Plenty of music on First Night

Maybe it’s time to quit smoking.

Lose weight. Remodel the house. Spend more time playing with the dog.

Whatever.

It’s a rare person who keeps a New Year’s resolution – so start with something easy.

Resolve to head to the First Night Spokane celebration downtown on New Year’s Eve.

Visual arts, theater, literature, music, fireworks and more will set 2005 off with a bang.

Though First Night bills itself as a more family friendly event compared to the traditional dress-up-and-get-blitzed bashes, it’s a happening gig for everybody.

Some events, such as The Eleventh Hour concert and ComedySportz, require purchase of a First Night button. Others, such as the Fireworks Finale, are fair game for all. Do yourself a favor and snag a button for carte blanche to the festivities.

Here’s a short preview of some interesting things to watch out for:

The Eleventh Hour – Local rock acts Level 8, Mylestone, Unduhn, Footshod, Melefluent, 10 Minutes Down and Riverside will take things to the next level – down, that is – to the basement of the STA Plaza. Skateboarders will thrash their decks doing demos to the music. Enjoy the party from 7 p.m. until just before the fireworks show at midnight in Riverfront Park.

Abe Kenney – Catch the bassist for local speed death metal band Pathos showing his softer side, playing classical and flamenco guitar as well as his own compositions. 10 p.m. Holley Mason Building, 157 S. Howard St.

Blue Door Theater – Improvisational theater with audience interaction. 7 p.m. – midnight. Spokane City Hall Council Chambers, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

ComedySportz – Improvisational comedy as a sport. 7 p.m. – midnight. Interplayers, 174 S. Howard St.

Jupiter Effect and Carcinogens – Local groups bring a bevy of sounds and influences, including rock, funk, pop, hip-hop and more. Jupiter Effect goes on at 7 p.m.; Carcinogens take the stage at 9 p.m. The Hideout, River Park Square.

Cirque de Flambe – “The world’s only vaudeville fire circus.” 9 p.m. Main Stage, Riverfront Park.

Glass Gods – Demonstrating the process of making hand-blown glass objects. 7 p.m. Main Street Arts Center, 811 W. Main Ave.

Eastern Washington University Poets – Poets from EWU’s creative writing program will read their work. 9 p.m. Crescent Court, 707 W. Main Ave.

Countdown to Midnight and Fireworks Finale – Get to Riverfront Park just before midnight to ring in the New Year.