Wednesday's top picks

MARINA BAY SINGAPORE COUNTDOWN 08/09

Usher in 2009 with fireworks at the Esplanade Waterfront and view 10,000 wishing spheres bearing the New Year wishes of Singaporeans set afloat on the water. Hosted by Gurmit Singh and Michelle Chia with celebrities such as Singapore Idol Taufik Batisah and Asian Idol Hady Mirza.

Where: The Esplanade Waterfront and Marina Bay Floating Platform MRT: City Hall When: Wed , from 10.30pm (telecast of 'live' Countdown show) with the countdown starting at 11.59pm and fireworks at midnight Admission: Free for catching the fireworks at The Esplanade Waterfront (pay $19 & $28 for the MediaCorp 'live' show at Marina Bay Floating Platform) Tel: 6348-5555 (tickets for the 'live' Countdown show), 6828-8377 (inquiries) Info: Visit www.marinabaycountdown.sg

Anniversary

ELVIS PRESLEY'S 74TH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY DINNER

Fans of rock icon Elvis Presley can celebrate his 74th birthday anniversary with an eight-course Chinese dinner, performances by Singapore's own Elvis Presley, Wilson David, and core singers from the Singapore First Elvis Fan Club and catch a screening of Presley's Aloha From Hawaii concert.

Where: Hotel Royal, Jade Room, 36 Newton Road

MRT: Novena When: Jan 8, 5.30 - 11pm (5.30pm: screening of Elvis Presley's Aloha From Hawaii concert with dinner starting at 7pm) Admission: $40 Tel: 9686-3806 (Daniel Chan) Info: There will be lucky draws and quizzes E-mail dcelvis_meetup@yahoo.com.sg to book or visit www.elvis_meetup.com/169/about

Art

INSPIRATIONS FROM KAMPONG GLAM (POTTERY EXHIBITION)

Get inspired by this premier pottery exhibition featuring pottery by well-known Singapore potter Iskandar Jalil, the artist-in-residence at the Malay Heritage Centre pottery studio, and some of his students, including Tan Xiao Hong from Singapore and Hetty Schricke from France.

Where: Malay Heritage Museum (former Istana Kampung Glam), Gallery Nine, Kampong Glam MRT: Bugis When: Till Wed , 10am - 6pm (Tue - Sun), 2- 6pm (Mon) Admission: Free Tel: 6391-0466 Info: www.malayheritage.org.sg

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

Singapore landmarks such as The Raffles Hotel are depicted in the watercolour series of local artist Dick Lim.

Where: d'Art Studio, Blenheim Court 02-03, 5 Westbourne Road, Wessex Estate off Portsdown Road MRT: Buona Vista When: Till Wed , 11. 6pm (Mon - Sat & public holidays), 1.30 - 6pm (first, second and third Sundays), closed on 4th and 5th Sundays Admission: Free Info: www.d-artstudio.com.sg

DECCAN'S ART & SOUL

Get a glimpse of contemporary art from south-central India's Deccan Plateau at this retrospective exhibition showcasing works by 14 established and up-and-coming Indian artists.

Where: Art Mosaic Gallery, 01-02, MICA Building, 140 Hill Street MRT: Clarke Quay/Hill Street When: Till Jan 10, 11am - 6pm (Mon - Sat), closed on Sun Admission: Free Tel: 6336-6406

JOEY PIZIALI IN VISIBLE LIGHT

The artworks of San Francisco artist Joey Piziali use materials such as billboards, tape and spray paints to suggest various facets of reality.

Where: Collectors Contemporary, 5 Jalan Kilang Barat 01-03 Petro Centre MRT: Bukit Merah/Queenstown When: Till Jan 24, 11am - 7pm (Tue - Sat), closed on Sun Admission: Free Tel: 6878-0103

4TH LPN CHILDREN ART SHOW: FURRY WONDERS

Colourful images of pets, such as cats, dogs and rabbits, are showcased at this Children's Art Show of 2D artworks ranging from paintings and drawings to collages by students aged three to 16 who took part in a year-end Furry Wonder Art Camp by LPN Art School here.

Where: Suntec City Mall, Tower Two, 03-013C near Toys'R'Us, 3 Temasek Boulevard MRT: City Hall When: Till March 31, noon - 9pm (weekdays), 9.30am - 9.30pm (weekends) Admission: Free Tel: 9622-7586

Celebrate December

LETTERS HOME

Theatre actors Nora Samosir and Brendon Fernandez will read letters from people who recall people, places or events that hold meaning to them and sing familiar tunes, accompanied by Rosita Ng on the piano.

