It is that time of the year again when it’s the time for next year, yet again.

Not confused yet? Log onto the First Night website (firstnightmonterey.org), click on the “Event Program Guide” tab, and let an expansive spreadsheet of nearly 100 different places to be and dozens more things to do really let the head spin. Trying to navigate this successfully is to accept a scholarship to spend New Year’s Eve at your computer figuring out where to be.

But the Weekly has got you covered – from the steps of Colton Hall, draped in 16-foot vertical banners, to the red bricks of Custom House Plaza, filled with booths of great local eats and unmitigated music – proferring some of the best places to bring the kids throughout the afternoon, to see the live music and performing arts, and to find the most energized, hip-shaking dancers.

Music

There is a reason this group keeps returning year after year. It rhymes with “Plocal Tavorites.” The Salinas-based Latin group rocks the end of 2007 with a fusion of rock, Latin and funk. Be prepared to dance.

With influences like Macbeth and the Internet, MC Lars brings “post-punk laptop rap” into the First Night limelight for the ninth year and stars as master of ceremonies for the night’s Grand Finale.

This quintet plays jazz with the sound hard-bop of the ‘50s and ‘60s, fronted by a trumpet and sax and backed with piano, drums and bass. Along came Betty plays original tunes but also covers Miles Davis and John Coltrane classics.

It wouldn’t be First Night without the reggae sound that inspired Weekly readers to vote the ever-smiling ones Best Monterey County Band of 2007.

This Monterey Bay-based blues group has played up-tempo blues since 1993. With influences that track back to Chicago blues, Texas swing and Louisiana music, this local favorite band rocks with piano chops, earthy percussion and even an accordion.

Dance

This Seaside group tells the tale of the Little Match Girl, a new work inspired by Hans Christen Anderson, as well as a Four Seasons, a dance piece inspired by Vivaldi’s classic music.

The Carmel Academy performs jazz dance competition with a variety of pieces, from new jazz to hip-hop, and ballet to musical theater.

Complete with costumes as dazzling as they are authentic, this local group performs elaborate folk dances to match their costumes. They also teach the basic steps to anyone wanting to cut a rug.

Performing Arts

Big Sur Spirit Garden’s Jayson Fann shares his creation, an elevated “spirit nest” built from thousands of branches. Mere civilians have a chance to explore it, then it also serves as the stage for a special performance piece.

Starting off the beginning of the end of the year are Taiko Drummers, wielding the thunderous sound of ancient Japanese drumming like the Pacific wields its waves.

Big Sur beat writer Ric Masten is known as the “stand-up poet” for his humorous quips and observations on life. He reads from his numerous books.

Kids/Family

The Mi Vida~Mi Pueblo Puppet Project presents their stories of life in Salinas. The performances are in English and Spanish and combine sharp wit and a positive attitude.

Richard Myer and Farrell Dillon encourage children to participate in this interactive show of illusion and comedy, making audiences laugh, gasp and applaud at zany antics and mind-blowing magic.

They parade up and down Pacific Street with big, red noses, wildly bright hair, handing out candy to children and laughs to everyone. Did somebody say balloon animals?

Throughout the day kids can get Henna tattoos and painted faces, and work on art at creation stations around town.

For a complete schedule of events and times, visit firstnightmonterey.org and click on the tab called “Event Program Guide.”

FIRST NIGHT MONTEREY starts at 3pm and ends just after midnight. The annual parade marches off at 5:30pm. Admission buttons are $15/for 16 and up ($20/day of); $12/ages 5-15 ($15/day of); free/children under 5. 373-4778 or firstnightmonterey.org