Downtown Salt Lake City kicks off its three-day EVE party, but that's just one way to get your New Year's party started early.---

EVE is certainly the largest event going down Wednesday night, at least in terms of scope. There's a ski jump set up on West Temple for extreme-sports junkies to watch the pros. There are activities for kids, and there are a couple of stages, one indoors at the Salt Palace and one on the street outside, full of music starting at 6 p.m. Among Wednesday's music highlights: Ryan Innes at 6 p.m. on the Bandemonium outdoor stage, Paul Jacobsen at 8 p.m. on the Chill Zone Music Stage (where you'll also find the City Weekly Street Team on the scene) and 2 1/2 White Guys skanking away at 9 p.m. on the Bandemonium Stage.

Beyond EVE, though, there's plenty to draw you out into the wintry weather.

The State Room hosts bluegrassy jammer The Emmitt-Nershi Band, a fine choice for those dying to get a groove on, while Fox Van Cleef headline a show of soulful garage-rock at The Urban Lounge. Burt's Tiki Lounge has a heapin' helpin' o' hip-hop courtesy of Flow, Rich Flavors and Cyclops Kid.

If you're in Park City, the Young Dubliners do the Celtic rock they do so well at Harry O's, while Zeppelin tribute band ZOSO finishes its two-night stand at the Egyptian Theatre.

Not in a musical mood? No worries. The City Weekly Street Team has a free screening of Ghost World for your enjoyment at Brewvies; the flick starts at 8 p.m., but you'll want to get there early to get a seat.

And the visually inclined might want to make their way to Park City for a couple of art openings. The Julie Nester Gallery is opening a show called Figurative Perspectives, featuring sculptures by Tor Archer and paintings by Daniel Ochoa, while the Coda Gallery is opening a show of new works by Heather Barren and Kim Brown (pictured).