Rock in the new year

Rock in the New Year at Hard Rock Cafe Niagara Falls, USA. On Friday, Dec. 31, Old Falls Street will become the Times Square of Western New York, as Hard Rock Cafe Niagara Falls hosts the city's second-annual New Year's Eve guitar drop.

Fans will be able to count down to 2011 as a 10-foot Gibson guitar, painted by local artist Rob Lynch and illuminated by Ken-Ton Electronics, is lowered 120 feet onto Old Falls Street at midnight.

That evening, Hard Rock will also feature a headlining live performance by international recording artists Smash Mouth. Outdoor festivities will also include United Way-sponsored family activities from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., heated tents, food and beverage concessions, and a fireworks display at midnight.

Hard Rock Cafe Niagara Falls, USA, extends a special thank you to event partners: the Gibson Family of Brands, The City of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; Star 102.5-FM; the Niagara Gazette, WGRZ-TV, Old Falls Street, as well as charity partner, the United Way of Niagara.

The Hard Rock is located at 333 Prospect St. Reserved interior seating and outdoor VIP tickets are available. Call 282-0007 or visit ticketweb.com for details.