By Paul Browne

Our guide to the best parties during New Year’s weekend

As New Year’s Eve draws near, the looming matter on many people’s minds is: Where should I ring in the New Year?—a question only complicated by the fact that so many of L.A.’s hottest party promoters are hard at work, hoping to make L.A. the top New Year’s destination in the United States. The fruit of their labors—a smorgasbord of soirees beginning on Friday night and lasting long past the arrival of 2007—can be overwhelming for partygoers looking for the perfect spot to celebrate this year. Don’t despair—IN Los Angeles’ handy guide to the New Year’s party scene will help you find out where the hottest DJs are spinning, when the parties are kickin’ and how to get tickets.

Masterbeat and Atlantis present Pam Ann: Come Fly with Me
Friday, Dec. 29, 9 p.m.

Before you shake your rump, how about an evening of laughs? Comedy really is the perfect way to get a party weekend started. Pam Ann, who opened for Cher’s Farewell European Tour, has quickly become a gay favorite, having sold out performances all over the world. Tonight, the campy comedienne makes her way to L.A. to perform her popular show, Come Fly with Me. The Hollywood Palladium turns into Pam Ann Airlines, the world’s largest luxury jetliner, as “passengers” board for a surely unforgettable flight. Drinks will be served for your comfort, of course.

Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd., Hlywd. $40. See www.newyearsla.com. For tickets, see www.circuitticket.com.

Resolution and Jeffrey Sanker in association with Masterbeat and Atlantis present Last Dance
Saturday, Dec. 30, 9 p.m.–8 a.m.

When four major party promoters join forces, it’s clearly an event that will knock the roof off of the expansive Mayan Theater. Chicago’s Ralphi Rosario and L.A.’s own DJ Brett Henrichsen lead the musical odyssey into the night as over 2,000 men from around the world come together to savor the precious final moments of 2006. It’s one last chance for revelry and carousing as the Mayan becomes an isolated world of festivities and steady, pulsing energy. Stick close to your friends because a crowd of gorgeous men can be like a black hole; or if you want to get lost, by all means.

Mayan Theater, 1038 S. Hill St., L.A. $75 presale, $80 at door. See www.newyearsla.com. For tickets, see www.circuiticket.com.

The Factory Event Space presents New Year’s Eve: Countdown
Sunday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.

Ultra Suede claims the retro crown of the night as three DJs tackle three decades on three separate dance floors this New Year’s Eve. DJ Casey Alva is set to bring back the super ‘70s when disco was hot and funky as DJ Mike Bryant revisits synth and dance-pop with club hits of the ‘80s. DJ Heather Vaughn will pick up the remaining pieces and deliver a steady flow of ‘90s mania. Add some party favors, a champagne toast at midnight and a cash balloon drop, then it’s like we’ve been transported to glorious club days of the past.

Ultra Suede, 661 N. Robertson Blvd., W. Hlywd. $25 presale, $35 at door. For tickets, see www.factorynightclub.com.

Gene LaPietra, Alexander Lopez and Freddy’s Entertainment present New Year’s Eve 2007 @ Circus Disco
Sunday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.–4 a.m.

New Year’s Eve at Circus Disco, America’s largest gay Latino nightclub! With three dance floors, 22 of the hottest go-go boys, free champagne and a full international buffet serving Italian, Mexican, Asian and American cuisine, this party will be impossible to slow down. Confetti, party favors and the largest balloon drop on the West Coast!

Circus Disco, 6655 Santa Monica Blvd., Hlywd. $35 presale, $50 at door. See
www.circusdisco.com. For tickets, see www.groovetickets.com.

Jill Jay, Brian Laswell, Jonathan Chang, Megan Brooks and Tom Whitman present Popular
Sunday, Dec. 31

Tom Whitman extends his regular Saturday night event at here lounge one extra night during this endless party weekend for a special New Year’s Eve installment of Popular. DJ Josh Peace, a Popular regular, will be on hand to provide New Year’s Eve merrymakers with the same dynamic and rhythmic sets that make Popular the premiere Saturday night event in L.A. There will also be a special live performance by Shokra.

Here lounge, 696 N. Robertson Blvd., W. Hlywd. No cover. See www.herelounge.com.

Rohan Bisset presents New Year’s Eve ‘07
Afterhours, Sunday, Dec. 31

Hollywood Boulevard is the place to be after midnight. Join PAULO, DJ Alexander and Shokura for an afterhours extravaganza of supersonic sound and a dazzling light show to ring in the New Year and party into the morning from 2-10 a.m., just in time to catch the Rose Parade.

Henry Fonda Theatre, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Hlywd. $40 advance. See www.rohanbisset.com or buy at Perfect Beat.

John Brady presents Sterling
Saturday, Dec. 30, 9 p.m.–8 a.m.

An all-night entertainment event with special live performances and fan-favorite DJs. Sterling transforms the Avalon Hollywood, into a steamy, raw metallic world as DJs Tracy Young, Joe Gauthreaux, Scotty K and Casey Alva spin gritty, industrial beats. Logo’s gay twin duo Nemesis performs live, along with Kristine W and Anna Kokalot.

Avalon Hollywood, 1735 N. Vine St., Hlywd. $60 presale and at door, $90 couples pass. See www.johnbradypresents.com. For tickets, see www.wan tickets.com.

Masterbeat and Atlantis present New Year’s Eve
Sunday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. – 4 a.m.

Last year, “New Year’s Eve” turned L.A. on its ear! The weather will be anything but freezing inside the Hollywood Palladium when it becomes the largest nightclub in the world with six points of line-array concert-quality sound, over 100 intelligent moving lights, massive video screens and projections, and five full-color lasers. International superstar DJ Manny Lehman headlines this weekend’s main event as he delivers the sound that put him on the map. With lights by Guy Smith, a special performance by Flava. Orchestrate your way into the New Year as only L.A. partiers can do.
Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd., Hlywd. $100 presale, $120 at door. See www.newyearsla.com. For tickets, see www.circuiticket.com.

Masterbeat and Atlantis present First Dance: Afterhours
Monday, Jan. 1, 4 a.m. – noon

Immediately following New Year’s Eve at the Palladium, the party does not wind down after midnight. Party the first few hours of 2007 with thunderous sound, special effects and lasers inside L.A.’s Hollywood Arena. DJ Phil B will take charge of the hard-driving beats making sure we get an active start in the newest chapter of our lives. This is the final event of a long, thrilling, party weekend and tomorrow, reality calls. Do yourself a favor and get some shut-eye, you rascal.

Hollywood Arena, 6655 Santa Monica Blvd., Hlywd. $50 presale, $55 at door. See www.newyearsla.com. For tickets, see www.circuiticket.com.