Celebrate the countdown to 2013 on Martha’s Vineyard

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Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish will entertain at Lambert's Cove Inn. — File photo by Ralph Stewart

From a retro disco party, to a rocking dinner dance, to a classic movie and cocktail party combo, to a pull out all the stops gala complete with fireworks in Edgartown Harbor – no one can say that there’s nothing to do for New Year’s Eve on the Vineyard.

Boogie on down to The Wharf

A fixture at end-of-year parties on the Island, the Boogies will once again be bringing their unique look and sound to the Wharf. Complete with glitzy costumes, wigs, special stage and light show and, of course, the requisite disco ball, the Boogies provide the ultimate “party like it’s 1979” experience. Dress up is not required, but if you’re so inclined, bust out the flared pants and platform shoes and brush up on your Tony Manero moves for the third annual Polyester Funk Party. Doors open at 10 pm, champagne toast at midnight, late opening until 1:30. $30, cash only, at the door. Call 508-627-9966 for details.

John, Paul, Harry and Sally?

For a change of pace, the new Film Center will be hosting a combination movie and dance party that will alternate between the theater and the lobby. After watching Billy Chrystal and Meg Ryan run through a decade of missed connections on New Years Eve in “When Harry Met Sally,” you can dance to Beatles tunes with the Daytrippers in the lobby while enjoying late night bites, beer and wine. Then settle in on one of the theater’s comfy seats for a live showing of the Times Square festivities on the 27 foot screen in high definition. Tickets are $50/$40 for members or $10 and $7 for the film only. Movie starts at 8:30, party around 10pm. Call 508-696-9369 for details.

Something blues

For the third year in a row, the elegantly appointed Lambert’s Cove Inn will host Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish for a “not your grandma’s” dinner dance. After enjoying a sumptuous four course meal, guests can hit the dance floor for the Island’s most in-demand band. Mr. Hoy and company always get the crowd moving with their high energy blend of blues and good old rock and roll. Five course dinner, entertainment and a champagne toast at midnight. $150, reservations required. Call 508-693-2298 for detils.

End the year with a bang

A sell out event last year, the Harbor View’s second annual New Year’s Eve party will once again take over the entire first floor of the grand hotel. Guests can kick up their heels with the Island’s premiere party band, the Sultans of Swing in the main dining room, dance to music by DJ Warren Cheng in one of the function rooms, enjoy hors d’oeuvres from various stations or just mix and mingle in the spacious lobby. At midnight all eyes will be on the harbor where a spectacular fireworks display will light up the sky next to the lighthouse. Heaters on the hotel’s wraparound deck will be provided to facilitate outdoor viewing. The dress is semi-formal. Doors open at 8:30. Beer, wine and cocktails available. Tickets for the event alone are sold out but there are still spaces available through the purchase of room packages starting at $289 for Kelley House accommodations and $309 at the Harbor View.

Call 508-627-3761 for details.

Ladies night, kids and teens

Dreamland is hosting a women-get-in-free dance party with DJ AP and DJ Ceazzaleanno. Owner J.B. Blau hopes to attract an intergenerational crowd by providing all types of music from oldies, to contemporary pop and rock to big band sounds. At midnight guests can enjoy a champagne toast and watch the ball drop in Times Square on the club’s 16 foot screen. $10, free for women. Prior to the party, which starts at 10, parents can park their kids at Dreamland while dining downstairs at the Chowder House. From 5 to 9:30 pre-school teachers and certified EMTs will be on hand to chaperone a party that includes a kids buffet, arts and crafts and family flicks. $25 per child or $20 each for two or more. Parents must be dining downstairs where the regular menu will be offered. Call 508-696-3000 for information.

At the Y

For kids a little older, The YMCA‘s teen center is hosting their end of year bash on Friday, December 28. Kids 13-18 are welcome. The evening will feature deejays, door prizes, snacks and a light show. Party from 8-10:30. $5. Call 508-696-7171 for information.

The Price is Right

The Pit Stop will host a free bash and potluck. The evening starts out with the regular Monday open mic night from 8-10. Then Nina Violet, Kahoots and the Hammerheads will provide the entertainment from 10 on. Guests are encouraged to bring food and beverages. The Pit Stop is also hosting a deejay party on Saturday, December 29 with DJ Ricky Prime and DJ Di providing an eclectic dance mix. New Year’s Eve – no admission charge, deejay party $5. Call 508-693-4219 for information.

The PA Club is hosting Sabrina and the Groovers for a pot luck party. Champagne toast at 12. The public is welcome. No charge. The Ritz will probably close up early on “amateur night” but they’ll be hosting a New Year’s Day bloody mary and shrimp cocktail party from 1-3 on New Year’s Day. Seasons will have karaoke from 10 on. Auld Land Syne anyone?

However you choose to celebrate, if your plans include ringing in the New Year with champagne or other libations, make sure your evening out budget includes taxi fare. Local cab companies report that they schedule extra drivers for what is traditionally their second biggest night of the off season (Chili Festival being number one). You can call in advance to avoid the post midnight wait or think about booking a taxi for a house full of “spirited” guests if you’re hosting a private party.