Cuuute for 2k13: Rich Medina heats up The People NYE Ball in Oakland

marke@sfbg.com

SUPER EGO Buckethead is playing the Great American Music Hall on New Year's Eve. Isn't that all you need to know, really? But if you must shred your own final night of 2k12 with a lampshade, rather than a KFC bucket, on your head, here are some ragers I'd recommend. Check out this week's music and stage listings for more.

And since it's the end of another spectacular year of love on the dance floor, your humble (yet gorgeous) Super Ego says thanks and spanks for supporting her alternative, culture-forward nightlife writing. In a media landscape that's rapidly tilting toward pay-to-play, I try my double-damndest to keep it real and write about the actual best things out there that are making nightlife better. I couldn't do it without all your input and affection. (/wipes tear) (takes swig). Happy 2k13!

"A Very Cheap & Vulgar Tenderloin-Realness NYE!" Let's kick off on a high note! DJ Bus Station John is offering a respite from the big-name (except his, of course), overpriced hoo-haw this year, with this super-affordable gay disco extravaganza, sure to melt the cockles of your hardened election-year heart. One of my favorite people, Donna Persona, hosts. Cock-tales!

9pm, $7–$10 sliding scale. Aunt Charlie's lounge, 133 Turk, SF. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Afrolicious NYE Who can deny the hotness and talent of the funky McGuire brothers, Senor Oz and Pleasuremaker? Their fantastic combination of live-accompanied Latin funk, afrobeat, old school gold and classic soul always make me and many smile ear-to-ear. This bash will have you shaking tail vigorously. With horn king Will Magid and DJ Lucio K.

9pm, $15–$30. Elbo Room, 647 Valencia, SF. www.elbo.com

Bearracuda NYE This huge gay bear party is guaranteed to be the biggest. Physically. And we're really into that. With DJs Matt Consola, Medic, and Freddie King of Pants, plus assorted furballs.

8pm-late, $20. Beatbox, 314 11th St., SF. www.bearracuda.com

Bootie SF: NYE 2013 Oh Bootie, you've given us so, so many years of mash-up joy — don't stop believin'! Now you're upping the ante by joining dark forces with one of the longest-running and best parties in the city, Death Guild (goth and gamer goodness!) for a Bootieful blowout. With A Plus D, Mykill, Adrian and Mimi, Vau de Vire Society, and more.

9pm-late, $30–$40. DNA Lounge, 375 11th St., SF. wwww.bootiesf.com

Club 1994 New Years Eve Ball I wasn't even born until 1998, but I'm dying to know what color slap-on bracelets will be available at this cheeky flashback party. Possibly there will be Urkel balloons! DJs Jeffrey Paradise and Vin Sol take us all to TRL and TLC.

10pm, $50–$100. Vessel, 85 Campton Pl., SF. www.club1994.com

Dark Room NYE Fear not the future-past, Siouxsie Siouxes. This neo-goth and witchy punk hot house will feature dark live insanity and spooky dragness.

10pm, $5–$7. Hot Spot, 1414 Market, SF; www.facebook.com/DarkRoomSF

Extravaganza NYE Ball No, this is not a vogueing scene from Paris is Burning — it's a great dose of homegrown house and techno, as beloved DJ Alland Byallo swings back in from Berlin to join Nikola Baytala, DJ Spun, M3, Omar, and a slew of hot rekkids kids.

9pm-late, $20–$45. Monarch, 101 Sixth St., SF. www.monarchsf.com