Nightlife notebook: New Year's Eve, the sequel

Guess who wasn't having a drunken good time on NYE? Your favorite bartender. They were working (to ensure your good time). One week later, it's their turn to party -- and they want you to join them. The crew behind the North Star Bartenders Guild is hosting its Hospitality New Year's Eve Party on Sunday. The Twin Cities' top cocktail makers -- folks like Nick Kosevich, Pip Hanson and Jesse Held -- will be on hand making drinks (and having a few themselves).

The party takes place on the top floor of the Marquette Place Luxury Apartments, where a $50 ticket gets you expertly crafted drinks all night. They're also throwing in food by Create Catering. Guests (you don't need to be in the industry) are encouraged to don black tie/evening gown attire. It's for a good cause, with a share of proceeds going to Minnesota Hunger Solutions. The Bartenders Guild made a name for itself late last year with the release of Johnny Michaels' excellent recipe book, "North Star Cocktails." Kosevich said this will be the first of many parties offered by the group in 2012.

Avicii is sold out

Forget Hollywood's version of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo." Sweden's biggest import of 2011 was dance music superstar Avicii. The 22-year-old phenom spread his wings worldwide this year on the success of songs "Bromance" and "Levels." Friday's show at Epic is sold out (tickets flew faster than last year's Deadmau5 gig), so you'll have to hit up Craigslist. It's all for a good cause, too. Avicii and his manager Ash Pournouri have said they will donate $1 million from tour proceeds to the hunger-relief organization, Feeding America.

Go international

Another good reason to spend time in St. Paul's Lowertown: Black Dog Coffee & Wine Bar is starting an international night on Thursday. The weekly party will feature global food-and-drink specials. The entertainment will range from live world music to international trivia to speed dating. The inaugural night will showcase the sounds of Rhymesayers artist DJ BK-One (check out his "Radio Do Canibal" album). Also: The Black Dog says "ordering in a language other than Minnesotan will get you a discount." Uff da!