Northbound for New Year’s

What started 10 years ago as a just-aboveground event at S.F.’s Pier 35 has morphed into one of the world’s top destinations for ringing in the New Year. Now residing in the 125,000-square-foot pavilion of the San Francisco Concourse Exhibition Center, Sea of Dreams 2010 is a collaboration involving the three top presenters in the Bay Area-Anon Events, Sunset Promotions, and An-ten-nae. This year, the world-famous DJ Bassnectar will share the fest’s multiple stages with the likes of Ozomatli, The Glitch Mob, Ghostland Observatory, and the Yard Dogs Road Show. It all begins at 8 p.m. and goes on until the break of dawn, making this 2010 edition the first truly one-stop, all-night San Francisco experience. Two levels of tickets, including a VIP package, are available now at seaofdreamsnye.com.

Due to some serious delays for those gaining entry in the hectic hour leading up to midnight last year, a whole new system will be implemented with double the personnel on hand and more than twice as many entrance lines. Because the night is so action-packed, the promoters recommend an early arrival (before 10 p.m.) to get the most out of the event. In addition, there will be no will call this year. Instead, tickets can be printed at home directly after online purchase. Last week, I spoke with Sunset Promotions’ head honcho, Robbie Kowal, to find out why Sea of Dreams 2010 is worth the trip.

1) Ozomatli: “Ozomatli are my favorite live band now. It doesn’t matter who you are; they are going to make you want to move, which is perfect for New Year’s Eve. Plus, politically, they send the right message.”

2) It’s International: “From the Web site, we track pre-sales on a ticket map, and it’s wild how international this event has become. Already we have sold tickets in Prague, Paris, London, Rome, Dubai, Amsterdam, New York, Los Angeles, and more. When people come that far for an event, they aren’t going to be staying for just one night, so San Francisco should be energized all week.”

3) It’s Got Everyone Together: “I am happy to have Adam Ohana from An-ten-nae on board this year. And not just because now I won’t have to compete with him! [Laughs.] Seriously, we made an effort this time around, in honor of the 10th anniversary, to just open up and say ‘yes’ to the whole S.F. scene-and it worked.”