To usher in 2005, there are activities for all ages in and around the West Windsor and Plainsboro area. Whether it is dinner and a movie, music or drama, or a big gala, reservations are suggested for all events.
Classical Music
New Year’s Eve Concert, Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra, Patriots Theater, War Memorial, Trenton, 609-396-5522. Music by Shostakovich, DeFalla, Walton, and Khatchaturian. The second half of the program features orchestral big band selections of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and Artie Shaw. $25 to $65. Post-concert gala in the George Washington Ballroom features cocktails, buffet supper, and dancing to a 13-piece big band. Register. $75. 8 p.m.
Jazz & Blues
Darla Rich Quintet, Hopewell Bistro, 15 East Broad Street, Hopewell, 609-466-9889. Dinner, $45 fixed price. By reservation. 7 p.m.
Drama
Rodgers & Hart Songbook, Forum Theater Company, 314 Main Street, Metuchen, 732-548-0582. “Beguiled Again, The Songs of Rodgers and Hart,” with champagne, wine, and finger food, $45. 7:30 p.m.
Bed Full of Foreigners, Off-Broadstreet Theater, 5 South Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell, 609-466-2766. Dave Freeman’s comedy about a European vacation gone awry. $35. Waiting list for New Year’s Eve. Call for available performances. 8 p.m.
Bonfire
Hogmanay New Year’s Eve Bonfire, Lawrence Historical Society, Brearley House, Meadow Lane, Lawrenceville, 609-895-1728. Revelers of all ages gather in the Maidenhead Great Meadow, site of the 1761 historic Brearley House, to light up the night with a traditional Scottish “Hogmanay” New Year’s Eve bonfire. The ancient tradition celebrates a clean break from all that had been bad in the old year. Piper Graham Kronk of Yardley will set the field ringing with traditional airs. Hot cocoa, cake, and music follow indoors at the Brearley House. Free. 6 p.m.
Weekend Retreat
New Year’s Weekend Retreat, Center Heart, 80 Elm Ridge Road, Princeton, 609-730-9933. “Presenting the Essential Self” led by retreat leader, musician, and author, David La Chapelle. Chanting, meditation, and discussion. Daily potluck lunch. Suggested donation is $100 per day. La Chapelle is author of “Navigating the Tides of Change,” and the CD, “Destiny Lines.” Ananda Foley offers Body Prayer, a yogic form of movement. Through January 2.
Health & Wellness
New Year’s Eve Party, Integral Yoga of Princeton, 122 Carter Road, Princeton, 609-683-9199. An evening of dance, games, food, and meditation. Vegetarian pot luck. Children are welcome. Alcohol and smoke free. Register. $15 to $20 donation. 7:30 p.m.
Hot Spots
New Year’s Eve, That’s Italian Trattoria, 101 East Broad Street, Hopewell, 609-333-1710. Jazz with the Rick Fiori Band. 6 p.m.
Dinner and Comedy, Catch a Rising Star, Hyatt Regency, 102 Carnegie Center, 609-734-4241. Four-course dinner, comedy show, four drink tickets, party favors, champagne toast, DJ and dancing. Comedy with Joe Bublewicz and Dina Blizzard. $165 per person. 7:30 p.m.
New Year’s Eve, Amarone’s Windsor Inn, 29 Church Street, Windsor, 609-448-7144. Food, wine, and entertainment by Meg Hanson and Donnie Love. Three seatings available. By reservation. 8 p.m.
Crystal Garden, Hyatt Regency, 102 Carnegie Center, 609-987-1234. Four course dinner, dancing, DJ, balloon drop at midnight, party favors, champagne toast. $130 per person. 8 p.m.
New Year’s Eve, KatManDu, Waterfront Park, Route 29, Trenton, 609-393-7300. Flying Mueller Brothers is the featured band. The Vegas Style theme includes buffet and open bar until 1 a.m. By reservation, $65. 8:30 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Celebration, Amalfi’s Cuisine, 146 Lawrenceville-Pennington Road, Lawrenceville, 609-912-1599. Special menu, open bar, music and dancing, champagne toast, noisemakers. $190 per couple. 9 p.m.
New Year’s Eve, Doral Forrestal, 100 College Road East, 609-452-7800 ext. 5132. Gala celebration include hors d’oeuvres, open bar, champagne toast, continental breakfast, and entertainment by DJ Cisco and Company, $75 per person with advance reservation. With overnight accommodations and brunch, $289 per couple; $215 for single. 9 p.m.
Nu Metal New Year’s Eve, Finnigan’s, 529 Route 130 North, East Windsor, 609-448-8012. Jaded Faith performs, ages 21 and up. $10. 9 p.m.
Bedbug Eddie, Triumph Brewing Company, 138 Nassau Street, 609-924-7855. Cover rock band, noisemakers and midnight champagne toast, $10 cover. 10 p.m.
