When the clock strikes 8 p.m. tonight, the Wisconsin polls officially close, sealing our fate as voters in 2008. It's an understandably nerve-wracking process for anyone who gives a hoot, and the waiting period as the returns are reported is one that should not be spent alone.

There's a plethora of post-voting parties around town, but one not on that list is the brand new Blackbird (formerly The Groove) at 3007 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., which hosts its soft opening tonight, beginning at 9 p.m.

Owners Marisa Lange, of Classic Slice fame, and Holly DeShaw have been hard at work revamping the bar space into Blackbird, complete with "cozy booths, a back patio, DJs and a rad community space in the back room," Lange says.

DeShaw tells us they are planning a "big election party" for tonight.

Stay tuned for a full feature on the new Bay View bar this Thursday on OnMilwaukee.com.

If you're not hitting the town to watch them reel in the votes, how do you plan to spend the time between now and the announcement of our new president?