Best bets: Mittenfest, Jeff Daniels, and a tribute to Hank and Townes help ring in the New Year

By Ann Dwyer Production Asst.

Posted on Thu, Dec 27, 2012 : 11:45 a.m.

MUSIC

Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com

The best way to go into the New Year is at "Mittenfest VII" at Woodruff's. Dec. 28-Jan. 1. Doors open at 5 p.m., music starts at 5:30 p.m. each day. Mittens are not required for attendance, but are highly encouraged along with plaid shirts, hunting caps, snow boots and other Michigan paraphernalia (you'll probably be wearing all that anyway). $10 per night. Tickets can be purchased at the door, and admission is dependent on venue capacity. A limited number of VIP passes, ensuring guaranteed access to all five nights, are available for purchase at www.mittenfest.org. Also, go there for a complete lineup. 36 East Cross St., Ypsilanti.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Arbor Opera Theater will present "We’re in the Money," a 1930s-style musical review, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church on Sunday. 4 p.m. Come for this imaginative afternoon of "radio," filled with the great entertainment, and complimentary hors d'oeuvres, dessert, and sparkling cider. Learn more at http://www.arboropera.com/schedule.html. $25 each available through PayPal or at the door. 1500 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor. 734-761-9320.

FOOD

Enjoy a "Yellow Door New Year's Eve Breakfast for Faith In Action" on Monday at the Chelsea Community Fairgrounds. 9 a.m. to noon. Chef Paul Cousins (Cousins Heritage Inn) will be preparing one of his signature dishes for the event. All ingredients on the menu are purchased from local providers. The menu is being finalized and will feature three entree choices, coffee and juice. Guests are asked to make a donation of $15 (or more) at the door. 20501 Old US-12 Hwy. (Old US12 at Old Manchester Road), Chelsea. 734-475-1270.

NEW YEAR'S

Looking for a fun, family-friendly event? Find it at the "SRSLY New Year’s Eve Party" at Beach Middle School on Monday. 4-8 p.m. There will be team games and competitions (eating contests, relay races, card games and more), face painting, video games on classroom Smart Boards, cookie-decorating, live music, swimming, basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer and a chili cook-off. The event is free and open to the public. There will be food for sale. 445 Mayer Drive, Chelsea. 734-433-2202.

NEW YEAR'S

Party with Jeff Daniels at the "Purple Rose Theater New Year's Eve Party" at the Chelsea Comfort Inn & Village Conference Center and at the Purple Rose Theater. 5 p.m.-midnight. Enjoy Daniels' "Unplugged" show along with other entertainment, food and a sneak preview of a new comedy by Daniels. Tickets are $250 each. Make your reservations today by calling 734-433-7782 x14 or x15; or email ReachUs@purplerosetheatre.org. The Comfort Inn & Village Conference Center is at 1645 Commerce Park Dr., Chelsea. 734-433-8000. Transportation will be provided to the Theater (optional).

MUSIC

The new year means it's time again for the "Annual Tribute to Hank Williams and Townes Van Zandt" at the Old Town Tavern on Tuesday. 6:00 p.m. (doors open at 5). Singer-songwriter Chris Buhalis (with special guests Dave Keeney and Jason Dennie) will offer his 15th annual salute to the late country-folk singer-songwriters Townes Van Zandt and Hank Williams Sr.—both of whom died on New Year's Day. No cover. 122 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. 734-662-9291.

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