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Preview Tue Dec 02 2014
Need New Year's Eve Plans? We Got You Covered
The end of the year is quickly approaching and not all of us know what to do on New Year's Eve. Chicago has an abundance of events, but with so much going on in the city it's hard to narrow down the right spot for you. Luckily, you have us. If you want to ring in the New Year with a little music in your ears, we have just the place. Whether you need a little punk, folk, hip hop, dubstep, or jazz; you name it, Chicago has it for you. Here's a nice list of some interesting New Year's Eve shows with some top picks by Sarah Brooks and Julian Ramirez.
Abbey Pub
After four years of silence, The Good Life has returned to the music scene and will be headlining this jam packed show. Joining them will be husband and wife duo Big Harp and the lovely folk of two local groups: Hartford/Focht and The Wild Family. This is a 21+ show. Tickets are $15. The Abbey Pub is located at 3420 W. Grace St. Chicago, IL
Aragon
Zeds Dead will be bring their varied dubstep to present the Space Oddity Costume Party. Tickets range from $44.50 to $120. Doors open at 8pm for this 18+ show at Aragon, 1106 W Lawrence.
Beat Kitchen
Like multicolored ski masks? How about felons? Maybe a little pop punk? Then you must love Masked Intruder and their goofy but ever catchy sound. They will be joined by some more punk bands including The Transgressions and Arms Aloft. This is a 21+ show. Tickets are $20. Door open at 8pm at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W Belmont Ave.
Bottom Lounge
American Football will be playing a few shows around the end of the year, but NYE show will feature post-rock from Pele and some of the most beautiful ambient pop for S. Carey. Tickets are $45 for this 21+ show.
Constellation
This year has been fantastic one for fans of Sun Ra and his Arkestra. 2014 marks the 100th birthday of the man who seemed to have traveled universes far beyond ours and the world has been honoring it. The year has seen releases of long out of print records like Outer Spaceware and even a limited coffee roasted in his name by local Dark Matter Coffee. Although Sun Ra left this plane of existence, his music has continued to live on stage through the Sun Ra Arkestra under the direction of the magnificent saxophonist Marshall Allen. The band has been touring across the world and closed out this year's Chicago Jazz Festival. There is no better way for a jazz aficionado to end their yearlong celebration of Sun Ra's 100th birthday than with a trip to outer space to hear this magnificent Arkestra. Tickets for the late show have sold out, but an early show was added. Tickets range from $25 to $35. Doors open at 6pm at Constellation, 3111 N. Western Chicago, IL.
-Julian Ramirez
City Winery
Don't let the blues get you down, especially if Shemekia Copeland is the one singing them to you. Copeland has worked with greats like Dr. John and Steve Cropper and even has the blues running through her blood thank to her father Johnny Copeland. Don't miss out an a great blues vocalist. Tickets start at $45. Doors open at 10pm. City Winery is located at 1200 W Randolph St.
Double Door
Marching band punk rock? That, including the question mark, is how I would describe Mucca Pazza to a new listener. Honestly, I don't really think they can be contained to fit just one genre, and a live show is the only way to confirm the effect this band will have upon you. I've watched them waltz through the aisles of a crowded theatre, jumping on and offstage in intricate marching band and cheerleading uniforms, playing their mesmerizing tunes until it becomes more of a musical performance than a concert, one that you cannot break your eyes away from. This 30-piece group shows that music cannot be defined at times, and that your own unique musical identity is what truly makes an outstanding group. This 21+ show begins at 9pm with doors opening at 8pm and tickets available in varying tiers. Double Door is located at 1572 N. Milwaukee Avenue.
-Sarah Brooks
East Room
The Hood Internet, Chicago's formidable hip hop duo, will take command of this Logan Square venue along with some special yet to be announce guests. Tickets are $25 for this 21+ show. Doors open at 8pm at East Room, 2828 W Medill Ave.
Emporium
JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound don't just play soul music, they live it. The Chicago band has a way of embodying the sheer heartfelt force that soul music is capable of. Brooks is what every frontman should aspire to be, full of inherent showmanship and moves that would give the greats the chills. That's not even mentioning Brooks perfect soul voice and his unparalleled band. Joining them will be Sidewalk Chalk, another phenomenal local act. It is a little difficult to encompass what Sidewalk Chalk does with music they combine hip hop, jazz, tap, and big band styles into their music. It may seem like a lot to take in, but you'll just want more at the end of the night. Tickets are $25 for the early birds, $30 for the rest. Doors open at 7pm for the 21+ show at Emporium, 1366 N Milwaukee Ave.
Empty Bottle
Jeff the Brotherhood make all around rock music that never let up on the energy. They will be joined by JUICEBOXXX, the Milwaukee Manic who mixes garage rock with classic rap, and The Lemons, the sweetest, sunniest and most enjoyable pop act in Chicago. There is even another artist t.b.a. This is probably the most eclectic and funnest mix of the night. Doors open at 9pm for this 21+ Show. Tickets are $25. Empty Bottle is located at 1035 N Western Ave.
The Hideout
Furious Frank rootsy tunes will be headlining this show. They will be joined by rockabilly country actOld Grand Dad and Pistols at Dawn All three are Chicago musicians, so lets support some local acts. This show is 21+. Tickets are $15. Doors open at 8pm at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave.