Where: Esplanade Concourse MRT: City Hall When: Wed , 6.30 - 7pm, 7.45 -8.15pm & 9 - 9.30pm Admission: Free Tel: 6828-8377

QUASIMODO

The retro sound of homegrown band Quasimodo is inspired by jangly guitars and tambourines, 1960s girl groups, Edith Piaf, Britpop and more.

Where: The Esplanade, Outdoor Theatre MRT: City Hall When: Wed , 7 - 7.45pm, 9.30 - 10.15pm Admission: Free Tel: 6828-8377

TIRAMISU

Keep a date with Singapore band Tiramisu which is known for its live performances with surprises, spontaneity and the infamous chicken dance routine.

Where: The Esplanade, Outdoor Theatre MRT: City Hall When: Wed , 11 - 11.50pm Admission: Free Tel: 6828-8377

Charity

LAUNCH OF GOOD LIFE RECIPE BOOK WITH A HEART

Buy any of more than 30,000 copies of the Good Life Recipe Book at any of the FairPrice supermarket and hypermarket in Singapore and help raise more than $100,000 for The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund which helps needy schoolchilden here.

Where: All FairPrice supermarkets and hypermarkets in Singapore When: While stocks last Admission: Pay $12.80 for the book or $3.90 with purchases of $25 and above Tel: 1800-5522-722 (9am - 5pm on weekdays) Info: The book contains 16 innovative recipes by local celebrity chefs, including Violet Oon, Chan Kwok, Sam Leong, Angelo Sanelli and Chookiat Kantha who collaborated with Fairprice and Peter Knipp Holdings in this project for the needy.

SHOP@POST

Bring cheer to underprivileged children here. Buy any gift items through Shop@Post and one per cent of the sale proceeds will go to needy children under the Food From the Heart charity programme.

Info: buy item through Shop@Post at any Post Office here till Wed

KFC'S CHRISTMAS BUDDY MEAL

Tuck into KFC's Christmas Buddy Meal at $12.90 and KFC will donate 10 cents a meal to help fund tuition and special enrichment classes for deaf students in mainstream schools.

Where: All KFC outlets When: Till Thu , usual opening hours Info: The classes will help them catch up on speaking skills, among other things. This fund-raising initiative is held under the patronage of the Singapore Association for the Deaf, KFC's adopted charity. Info: www.kfc.com.sg

TREE OF JOY & LUV BY LEE HWA JEWELLERY

Share your love with sick children this Christmas. Buy a Destinee Joy & Luv charm from Lee Hwa Jewellery at Bugis Junction's Malay Street and five per cent of sale proceeds will go to the Children's Cancer Foundation. Replicas of the charms are displayed at a designer Tree of Joy & Luv there.

Where: Bugis Junction, Malay Street, Level 1, in front of InterContinental Singapore MRT: Bugis When: Till Sun : 10am - 10pm Admission: Free Tel: 6557-6557

WILL THE BULL CHARGE IN THE YEAR OF THE OX?

Get insights from Hong Kong's Feng Shui Grand Master Raymond Lo on the coming Chinese Year of the Ox. For each premium ticket sold for this session, Singapore Pools will donate $50 to the President's Challenge, which helps more than 40 charities, including the needy and the disabled.

Where: Singapore Conference Hall, Singapore Chinese Orchestra Concert Hall, 7 Shenton Way MRT: Tanjong Pagar When: Jan 8, 7.30 - 9.15pm Admission: $20 (standard ticket) & $68 (premium ticket) Tel: 6786-6688 Info The premium ticket includes a special pre-event dinner, a private group interaction session with Raymond Lo and a goodie bag. Visit www.singaporepools.com.sg

Christmas

CHRISTMAS BY THE PARK

Welcome to the world of elves at the Grand Park Hotel. Showcased here are two prize-winning displays of the Elves' World complete with ferris wheels and a Wishing Tree with attached signs inviting people to adopt a needy child from WorldVision.

