Wondering where you can find jazz on New Year's Eve in the Twin Cities? Whether you are visiting from out of town or a long-time resident of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, good music is usually just down the street or around the corner. On New Year's Eve, there are plenty of options, some requiring reservations and some just waiting for you to drop in.

Artists Quarter (7^th Place and St. Peter, downtown St Paul): Carole Martin and Irv Williams. A double whammy for St. Paul with vocalist Carole Martin's annual NY Eve bash, this year featuring sax legend Irv Williams' Quartet anchored by New York piano whiz Rick Germanson. For $22, snacks and music; reservations at www.mnjazz.com or (651) 292-1359.

Babalu (800 Washington Av North, Minneapolis Warehouse District). Tom Hunter Trio. Even if it dips below zero, New Year's Eve will be hot with the help of Tom Hunter. From smoky jazz to gut-bucket Chicago blues, Tom's piano and vocals will send you into 2005 in style. Information at www.babalu.us; (612) 746-3158.

Bar Lurcat (1624 Harmon Place, Minneapolis). Vocalist Maud Hixon sings in the New Year, 8:30 pm- 12:30 am. Reservations or information at www.cafelurcat.com or (612) 486-5900.

Dakota (1010 Nicollet Mall, downtown Minneapolis): Connie Evingson, Ginger Commodore, JoAnn Funk, Nachito Herrera. Half of Moore By Four, Evingson and Commodore are two of the reigning queens of Midwest vocal jazz, joined by pianist/vocalist JoAnn Funk and monster pianist, Cuban transplant Nachito Herrera. Hot times in the Minneapple. Reservations, $95 dinner package; www.dakotacooks.com or (612) 332-1010.

Photo by Howard A. Gitelson
Jax Café (1928 University Av NE, Minneapolis). Doug Haining and the TC Seven with Charmin Michelle. Catch the sounds of the small bands of the great band era, Basie, Ellington, and more, along with the always arresting voice of Charmin Michelle; 9 pm- 1 am. Dinner packages from $65-95. Reservations and information at www.jaxcafe.com/events or (612) 789-7297.

Jazzmines (123 N. 3^rd St, Minneapolis Warehouse District): Charmin Michelle, Ray Covington. Early dinner sets by haunting vocalist Charmin Michelle ($50); late dinner sets with R&B vocalist Ray Covington. Reservations and information at www.jazzmines.com or (612) 630-5299.

Nativity Lutheran Church (3312 Silver Lake Rd, St. Anthony Village). Huh? New Year's Eve jazz at a suburban church? "Now What" is the New Year's Eve celebration & service with the wit, wisdom, and whimsy of jazz, and the music of Corea, Ellington, Miles and Monk. Some of the best in the area, including vocalist Vicky Mountain, vibist Dave Hagedorn, pianist Greg Theisen and more; 5:30 pm. You can bring the family to this one! Information at www.nativitychurch.org; (612) 781-2766.

Nochee (500 Washington Av S., Minneapolis). Christine Rosholt Quartet. Join one of the hottest area vocalists with her quartet, including drummer Jay Epstein, bassist Graydon Peterson, and vibist Steve Roehm. Information at www.nochee.com, (612) 344-7000.

Rossi's Blue Star Room (9^th and Marquette, downtown Minneapolis in the Metro Building): Prudence Johnson with the Laura Caviani Quintet. An all-star evening featuring one of the most versatile and creative vocalists around. Prudence Johnson, veteran of Prairie Home Companion and salutes to Hoagy Carmichael and Edna St.Vincent Millay is joined by top-of-the-heap pianist Laura Caviani and her always-swinging quintet. Cover $85 includes dinner; reservations at www.bluestarjazz.com or (612) 312-2828.

Sophia (65 Main St. SE, Minneapolis). Sue Tucker and the Tanner Taylor Trio. Acclaimed vocalist Sue Tucker joins forces with young Iowa transplant, pianist Tanner Taylor and company. 9 pm-1 am, no cover. Information at (612) 379-1111.

Times Bar and Café (201 E. Hennepin, Minneapolis). Join the 4^th Annual New Year's Eve celebration with the hot sounds of Salsa Del Soul, one of the area's pre-eminent Latin bands. Early (5, 5:30 pm) and late (8:30 pm) seatings; information at www.timesbarandcafe.com or call (612) 617-8098.