Welcome in 2016 with music, dining, dancing

Options to welcome in 2016 at a New Year’s celebration are numerous in Whatcom County.

Some welcome people of all ages, some are fancy dinners, and some feature well-known local and regional bands. Reservations are recommended, if not required, at many locations.

For more events, go to calendar.bellinghamherald.com, “view listings for a day,” and select Dec. 31; you can select “Where to do it,” as well.

Nicki’s Bella Marina, 2615 South Harbor Loop Drive, hosts Bellingham Rendezvous at 8 p.m., who are joined by Sonja Lee at 9; then by Marvin J and the “Whoever Answers the Phone Band,” which includes (this time) Lonnie Knechtel, Phil Sottile, Ron Camire and “Tall” Paul Laugnharne, from 10 to midnight. Dinner will be served upstairs only from 6 to 9 p.m.; while downstairs is open late.

Rumba Northwest hosts its annual New Year’s Eve Salsa Party at Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth, 1059 N. State St. Doors open 8 p.m., with a salsa lesson at 8:30, followed by a DJ mix of Latin rhythms (salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton, timba) plus line dances and performances from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $10 general presale, $7 students; or $15 and $10 at the door. Get tickets at Cafe Rumba, 1140 N. State St., or join the Facebook event for details.

Hotel Bellwether on Bellwether Way hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the luxury hotel’s ballroom, with what’s termed a “decadent” dinner buffet and champagne toast, plus music by The Walrus and the Margaret Wilder Band. Tickets are $80 per person. Reservations required at 360-392-3100.

Semiahmoo Resort, Golf & Spa in Blaine is offering several New Year’s Eve events, including a celebration at 7:30 p.m.. in Packers Oyster Bar, with music from The Replayzments from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., with party favors and a toast at midnight. Cover is $25, required after 7:30 p.m. People must be 21 or older. A New Year’s Eve Bash includes a buffet dinner, drinks, dancing and music by The Atlantics, plus party favors and a champagne toast at midnight, in the Semiahmoo Ballroom from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., with multiple seatings. Tickets are $115. Reservations required for all events, including for optional overnight package and New Year’s Day brunch. Details: 360-318-2044.

Baby Cakes‘ New Year’s Eve at the Green Frog, 1015 N. State St., marks the one-year anniversary for Baby Cakes. To celebrate, the band has surprises planned for its fans, including a new member. The event starts 9:30 p.m.. Tickets are $15 at Brown Paper Tickets.

Bellingham Country Dance hosts an all-ages New Years Eve Gala Dance and Party from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Eagles Hall, 1125 N. Forest St. It’s an alcohol-free potluck; bring finger food to share. Party favors and beverages provided. Dances are taught and called by Marlin Prowell. The Ohio contra-dance band Gallimaufry will play Irish, Quebecois and old-time music. Admission: $15 adults, $10 students, $3 for ages 12 and younger.

Five Alarm Funk plays at 9 p.m. at the Wild Buffalo, 208 W. Holly St. The nine-member Vancouver, B.C., band has played national and international tours and released five albums of gypsy rock, Latin music, ska and heavy metal. Tickets: $20 advance; 360-746-8733, wildbuffalo.net.

This story was originally published December 22, 2015 at 4:01 PM with the headline "Welcome in 2016 with music, dining, dancing."