Feature Thu Dec 11 2008

Chicago NYE Show Roundup

By Michelle Meywes

In order of descending damage to your wallet, here's how we see New Year's Eve shaping up in Chicago this year:

Under $70, or $200 VIP

"Revolution 9" may have been a revolutionary Beatles song, but this year the name is all about the year's hottest electronic dance music. We recently talked about French DJ duo Justice's documentary, A Cross The Universe, which followed them on the final three weeks of their spring tour. But, for one night you can experience them live as they team up with up with Ed Banger labelmate So Me for a pumping dance party. Local electro band Hey Champ, who just returned from a month long tour with Lupe Fiasco, will open, and will be the only ones on the bill playing as a full band. Other DJs who will keep the party going into the early morning include Willy Joy, DJ Zebo, The Glamour, Dark Wave Disco DJs, Skyler, and Bearries. The party starts at 7pm. The Congress Theater is located at 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave. 17 & up. General Admission tickets are $60 and VIP access (which includes express entry, back stage views, and a private bar) is $200.

Under $60, or Under $500 (Plus Limited Edition T-shirts and Posters)

The Dandy Warhols are known for their fun version of psychedelic pop rock with hits like "Bohemian Like You" and "Not If You Were The Last Junkie On Earth," and this year they released their sixth studio album, ...Earth To The Dandy Warhols... on their very own label, Beat The World Records. As if starting a record label weren't enough to keep them busy, they're also spearheading the Breathe Easy Benefit, which is a collaborative album project with a bunch of other artists that raises money for Three Rivers Land Conservancy.

We've already told you how excited we are that The Dandy Warhols were announced to play NYE at the Metro, and turns out the Dandys are pretty excited too. If you go to their website you can order a special limited edition t-shirt (just make sure you order before December 19th to get it before New Years). The show starts at 9pm. The Metro is located at 3730 N. Clark St. (18 & over.) Tickets are $55 in advance ($65 day of). VIP Tables are available for $500 and include 4 tickets, 4 seats, 4 limited-edition posters, and 4 drink tickets per person. Formal Attire Encouraged — you could use an excuse to clean up every once in a while.

Under $50 (Plus a Pre-NYE Cheapskate Option)

The Sea & Cake are my favorite band to listen to on a chill, lazy afternoon. Sam Prekop's smooth, infectious vocals can lull anyone straight into relaxation. While they qualify as a pop rock band, they have a heavy jazz influence. They've been making music in Chicago since 1993, but each member has their own side projects, including solo albums and drummer John McEntire's involvement in Tortoise. Their latest album though, Car Alarm, was recorded without taking a break after their previous album, and the result is an even tighter sounding group. The show starts at 10pm. Schubas is located at 3159 N. Southport. (21 & up.) Tickets are $40. There is also a pre-party in the bar before the show from 7:30-9:30pm. Tickets are sold separately for $30 ($35 at the door) and include drinks and appetizers.

(This show is part of a two night set, so if you really want to see The Sea & Cake but don't want to shell out 40 bucks, you can see them the night before for half that price.)

Under $40

They found mainstream success with "Bound For The Floor," but that's not all Local H are known for. The alternative duo's live shows are always energetic and always unpredictable. Scott Lucas and Brian St. Clair are finally back home after a nationwide tour supporting their latest album, Twelve Angry Months, which came out this spring. Fellow Chicago bands Sybris and pop favorites OFFICE open. Show starts at 8pm. The Bottom Lounge is now located at 1375 W. Lake St. (21 & up.) Tickets are $35.

Super Cheap

For those of you who don't want to break the bank, but still want to have a good time and hear some live music, head on over to Quenchers at the corner of Fullerton and Western where the cover is only $10. Local bands Tight Phantomz and Cougars will rock your face off with some hard hitting, classic rock 'n roll. Quenchers is located at 2401 N Western Ave. Music gets going at 9pm.