Where: Grand Plaza Park Hotel, Coleman Street MRT: City Hall When: Till Wed , 24-hour hours Admission: Free Tel: 6732-1111/6336-3456 Info: The displays were designed by teams of students from the Raffles Design Institute for the inaugural 'Christmas By The Park' Competition. You can get leaflets from World Vision from the bottom of the Wishing Tree to find out how to adopt a needy child via WorldVision

MY MEMORABLE CHRISTMAS

An exhibition of Christmas cards and stamps featuring the winning entries of the recent Design Christmas Card Competition organised by the Singapore Philatelic Museum for children aged seven to 12.

Where: Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street MRT: City Hall/Clarke Quay When: Till Sun , 1 - 7pm (Mon, 9am - 7pm (Tue - Sun) Admission: $5 (adults), $4 (children aged three to 12 and senior citizens aged 60 and above), free for senior citizens every Mon Tel: 6337-3888 Info: www.spm.org.sg

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (OPEN HOUSE)

This Christmas, get updated on history and culture. You get free entry to six galleries at the National Museum of Singapore to view the permanent and on-going exhibitions including as the VOOM Portraits by Robert Wilson and Doubleness: Photography by Chang Chien-Chi till Jan 4 next year.

Where: National Museum of Singapore, Stamford Road MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Till Sun , 10am - 6pm Admission: Free Tel: 6332-3659 Info: There will be guided tours of the Singapore Living Galleries on New Year's Day.

PARTY AND STAY PACKAGE

Treat your family to Orchard Hotel's Merriment Party & Stay Package with stay in a Superior or Deluxe Room and wake up to a spectacular buffet spread.

Where: Orchard Hotel, Orchard Road MRT: Orchard When: Till Jan 31, Admission: $225 a night in a superior room or pay $20 extra for a Deluxe Room Tel: 6734-8595/6739-6588 Info: E-mail reservations@orchardhotel.com.sg

Club

NEW YEAR'S SPECIAL DUO: GRETA MATASSA & SUSAN PASCAL

Usher in the New Year with jazz. Catch a performance by Greta Matassa, a prize-winning jazz singer from the United States. She is accompanied by American vibraphonist Susan Pascal on an extensive reprtoire ranging from classic standards to contemporaryr jazz.

Where: Jazz@Southbridge, 82 Boat Quay MRT: Raffles Place When: Wed , Thu - Sat , from 9.30pm til late Admission: $90 nett for a Near Year's Eve and New Year's Day five-course dinner or $20 cover charge for non-diner Tel: 6327-4671/2 Info: http://www.southbridgejazz.com.sg

Contest

MMSING TALENT CONTEST

Showcase your vocal talent online and you might be richer by as much as $20,000. Just join this online singing contest by Stomp, Asia's No 1. social networking and citizen journalism website, where you will be judged according to your vocal quality, appearance, presentation and the creative interpretation of your song.

Info: Submit all entries by today . Voting is on till March 31, Visit www.stomp.com.sg/mmsing3 to sign up and click on the relevant button to vote for your favourite singers. The first prize for Category A for those aged more than 15 is $20,000 while the top winner in Category B for those aged under 15, will take home $3,000

Countdown

CARNIVAL & COUNTDOWN AT MARINA BARRAGE

Take your family to a fun-filled carnival at Singapore's latest icon, Marina Barrage, Singapore's first reservoir in the city today and tomorrow and enjoy free performances and water activities. Organised by PUB, the national water agency as part of the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown.

Where: Marina Barrage, 260 Marina Way MRT: Marina Bay When: Wed , noon to 12.30am Thu , noon (family carnival at the courtyard), noon - 5.30pm (free water actvities at the jetty), 3 - 10pm (free stage performances at the Courtyard), 10.30pm - 12.30am (Stage performances and Countdown party on the Green Roof), Thu , noon - 9pm (Family Carnival in the Courtyard), noon - 5.30pm (Free water activities), 3 - 7pm (Free stage performances at the Courtyard) Admission Free (pay for purchases at the carnival stores and rides) Info: you can take a free shuttle bus there from the Marina Bay MRT station. Tel: 9626-1678 Info: Visit www.pub.gov.sg

SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS ROOM PACKAGE ON NEW YEAR'S EVE

Pamper your loved one by booking a special room package at The Fullerton Singapore's Quay room which offers panoramic views of the spectacular fireworks on New Year's Eve.

