New Year's events slated

What may be one of the biggest New Year's Eve bashes in the area this year will be about more than just partying.

Starting at 8 p.m. New Year's Eve, local country act The John D. Hale Band, will play a party at the Plaza Conference Center with the goal of having a good time and raising money to benefit St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and a boy from the Marble Hill, Mo., area who had a tumor removed from this liver earlier this year, 5-year-old Aidan King.

"St. Jude's has always been one of my big deals," said John D. Hale, band frontman. "I have no real connection to him; I just felt strongly toward it."

Hale's band has been together for about two years and has scored airplay on satellite radio. Hale's sister, Pam Phillips, organizer of the concert, said Hale has developed a large local following that will likely bring a large crowd to the conference center.

Phillips doesn't really know the King family, but she wanted the band to play a New Year's Eve party and donate the money to charity. St. Jude's was a natural choice, given Hale's fondness for the hospital. But then she heard about Aidan's story on the radio and decided to expand the fund-raiser.

Anyone seeking more information on the concert can call Phillips at (573) 380-2392.

While the Hale band entertains people at the conference center with its brand of outlaw country, another venue will sponsor a drug-free, alcohol-free New Year's Eve party for all ages.

The Enchanted Forest at 811 Broadway will open its doors for its annual New Year's Eve party. The venue caters primarily to teenagers and allows them to enjoy a live rock 'n' roll show without worrying about the presence of drugs and alcohol.

This year's bands will include Fists of Phoenix, Meridian, Minus The Star, Within Nothing, The Otto Modest and End the Ambience. Daniel Seabaugh, the Fists of Phoenix singer whose family manages the Enchanted Forest, said the parties are always characterized by a festive atmosphere, punctuated by a countdown at midnight. Doors open at 7 p.m., and music starts at 8 p.m.

Those wanting to get their New Year's Eve started early can check out the Cat Fanciers' Association cat show at the Arena Building from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public is invited to the event, which is also a benefit for Toys For Tots. Those who attend are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for donation.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182