Can't Miss It: Thursday

U.S.E. YOUR RESOLUTION: Party band U.S.E., with their dance rock/vocoder funk, is meant for nights like this. The group’s music is perfect for dancing your way into a new January. Lighthearted and bright, filled with an almost unparalleled soulful energy, their musical fireworks make for one hell of a last hurrah. Or if you’re more interested in resolving to begin a new year with a full head of steam, U.S.E. is good for that too. Tonight The Crocodile will be one of the most magnificent portals into the future that Seattle has to offer. With Aqueduct and Fresh Espresso.

8:00 p.m. // The Crocodile // $20

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY: Thursday nights are generally slated as Salsa night at the Century Ballroom, but behold the magic of New Years Eve: DJs spinning out Salsa, Swing, Tango, and more. Including special guests Cherdonna Shinatra and Lou Henry Hoover from The Cherdonna and Lou Show (the phenomenal couple met in 1984 in the back of Madonna’s tour bus), the night also features a formal seated dinner with a menu provided by The Tin Table. Forgoing dinner is no problem for rug-cutters only interested in dancing and a midnight champagne toast. There are dance parties and then there are Dance Parties. Blue suedes and high heels stride along.

7:00 p.m., 9:30 p.m. // Century Ballroom // $40, $150

IT’S DYNAMITE: The pesky government says you aren’t allowed to shoot off the best sorts of fireworks. We’re talking Dahlias, Golden Willows, Tomahawk Flashes, straight TNT, surface to air missiles--you know, the good stuff. But the good news is that the New Years Eve Space Needle fireworks display can scratch that pyrotechnic itch for you. The best part is you won’t burn anything down.

Midnight // Seattle Center // Free