Where: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, 1 Fullerton Square MRT: Raffles Place When: Wed , Admission: $688 a room a night including buffet breakfast for two and a complimentary late check out till 3pm Tel: 6533-8388 Info: Earlier, you can enjoy a New Year's Eve Party & Gala Dinner at the hotel's Town restaurant from 7.30pm at $368 each with free flow of champagne E-mail reservations@fullertonhotel.com

CARNIVALESQUE COUNTDOWN PARTY!

Usher in the New Year with sexy samba dancers, infectious Brazilian percussion beats and other live performances at Clarke Quay's Central Square on New Year's Eve on Wednesday .

Where: Clarke Quay, Central Square MRT: Clarke Quay When: Wed 10pm till late Admission: Free Tel: 6337-3292 Info: Later, party hop to the entertainment spots at Clarke Quay. Sing along with Jive Talking at The Pump Room or check out Attica' eclectic mix of music and more.

SILOSO BEACH PARTY

Usher in 2009 at the foam pool, as international and local DJs spin non-stop from dusk to dawn on New Year's Eve. Stilt walkers and fire-eaters perform, too.

Where: Sentosa, Siloso Beach MRT: HarbourFront When: Wed , 8pm Admission: $38 - $68 Tel: 6348-5555

LADY ASTOR'S BLACK & WHITE NEW YEAR'S EVE BALL

Come dressed in your finest black and white outfit and rub shoulders with local celebrities and socialites at this New Year's Eve Ball which recreates the glamour and prestige at Lady Astor's Black & White balls at her luxurious mansion in Manhattan in the late 19th century. A 16-member St Regis swing band will help transport you to the nostalgic era.

Where: St. Regis Singapore, John Jacob Ballroom, 29 Tanglin Road MRT: Orchard When: Wed , 7.30pm Admission: $500 each on a first-come first-served basis Tel: 6506-6866 Info: Tuck into a five-course themed dinner with a fashion show by Kevin Seah and a foxtrot performance by The Astors E-mail diningexperience.singapore@stregis.com or visit www.stregisdiningsingapore.com

91.3 COUNTDOWN PARTY @ ACM

Count down to the New Year with top radio hits of 2008 and catch top deejays JJ Hutch, Jeremy Ratnam and DJ Boy Thunder from 91.3FM at this Countdown party at the Asian Civilsations Museum. You can also catch the New Year's Eve fireworks there.

Where: Asian Civilisations Museum MRT: Raffles Place When: Wed , 8pm to midnight Admission: Free after 5pm Tel: 6332-3284 Info: There will be free cool Rhino water, beer, ice-cream and goodie bags for the first 200 visitors, while stocks last. You can win prizes in fun games www.acm.org.sg

THE JEWEL BOX NEW YEAT EVE'S 'SKY SYMPHONY COUNTDOWN 2009'

Catch masterfully choreographed pyrotechnic displays by German fireworks specialists at The Jewel Box's Sky Symphony Countdown at two locations at Mount Faber - the World's Tallest Artificial Christmas Tree and at the cable cars. It's followed by The Jewel Christmas Light and Snow Show at midnight hosted by Cheryl Miles. Earlier, enjoy a Chinese dinner at the Diamond Palace ballroom or a four-course Western dinner at the Magical Kingdom outdoor restaurant.

Where: The Jewel Box, Mount Faber MRT: HarbourFront When Wed , 8.30pm till the Countdown before midnight Admission: $98 for a six-course Chinese dinner at the Diamond Palace ballroom & $188 for a four-course western menu at Magical Kingdom, the outdoor restaurant Tel: 6377-9600 Info: www.mountfaber.com.sg

DOWNTOWN EAST COUNTDOWN PARTY

Award-winning mando-pop superstar Gary Chaw will rock the house down with his signature hits and electrifying stage presence at this Countdown Party at Downtown East. Other celebrities to catch include local and regional talents such as Chen Di Ya, the project superstar 2007 female champion, Rancour, the Anugerah Band 2008 champion and Wu Zhong Ming, the Taiwan One Million Star 2007 finalist.

Where: D'Marquee and D'Tent@Downtown East, Pasir Ris MRT: Pasir Ris When: Wed , 8pm - 3am, Thu Admission: Free Info: www.ntucclub.com

NEW YEAR'S EVE FASHION DISASTER PARTY AT HOUSE

Come in your worst outfit for the 'Most Disastrous' Contest at this New Year's Eve Party and take to the catwalk for a chance to walk away with with the top prize of a $300 fashion voucher.

