There are many—way too many—things we can do on New Year’s Eve that we will later regret, sometimes bitterly. There is one thing we can do, however, that we—unless we are incorrigible grouches—will never regret for a moment, and that is attend the Santa Barbara Symphony’s annual New Year’s Eve party/concert, 8:30-10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, in the Granada Theater, 1214 State St.
 
For “approximately 100 minutes,” we can sit in our comfortable seats, secure in the knowledge that absolutely nothing will be required of us but our attention, plus the occasional wave of applause and the timely addition of our voices to the New Year’s song that everybody knows the words to (even if we don’t know what all the words mean).
 
Here is how the symphony tells it: “Experience Santa Barbara’s biggest and best New Year’s Eve celebration! Conductor and host Andrew Lipke returns to lead the orchestra in an energetic mix of pop, rock, and surprise hits — complete with his electric guitar!
 
“Adding to the excitement, local American Idol star Micaela McCall brings her soulful voice and dynamic stage presence to this festive evening. A heartwarming sing-along to ‘Auld Lang Syne’ will round out this festive evening. With complimentary champagne, party favors, and an early showtime, you can celebrate before and after the concert.”
 
Tickets to the Symphony New Year’s party are  $72, $102, $142, $205, and $267, and they can be purchased in person at the Granada box office, by phone at 805-899-2222, and on line at https://ticketing.granadasb.org/19057/19088.