Adult revelers have options for New Year's

Spending the night with ersatz Beatles, solving a rolling murder mystery, laughing between courses of a feast or bowling with friends are some of the choices for local revelers New Year's Eve.

Experiencing "American English -- the Complete Beatles Experience" actually requires a trip to St. Louis, where the band American English is performing at the Casino Queen's Club Sevens. American English dresses like the Beatles, looks like the Beatles and plays all the band's hits. Three shows are offered beginning at 9 p.m. on a first-come, first- served basis.

Passengers on the St. Louis Iron Mountain Railway will leave Jackson Tuesday night with a mystery to solve while dining. The New Year's Eve Murder Mystery Train will depart at 8:30 p.m. Phone (800) 455-RAIL for information.

One of the biggest parties of the night will occur at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, where three bands -- Acme Blues, Funky Donkey Cheese and Mid-Life Crisis -- will perform for a crowd that in past years has numbered up to 600 people. Phone 334-5216 for more information.

About 400 are expected for New Year's Eve at the Jackson Knights of Columbus Hall. Music by Manassas Sound Galaxy sound system begins at 8 p.m. Hall manager Chris Bohnsack says the crowd usually ranges in age from 21 to 40. The $25 admission price covers hors d'oeurves, beer and mixed drinks.

Reservations are accepted, but tickets must be picked up before Tuesday. Tickets also can be purchased at the door if available. Phone 243-5464 for more information.

Not all the fun is for grown-ups. Students from seventh grade through college are welcome at the New Year's Eve party at Freedom Rock. The local band Fade 2 White will perform from about 8 p.m. and through midnight. Admission is $3.

Starcatchers community theater in Jackson is performing the 30-minute comedies "Funeral Tea" and "Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust" between courses at Reflections Fine Dining in Jackson. The $25 admission covers theater and a gourmet meal. Phone 243-9883 for more information.

At the Route 25 Hall, appetizers like chicken wings and meatballs will be served all night long, followed by a full breakfast at 12:30 a.m. The cost is $19.95 per person.

A full bar will offer drink specials during the night. Charlie's Sound system from Scott City will provide the music. Reservations are encouraged. More information is available by phoning 204-0026 or 243-2332.

The opportunity to bowl the night away will be presented at West Park Lanes' New Year's Eve Rent-A-Lane. Fifty dollars covers lane and shoe rental for up to six people from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Phone 334-1047 for more information.

Rude Dog has the popular local band ColorWill on New Year's Eve. Bob Camp will be featured at the Camp Family Restaurant. Other nightspots are still firming up New Year's Eve plans.

Parents Without Partners is sponsoring a dance at the Jackson American Legion Hall. Phone 335-0797 for more information.

A New Year's Eve dance at the Chaffee VFW Hall will feature the All Stars Band. Admission of $20 per couple includes breakfast.

sblackwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182