Where: House, 8D Dempsey Road, off Tanglin Road MRT: Orchard When: Wed , 10pm - 1am Admission: $125 (early bird tickets) with free flow of housepour wine, beer, vodka, whiskey and free flow of truffle fries. Pay $150 at the door Tel: 6476-6050/6475-7787 Info: www.dempseyhouse.com

YEAR END GATHERING: POTLUCK PARTY & NEW YEAR'S EVE COUNTDOWN

Belly dance your way to the New Year at this Year End Gathering featuring a potluck party and New Year's Eve Countdown by Claribel's Rak Sharki Studio, a belly dance studio here.

Where: Claribel's Raks Sharki Studio, 31A New Bridge Road, opposite Centre MRT Clarke Quay When: Wed , 9pm - 2am Thu Admission: Free Tel: 6536-8394 Info: take along food for the potluck party. Come in Arabian costume or casual wear E-mail info@bellydanceinsingapore.com

NEW YEAR'S EVE TRIPPY BASH

Ring out the old year and ring in the new year with trippy retro tunes spun by a guest DJ at this New Year's Eve Bash at the outlets at Peranakan Place. Drink and dance the night away.

Where: Alley Bar, Acid Bar and Outdoors Cafe & bar, Peranakan Place, 180 Orchard Road MRT: Somerset When: Wed , 8pm till later Admission: Free (Pay $68 for a Tiger 'shuttle' or beer tower at Outdoor Cafe & Bar with food starting from $8 for a platter of fries) Tel: 6732-6966 Info: http://www.peranakanplace.cm

LAS VEGAS CASINO NEW YEAR'S EVE NIGHT

Treat your family to a formal dinner buffet at Amara Hotel Lobby which has the ambience of a Las Vegas Casino. Or check out other dinner promotions at the hotel's outlets, such as Hue Restobar, Element and Alphabet to Oriental Cafe.

Where: Amara Singapore Lobby, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road MRT: Tanjong Pagar When: Wed , 7pm - 2am Admission: $110 (dinner only) & $140 including free flow of sparking wine, beer and juices Tel: 6879-2609 (dinner at the hotel lobby), 6879-2555 (other outlets)

NEW YEAR'S EVE BUFFET LUNCH

Treat your family to a New Year's Eve Buffet Lunch or New year's Eve Gala Buffet Dinner featuring a lavish spread of seafood, Western andn Asian favourities, including Alaskan sliced abalone, teriyaki glazed fillet of cod and lobster with truffles risotto.

Where: Orchard Hotel, Orchard Cafe, 442 Orchard Road MRT: Orchard When: Wed , noon - 2.30pm (New Year's Eve Bunch Lunch), 6 - 10.30pm (New Year's Eve Gala Buffet Dinner) Admission: $48 (adult), $26 (child) for NYE's Buffet Lunch, $88 (adult & $46 (child) for NYE's Gala Buffet Dinner) Tel: 6739-6565

Show

A LIFE NO LESS ORDINARY

The ordinary lives of people with HIV/Aids in the face of challenges and discrimination are captured in this first Aids photo exhibition launched by the Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Held in collaboration with the Deputy Picture Editor of The Straits Times Stephanie Yeow, and the Chief Photographer of Lianhe Zaobao Lee Tiah Khee.

Where: Central Lending Library, Level B1, National Library, Victoria Street MRT: Bugis/City Hall When: Till Jan 15, 10am - 9pm daily Admission: Free Tel: 6332-3255

Theatre

WILD WILD ROSE - THE MUSICAL

Adapted from Bizet's opera Carmen, this musical is about the 1960s when song and dance ruled the night. Stars Hong Kong stage actress Perry Chiu and local actor Thomas Ong in his theatre debut.

Where: Victoria Theatre Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Thu (New Year's Day) - Sun , 3 & 8pm Admission: $41 - $81 Tel: 6348-5555

CINDERELLA

The international tour of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella featuring Tony Award winner Lea Salonga. Directed by Bobby Garcia of Disney's Beauty & The Beast fame.

Where: Esplanade Theatre MRT: City Hall When: Fri - Jan 22, 8pm, also 3pm on Sat & Sun Admission: $38 - $183 Tel: 6348-5555

Web

CHAT WITH STAR BLOGGERS

Want to know our star bloggers better? Chat with them from 9 to 10pm.

Info: Visit www.stomp.com.sg/starblog

Compiled by Magdalene Lum

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