Sizzling hot blues and warm acoustic and alt-folk rock are the top entertainment choices at New Year’s Eve parties in Anacortes tonight.

To bring in the new year with a roar, a New Year’s Eve party with Mary McPage Band gets started at 9:30 p.m. at the Rockfish Grill. A $10 cover charge includes a champagne toast and party favors.

It is said that McPage, one of the top female blues singers in the Pacific Northwest, can sell a song. Influenced by country, rock and torch, she takes it from kitten to volcano and back again, backed by a band that can entertain all night long.

Also promising a hot entry into 2009 is Star Bar’s New Year’s Eve celebration with Sean Bendickson, the Whiskey Swillers and Howlin’ Lane and the Angels of Sin. An admission fee of $15 is waved for those with dining reservations.

Bendickson plays a blend of folk rock, country and alternative, with husky vocals reminiscent of the Wallflowers’ Jakob Dylan. A Missoula, Mont., native, he has spent 10 years in the region making a name as a drummer and singer-songwriter. His catchy melodies and heartfelt live performances make him a popular with audiences.

For a warmer, more heartfelt, entry into 2009, the outstanding acoustic guitar duo Funk Mason perform at the Majestic Inn and Spa’s New Year’s Eve party. Admission is $40, including a dinner buffet, the show, a glass of champagne and party favors, or $15 for the show only. The buffet is 6 to 9 p.m. and the show is 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Before teaming up, Carl Funk and Larry Mason were in the Allies, one of Seattle’s top rock bands for many years. Later, as drummer for the New York-based the Brandos, Mason had a successful career in the United States and Europe. At the same time, Funk wrote the lyrics for some of the Brandos’ best-known songs, and performed in Seattle as a solo artist.

Also this week:

• Department of Safety, 1011 12th St., presents Sandman, Mila & Stephen and Saint Merman and the opening of a group art show Friday, Jan. 2. Call 293-8361.

• Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., presents Megatron, Jan. 3. Music is 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, 8 to 11 p.m. Thursdays and 9 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays unless otherwise noted. Call 588-1720.

• Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., presents live music most weekends, about 9 to midnight, $3 at the door. Open Jam Thursdays with Mike Rothmeyer are 9 p.m. to midnight. No cover. Call 293-2544.

• Watertown Pub, 314 Commercial Ave., offers live music most weekends. Saturday is ladies night with top 40 DJ Ben Brown; Wednesday is karaoke night with DJ Steve, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Call 293-3587.

• Swinomish Northern Lights Casino presents Jazz Lunches 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays. Call 293-2691.

• Anacortes Eagles presents live music 7:30 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Ray Peake plays 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Members and guests only. Call 293-3012.

• Adrift Restaurant, 510 Commercial Ave., presents Spoonshine first Tuesdays. All ages.