As we did last year, my family’s New Year’s Eve was spent in downtown Austin, Texas at the family-friendly First Night celebration.

Since budgets are getting pretty tight, I’m spending time exploring the delights that are right under my nose and are either free, or don’t cost much money.

Last night, I found Austin-based ArcAttack- pure performance heaven for anyone who likes electronica music and/or science (they also have a Singing Tesla MySpace page.)

These “electrical engineers in a garage” use DRSSTC’s (Dual-Resonant Solid State Tesla Coils) – acting as separate synchronized instruments – to make music that also serves up a terrific light show. My husband and son saw them at Austin’s Maker Faire earlier this year, but First Night was my first chance to see their wizardry.

<—-  I’ve included a photo of the required electrical circuitry from one of their T-shirts, just in case you want to, you know, run out and build something similar in your spare time….

Their Web site’s Show Dates page has some upcoming Texas events, and last night they announced that they’ll be touring Europe in 2009, so keep an eye out and try to see them.

I shot some video myself, but it stinks. Below is a better one that I found from their Maker Faire performance (and here’s the URL if you can’t see the box.)

Is there a special, don’t-miss-them artistic or performance group from your hometown? Please tell us in the comments below.