Three Ways to Ring In the New Year

Time to exhale.

With the mad whirl of giving, receiving and eating that marks Christmas and Hanukkah firmly behind us, it is now safe to take a deep breath.

And make plans for New Year’s Eve.

Three possibilities for those who have not yet decided where to go to ring in 1993 are a street festival in Long Beach, a Latin-beat bash and a fund-raising party for Chorale Bel Canto.

If you always wanted to spend New Year’s Eve in the crazed street revelry of Times Square in New York but couldn’t get off the West Coast, head for downtown Long Beach after dark on Thursday.

About 10,000 people are expected at this year’s party at Pine Avenue and Broadway where two live bands will be rockin’ in the streets; every bar and restaurant is planning to be part of the celebration.

In the street, The Midnight Flyers’ big band and the Bobby Cochran & The Rock Around the Clock Show will anchor opposite ends of the party. At midnight, a laser and pyrotechnic show will aid the final 1992 countdown.

Both valet and free parking will be available within a two-block radius of the party, with signs directing drivers to the various lots, but the smart bet might be taking the Metro Blue Line into the heart of downtown. Train service for the evening has been extended until 1:30 a.m. between downtown and the Del Amo station in northern Long Beach.

Tickets are $5 each through TicketMaster or $3 at downtown stores and restaurants. The Long Beach Renaissance is offering hotel accommodations and party packages.

For confirmed couch tubers, the entire event will be broadcast live on CVI Cable TV.

Those longing for a Latin flavor to this New Year might take in a special concert by Thee Midniters in the Whittier Hilton’s grand ballroom, 7320 S. Greenleaf Ave.

The band, which was the leading light of the East Side Sound in the 1960s, split up in the ‘70s but re-formed in 1987 with four of the seven original band members. Their last gig at the Whittier Hilton was at this summer’s Latino Legends Concert Series.

Packages including hotel accommodations, dinner, champagne, hats and noisemakers are available. Information: (310) 945-8511.

Looking for a quieter New Year’s Eve? One option, besides staying home, would be the annual fund-raising dinner-dance for the 80-member masterworks singing group, Chorale Bel Canto.

The event features a dinner of grilled Pacific salmon or London broil and the 12-piece orchestra, Big Band Commotion, offering music from the ‘30s through the ‘60s.

Proceeds of the event, at the Swisspark Restaurant ballroom, 1905 Workman Mill Road in Whittier, will enable the choral group to hire symphonies for their four yearly concerts. Information: Jane Gothold at (310) 947-6506.