Perhaps you’ve been to one too many house parties this year, you’re ready to take your partying to the next level after frequenting the same old bars, or you’ve been cursed with sickness and failed plans in the past. Whatever your sad story is, 2011 is the year to turn things around. Don’t hesitate to make plans and get stuck babysitting your neighbor’s kids. Consider your New Year’s Eve plans as an investment. As always, Artvoice is here to guide you through these crucial decisions.

Talty’s Tavern (2056 South Park Ave.) 5pm. Early Bird New Year’s Eve Party. Music by Mike Buntich and Friends. Free.

Shannon Pub (2250 Niagara Falls Blvd) 5pm-9pm. New Year’s Eve Party. Music by Penny Whiskey. Ball drop at 7:00pm (Dublin New Year).

Western New Year Book Arts Center (468 Washington St.) 9pm. New Year’s Eve Art, Music, and Libations. Silent Art Auction (featuring regional and national artists), Music by David Kane (jazz) and DJ Matt Olmsted, hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, champagne, dessert buffet, first 100 couples/single ticket buyers will receive a free limited edition letterpress print. Members: $100 per couple/$60 per individual. Non-Members: $125 per couple/$75 per individual. wnybookarts.org, 348-1430

Positive Approach (125 Elmwood Ave.) 7pm. Posi Party 2011 New Year’s Party. Food, friends, fun. Music by DJ Grizzly. Free.

Hard Rock Café (333 Prospect St.) 8pm. New Year’s Eve Guitar Drop. Outdoor on Old Falls St. Heated tents, concessions, fireworks. Music by Smash Mouth, The Rockaz, DoDriver, Son of the Sun. VIP Tickets at Ticketweb.com Indoor reservations w/ music by eXit! from 10pm-2am call 282-0007

Connecticut Street Armory (184 Connecticut St.) 9pm. Masquerade Ball. Open bar 9:30pm-1:30am. Top shelf liquor, bottled beer and wine, hors d’ouevres and food provided by Toro Tappas Bar, dance music, DJs, valet service, complementary masks at the door, portion of proceeds benefit Hospice Buffalo. 21+ $60. buffaloafterdark.org

Nietzsche’s (248 Allen St.) 10pm. New Year’s Eve Show. Music by Universe Shark, Family Dinner, Family Funktion and the Sitar Jamz, Alassane Sarr’s Mini-Mix, Blood Thirsty Vegans, Shapes of States. Free hats, noisemakers, champagne toast, and more.

Mohawk Place (47 West Mohawk St.) 10:30pm. Transmission New Year’s Eve Dance Party. 18+ $5.

Tralf Music Hall (622 Main St.) 9pm. Sound in Motion New Year’s Eve. Showcase with three bands and one DJ covering Beck’s album Odelay. Peanut Brittle Satellite, Lazlo Hollyfeld, Rhubarb, and DJ Cutler. All three bands are also debuting new music. Balloon drop and free champagne toast. 18+ $10.

—jill greenberg