New Year's Eve is kind of the worst. You get all dressed up, spend a bunch of money, and end up in some horrible club with some horrible DJ while a bunch horrible people get hammered and dance around you. Sounds fun, right? Well, we have scoured the Interwebs for some truly un-horrible New Year's Eve events in a handful of our favorite cities so you aren't subjected to yet another $50 glass of André and you can get your 2016 off to a damn good start. Check 'em out.
Deer Tick with T. Hardy Morris and the Hard Knocks // Brooklyn Bowl // New York City
John McCauley and the rest of the Deer Tick are putting on a special night of fan-requested tunes at the Brooklyn Bowl. Add to that opener T. Hardy Morris (of Dead Confederate), and you're guaranteed both a great night of music and one hell of a hangover on January 1.
NYE 2016 with Thee Oh Sees // Ace Hotel // Palm Springs
In addition to partying at the wonderful Ace Hotel, you'll enjoy the musical stylings of garage rockers Thee Oh Sees and folk band He's My Brother She's My Sister. Don't miss visual art from artist-in-residence Amit Greenberg.
Old Crow Medicine Show with Madisen Ward & the Mama Bear // Ryman Auditorium // Nashville
There's no better place on earth to see live music than Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, and few bands can tear up the Ryman stage like Old Crow Medicine Show. And, hey, plan carefully and you can catch some of lower Broadway's New Year's shenanigans while you're at it (if you dare).
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings // House of Blues // Chicago
We can't imagine a funkier way to ring in the New Year than with Sharon Jones and her Dap-Kings. Put on your shiniest dress, your most comfortable dancing shoes, and get ready to ring in the new year with some soul.
The Decemberists with Thao & the Get Down Stay Down // The Masonic // San Francisco
The Decemberists have, perhaps, the most holiday-appropriate name on this list … and they also put on a kick-ass show. Throw in openers Thao & the Get Down Stay Down and your last day of December will be one to remember.
St. Paul and the Broken Bones with Trouble Funk // 9:30 Club // Washington, D.C.
There are few singers alive today who can wail like Paul Janeaway, so no matter your feelings on New Year's Eve, you're sure to end your night smiling (and sweaty) after this event at the 9:30 Club.
Rapidgrass New Year's Eve Ball // 809 Taos St // Denver
For fans of no-frills, rapid-fire bluegrass, Denver's Rapidgrass New Year's Eve Ball is the event for you, complete with champagne toast and food galore.
Jerry Douglas // Alberta Rose Theatre // Portland
It's Jerry Douglas. Do we really need to explain further?
Lede photo credit: sarah sosiak via Foter.com / CC BY-NC
