hand at blackjack, roulette or craps. For $35 you'll receive two drink tickets, dinner by the bite, entertainment and a champagne toast at midnight. Feeling a little more extravagant? VIP Tickets are $70, which include twice the drink tickets and starter money for the casino as well as exclusive waitstaff and refreshments in the VIP lounge. Play your cards right and by 2007 you'll be introducing yourself as "Bond, James Bond," with martini in hand. 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday. Know Theatre of Cincinnati, 1120 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-300-KNOW. (See Events.) -- JENNIFER RIGGAN

SUNDAY 31
If the notion of a crowded bar, $10 martinis and straining to see the ball drop on New Years Eve doesn't exactly strike you as heartwarming, chill out and head on over to FOUNTAIN SQUARE for a refreshingly cool approach to the celebration. Fill up on great food at nearby restaurants, then slip into some ice skates (only a $2 rental) and take a few laps around the rink. While you're there, watch the Bengals on the video board as they slide to victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers and wait for DJ Pillo to heat up the ice with club music at 9 p.m. After a few celebratory cocktails and fireworks at midnight, don't worry about breaking your resolution; just make sure you don't break your arm. 513-621-4400. (See Events.) -- MOLLY DUGAN