Assuming you wont be at home singing 'Auld Lang Syne' by yourself watching the ball drop on television, it'd be interesting to see where everyone plans to be when ringing in the New Year.

Some go to friends' parties, others hit up bars for some live, local music, while others are out clubbing. While it seems everyone is penny-pinching lately, do your fellow St. Louisans a favor and let us in on your cheap choice for celebrating New Year's this 2009/2010 season.

Calling all classical rock fanatics and Christmas music junkies! Chances are, if that got your attention, you already know about the steamroller coming in this Holiday Season, as they always include St. Louis in their extravagant winter tour. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is claiming to be doing it even better this year than previous years, so this will be a spectacle you will not want to miss, especially with the addition of their brand new songs. Hurry up and clear your calendar as they are only in St. Louis on December 12 and are offering a 3pm show (doors open at 2pm) or an 8pm show (doors open at 7pm) at the Scott Trade Center. Tickets typically sell out, so grab yours now. Tickets may be purchased at ticketmaster.com, the Scott Trade Center box office, or directly through the Trans-Siberian Orchestra directly by going to http://www.trans-siberian.com.

It’s time again for the 3 day long festivities of local music, food, entertainment, vendors, service providers, and artists. The US Bank sponsored Taste of Saint Louis begins October 2nd and carries on through the 4th  at Soldier’s Memorial. Come down town to this seasonal event for some tasty ribs, beer and other local cuisine while watching some of the most entertaining bands in the area compete in the Bud Light Tasty Band Competition. Entry is free, just bring cash for grub, booze, and some to donate to the Taste For Wishes (a partner in the Make-A-Wish foundation). Good food, good entertainment, and good giving - all in 1 place!

Flowers, Food & FREE entertainment, could an evening get much better? Missouri Botanical Gardens doesn’t think so, that’s why they’ve orchestrated the Whitaker Music Festival through out July & August. Depending on which specified date on their calendar (*see their website for more details), you could get in free between 9am-5pm or your entry may be free after 5pm. Want to try some local brisket sandwiches? Bring some cash, as food is available for purchase on site. Strapped for cash or looking for a cheap, but still romantic, date? Pack a picnic and bring a cooler – you’re allowed to bring in food after certain times.  The entertainment varies depending on the date, for example, on July 29th the entertainment is provided by Ralph Butler, but the quality is sure to never lack.

Looking for something to do on the upcoming 3 day weekend? Want some fun in the sun while listening to music and satisfying your hunger cravings all in one? If you answered yes to both questions you need to be downtown this weekend at the Soldier’s Memorial  (on Chestnut Street) for all of your entertainment pleasures.  There will be a variety of ribs and other tasty foods,  local and some out of town vendors, and of course music.

Schlafly is known for its great beer and for its two hotspots here in St. Louis: The Tap Room (down town) and The Bottleworks (Maplewood).  Each brewpub serves great food, excellent in quality, taste and price, and each brewpub offers private parties and events.  This spring and summer, head to the Schlafly Bottleworks for some fun events and some tasty beer. 

As if their contribution to the indie music world wasn't enough, local band Messy Jiverson is taking part in a charitable event and wants YOU to take part. If you like feeling good for helping out a great cause AND like the concept of getting great stuff in return, then the Mimi Fishman Foundation charity auction is for you.  Up for bids are a variety of treats such as Phish memorabilia and packages, Dave Matthews Band tickets and pass package, Messy Jiverson package and much more! * Hurry up as the auction ends April 27.  Proceeds from this event will go to help a charity that among other great things, helps children with visual impairments. Do your part, give from the heart and maybe you'll get something great in return!

The best thing about Soulard, other than the Mardi-Gras parade, is the Farmer's Market. Cheap, healthy, fresh, and plentiful, who could ask for more? As a frequent shopper, I advise that you go on the last two weekends of the month as it does not appear to be as busy as the beginning of the month.

Phil's BBQ- Located on Gravois in South County, this popular restaurant is always filled. Maybe it's the pig decorations or the service, but my money is on the food quality. The owners of Phil's are Italian and know how to make a mean spaghetti; my advice: order spaghetti as your side to your rib eye or pulled pork and you will not be disappointed.  They could have a larger selection of beers, but beggars can't be choosers - they practically let you eat a feast fit for a King on a peasant's salary. The one thing I notice about Phil's that makes it stand out is that the barb-b-que seems to be a tad vinegary tasting which adds a nice zing. If you are looking for a tangy bbq and awesome spaghetti, Phil's is your kind of place.

The Oddity Faire: A Mutated Mini Fest was just as much as it was anticipated to be:  weird, amusing, interesting and of course - a unique experience.  For those who did not attend the tour stop at our own Pageant right here in St. Louis on March 17, 2009, you missed a crazy night.

Currently Les Claypool is touring for the remainder of this month (majority of this tour was through out this month) and along with him are a variety of other opening bands/groups that also deserve the title of "oddity." In St. Louis, these oddities were:  Secret Chiefs 3, Saul Williams, and Devotchka - 2 of which are good friends of Les Claypool.

"Everyone Knows I'm in Over My Head"...planning three and a half months in advance, for a concert  that is. If you haven't caught the reference yet,  The Fray, will be at St. Louis'  very own Verizon Wireless Ampitheater in Maryland Heights this summer, bringing all of their hit songs and some other numbers from their top selling albums.  I'm not sure about knowing "how to save a life" but I can at least give you a heads up - radio presale tickets go on sale March 20^th,   general public sales start March 21 at 10:30 a.m. and lawn seats (best seats in the house for dates  and groups of friends anyway!) are running at $14.00. Tickets are sure to go fast, so grab yours!