Let’s face it: Even those who enjoy a good party don’t necessarily want to stay out until midnight or beyond. That can create a bit of a challenge on New Year’s Eve when midnight is the focal point of the celebration.

Enjoy a New Year's Eve party in Gulf Shores, Alabama that won't keep you up past midnight.

But if you are in the Gulf Shores area, consider the issue solved. Come to the Early Bird New Year’s Eve Bash created for people just like you! Listen or dance to top-notch live music, compete in the table decoration contest if you wish, celebrate the close of 2011 and the birth of 2012, and let your presence there be your final good deed of this year.

To get the most out of the evening, plan to be at the Erie Meyer Civic Center when the doors open at 6 p.m. this Saturday, December 31. Bring festive decorations for your table, but please leave the confetti, glitter and open flames at home. The table with the most outrageous decor gets bragging rights and a little something from the musical star of the evening.

Beginning at 7:00, the 2011 Trop Rock Singer/Songwriter of the Year, Brent Burns, will be sharing his popular blend of covers and original music, including a number of humorous musical commentaries for which he is well known.

The food will be perfect, as you will be supplying your own snacks and drinks. (Alcohol is allowed; please drink responsibly.) Bring enough goodies for just you, or plenty to share—whatever makes you happy. After all, it’s your party!

The $15 advance tickets are available at the Christian Service Center, 317 Dolphin Avenue in Gulf Shores, open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to noon; cash or checks are accepted. You may also purchase admission through the Brent Burns website or by calling 251- 948-8863; or pay $20 at the door (space permitting). Book an entire table of 8 for $120 and you will have reserved seating. All proceeds benefit the Christian Service Center, a 100% volunteer organization that gives a hand up, not a hand out, to those in need.

Come join us at the beach to ring in the new year. We’ll even give you TWO FREE NIGHTS! Grab a buddy or your significant other and relax in a cozy 1-bedroom property in Gulf Shores or bring another couple or a few friends to share a 2-bedroom Fort Morgan condo.

Stay informed of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Vacation Rentals on Facebook and Twitter.

The twinkling lights in stores and on houses, the oversized plastic candy canes and snowflakes attached to the city’s light poles, the wreaths in the windows, the seasonal music in stores and on the radio . . . there’s no mistaking it—it’s Christmas time!

Share the holiday cheer with your neighbors at the City of Gulf Shores' Christmas Open House on Thursday, December 1, 2011.

Your entire family is invited to celebrate as a community (whether you are a resident or visitor) when the City of Gulf Shores opens its doors Thursday, December 1 at 6:00 p.m.

You’ll find an abundance of holiday joy spread among four locations, all within walking distance of each other: Gulf Shores Museum, Thomas B. Norton Public Library, Erie Meyer Civic Center and Bodenhamer Recreation Center. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, joined by some of their elves to help with photo opportunities (bring your camera!) and hand out treats. Whether listening or dancing, you’ll enjoy music by the Mobile Symphony Brass Quintet and Brent Burns. Crafts, stories, and activities such as a moonwalk bounce house will keep the children entertained, and everyone will marvel at the train sets, award-winning gingerbread houses and holiday village.

You can pick up a schedule of entertainment at any of the four locations mentioned above or South Baldwin Community Theater, or you may call 251-968-1172 for more information. And please plan to arrive with a gift to donate to Toys for Tots so that less-fortunate children also may feel the warmth of the holiday season.

Stay informed of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Vacation Rentals on Facebook and Twitter.

Short-sleeved shirts with Hawaiian print. Steel drums and acoustic guitars. Colorful drinks with umbrellas adorning the glass.

Free evening concert of laid-back island music with Brent Burns and Sunny Jim on Thursday, June 30 in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

All of these and more create the theme of the evening when you attend a free trop-rock concert Thursday evening, June 30, at the Erie Meyer Civic Center in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

The stars of the evening are Brent Burns and Sunny Jim. You may recognize Brent’s name from the local music scene, as he is quite popular here for his covers and his often-humorous originals. He was recognized as the 2010 Trop Rock Award winner as Songwriter of the Year and also for CD and Song of the Year, and in 2008 as Entertainer of the Year and CD of the Year.

Sunny Jim’s music is heard across the globe on Jimmy Buffett’s Radio Margaritaville available via satellite. He got his musical start in Southern California, soon headed to Nashville, and then began a 12-year stint performing in the Cayman Islands. Guitar was his first instrument, but the Caribbean sound inspired him to develop a talent for steel drums as well.

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, snacks and beverages for this evening of laid-back island entertainment presented as part of the Gulf Shores Outdoor and In series of concerts and more. You’ll find the fun on the lawn next to the library, beginning at 6:00 p.m. For more details, contact the City of Gulf Shores Special Events Division at 251-968-1171.

Stay informed of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Vacation Rentals on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.

It’s not a requirement to stay up until midnight just to enjoy a New Year’s Eve party. In fact, non-night owls are being offered their own celebration in Gulf Shores, and you are certainly invited!

You could win this in the raffle at Early Bird New Year's Eve Bash in Gulf Shores!

As of this writing, there are still tickets available for the 3rd annual Early Bird New Year’s Eve Bash at the Erie Meyer Civic Center. You are guaranteed to enjoy exactly the snacks and beverages you prefer, as this is a BYOE (Bring Your Own Everything) gathering. Even the decorations are up to you (no glitter, confetti or open flames, please)—the table with the most outrageous décor will win a prize provided by the entertainer.

Speaking of entertainment, you will be treated to the music of Brent Burns, winner of the 2010 Trop Rock Singer, Songwriter and CD of the Year award. Brent combines rock, country, folk and beach influences to create his often humorous original songs.

Another perk to the evening is a raffle for the mixed media Spirit of the Gulf sculpture created by Jan Jones. The party is hosted by the Christian Service Center, and proceeds from the raffle support their mission to assist local families in need of emergency assistance.

Gather your friends and reserve your table now (just $15 per person) before they are all taken! The evening begins at 6:00, with music and dancing from 7:00 until 10:00. Call 948-8863 or visit Brent Burns’ website to reserve your place at the Early Bird New Year’s Eve Bash.

Stay informed of local activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Real Estate on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.

The South Baldwin Community Theatre in Gulf Shores will draw a different crowd than usual on Sunday, March 7.

Sunday, March 7 brings the talents of three country music entertainers to Gulf Shores.

Accustomed to staged plays, musicals and revues, the audience that evening will be treated to a Grammy winner, a reality show star and a musical comedian—all thanks to special arrangements made by our own local 2008 Trop Rock Entertainer of the Year, Brent Burns.

The Grammy winner is none other than Linda Davis. She shared the award with Reba McEntire for Best Country Vocal Collaboration for their duet “Does He Love You?” that became a No. 1 hit. Linda is a popular song stylist who got her start in Nashville as a sought-after session singer.

Earning his big break as the first national champion of TNN’s You Can Be A Star, Lang Scott is an accomplished guitarist and vocalist. He is an MCA recording artist, and some of his songs have been recorded by well-known country stars.

Bill Whyte received the Country Music Association’s award for Best Large Market Personality during his career as a morning radio announcer. His songs are filled with lyrics that keep you laughing throughout his performance and after.

It’s not too late! You can enjoy this entertaining evening by calling 251-948-8863 now to reserve your seats. Tickets are $25/person for the 7:30 show. The theater is located at 2022 W. 2nd Ave.

Stay informed of local activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Real Estate on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.