New Year’s Eve Barn Dance, 7:30 pm, Thursday, Dec. 31, St. Ann’s Parish Hall, 5th and Gold. The New Year’s Eve Barn Dance features live French Canadian and Celtic music by the Taku Gaels. Tom Paul will teach and call contra and square dances.No experience or a partner are necessary. $8 adults, $7 JIF and AFF, $5 seniors and students, free for JVs and Americorps. Affiliated with Juneau International Folk Dancers. Tickets sold at the door. Details: juneaucontras.org
Swing in the New Year!, 9 pm Thursday, Dec. 31, Juneau Arts & Culture Center. This dance party features the Thunder Mountain Big Band with violinist Steve Tada. Dance lessons at 8 pm and Showtime at 9 pm. A benefit for the 2016 Juneau Jazz and Classics Festival. Tickets at jazzandclassics.org, jahc.org, and Hearthside Books. Reserved seating is$60/person and general admission is $50/person. Details: jazzandclassics.org
New Year’s Eve Foam Party at Suite 907, 9 pm Thursday, Dec. 31, Suite 907, 9121 Glacier Hwy. Get wet, dance to dueling DJs, and win cash and prizes at Suite 907’s first ever FOAM party. Ladies get in free, $10 entry includes a drink token. Foam drops at midnight, bring your own towel.
Juneau Polar Bear Dip, 1 pm, Friday, Jan. 1, New Year’s Day, Auke Rec Main Shelter. An annual tradition since 1992. Bring warm clothes and a towel. Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Details: http://www.juneauite.com/polarbeardip/
Mid-Winter Vocal Festival performance, 3 pm, Sunday, Jan. 3, Thunder Mountain High School. Led by conductor Dr. Byron McGilvray, and pianist/vocal coach Janis Capelle. Details: juneauopera.org
Perseverance Theatre fundraiser for “Our Voices Will Be Heard” by Tlingit playwright Vera Starbard, 7 pm Monday, Jan. 4, Hangar Ballroom. Artistic Director Art Rotch, playwright Starbard, and director Larissa FastHorse will lead an open conversation about the play. Performances by local multi-cultural dance group, Yees Ku Oo. Fry bread mini treats and a dessert auction will also be available.
