STORY:
San Francisco Behind in New Year's Planning

Estimates are that as many as 1.5 million people -- twice the population of the city of San Francisco -- will be celebrating on the streets, in the bars, at the hotels and concert halls.

According to a story in the San Francisco Chronicle, there is talk of a tri-cornered party spread among City Hall, Union Square and the Ferry Building, all connected by video screens. Preliminary plans include bands and tents at the Civic Center for a minimal charge. The other venues will be free, maybe including the Golden Gate Bridge, with a huge midnight fireworks show. There will be a spiritual celebration sponsored by Glide Memorial Church.

The article says mayor Willie Brown has not yet given his blessing to any celebration, but the hotels are acting as though he had. The Chronicle says hotels in the downtown Union Square area are demanding a three-night stay. About the only places for rent for just the one night are restaurants, nightclubs and rooms in houses. The Great American Music Hall and the Fairmont's Tonga Room have been rented for private parties. The Hi-Ball and HiFi lounges and Harry Denton's Starlight Room are still available. There will be shows at the Fillmore and Warfield, though performers have not been nailed down. Here are some events that are confirmed.

Among the major venues:

San Francisco New Year's Eve Superior Bash: The Bill Graham Civic Auditorium will be divided into multi-theme party rooms to evoke the mood of Club Release, the Rat Pack Room, the Make-Out Room, the Bubble Lounge, Seance World Beat Room and Fluff VIP Room. Bands will play swing to funk to disco. Early-bird tickets are $75 through BASS. In September, information, including headliners, will be on the Web site at www.NYE2000.com. Packages at the Marriott downtown are $799 for two nights and two tickets, available July 1.

San Francisco Symphony's New Year's Millennium Gala: Michael Tilson Thomas will conduct, opera diva Frederica von Stade and Broadway star Audra McDonald will sing. After the concert there will be dancing onstage. Tickets are $320-$100.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

DATE: 5/25/99

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