Lincoln Hall
The Orwells began with a dream that many suburban teens crafted up in their basements, garages, what have you: to become a rock band. Forming just a few years back in 2011 in Chicago's suburban neighbor, Naperville, this cousin duo turned full-fledged group have grown their fan base from playing in their basement, to playing to sold out festivals across the country. Originally captivated by their youthful nonchalance in songs such as "Mallrats (La La La)", their constant homage to classic rock 'n' roll coupled with a gritty garage rock sound is engaging and addictive. This absolutely shines through on their second album, Disgraceland, where the album production is cleaner, but the rock riffs are just as edgy. A bustling, jumping audience is what they will no doubt create at their intimate show at Lincoln Hall, the perfect place for you to be front row, or the back row, and still be immersed in pure rock 'n' roll sound to ring in 2015. Springtime Carnival, Criminal Hygiene, and DJs Extra Sauce and Well Done will support the bill, with this 18+ show beginning at 10pm.Tickets are available for $30 in advance and $35 at the door, with a special $40 two show deal. Lincoln Hall is located at 2424 N. Lincoln Avenue.
-Sarah Brooks
Logan Square Auditorium
The Windy City Soul Club will be DJing an all out soul dance party. Dance, listen, and sing alone to rare soul, all on warm vinyl. Doors open at 9pm for this dance blow out. Tickets are $20 for the 21+show at Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie.
Martyrs'
Chicago's The Henhouse Prowlers have a really fun and bluegrass rooted sound that they ramp up with their neverending energy. They will be ending their two night stint on New Year's Eve.
Tickets are $12 for this 21+ show at Martyrs', 3855 N Lincoln Ave.
Metro
Bob Mould has been going strong for over thirty years, crafting music with bands like Hüsker Dü, Sugar, and his own solo output. He recently released his 11th solo album, Beauty & Ruin on Merge record and shows no sign of ever stopping. Tickets are $50 for this 18+ show. Doors open at 9pm at Metro, 3730 N Clark.
Park West
Legendary saxophonist Karl Denson will be bringing his Tiny Universe to Chicago to everybody moving to their massively entertaining music. You'll get to hear Denson originals as well as some of the coolest covers the likes of the White Stripes, Cold War Kids and Beastie Boys. Tickets are $40. Doors open at 8pm for this 18+ show. Park West is located at 322 West Armitage Ave.
Reggie's
The Muffs released their first album in a decade this year and it was full of all the punk rock you would expect from this fantastic band lead by Kim Shattuck. Joining the Muffs will be the brother-sister rock duo White Mystery, furious punk from Evil Beaver, and melodic punkers Meat Wave. Tickets are $25. Doors open at 8pm for this 17+ show at Reggie's, 2105 South State St.
Schubas
Sinkane, the psyednym of Ahmed Gallab, has worked as a session musician with a wide variety of artists. Yeasayer, Caribou, and of Montreal have had some of his genius touch, but it's his solo work that truly shines brightest. His latest album Mean Love is easily his tightest set of songs with "How We Be" being one of the most infectious beginnings to any album you get to hear this year. I love soul music, but I have to admit, Sinkane almost flew under my radar. Don't let him fly under yours. He will be joined by the Numero Group DJs. If you're unfamiliar with the Numero Group this would be the perfect night to get acquainted with them. They are an archival record label based in Chicago that has been releasing some of the most interesting and obscure albums. They also have ongoing compilations series that include focus on the local sound of various areas, religious soul, and foreign renditions of American music style just to name a few. This is the show to be at on New Year's Eve. Tickets are $25 for this 21+show. Door open at 10pm. Schubas is located at 3159 N Southport Ave.
-Julian Ramirez
SPACE
The Milk Carton Kids are a wonderful folk duo that aim to expand traditionalist folk ideals in to the present. They will be playing two shows on New Year's Eve at one of the most beautiful venues in Illinois. Tickets for the late show at 10pm are $40, tickets for the early show at 6pm are $30. Door open an hour before start time. SPACE is located at 1245 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL
Subterranean
Pelican is an instrumental metal band that is not to be taken lightly. Their dense songs will surely captivat the crowd on New Year's Eve. They will be joined by The Life and Times and Pinebender. Tickets are $32.50 for this 21+ show. Doors open at 8pm at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave.
Thalia Hall
PARTY TIP: The Andrew W.K. show at Thalia Hall might be the setting for the best New Year's Eve show of your life. There might be no better way to start off 2015 as you mosh along to "Party Hard" or "It's Time to Party" or "We Party (You Shout)." Sensing a theme, eh? This high-octane performer can effortlessly combine rock, heavy metal, grunge, and dance music all into one amalgam of his own signature sound, and from the crowd I watched him amass at Riot Fest (PARTY TIP: it extended back to the edges of the stage grounds, to the point where it overtook the crowd waiting for the other stage's performance), it is guaranteed to be a rocking good time, filled with mayhem and fun at one of Chicago's newest and most buzzed-about music venues of 2014. Tickets are available in varying prices, with doors opening at 8:30pm and the show beginning at 9:30pm. Thalia Hall is located at 1807 S. Allsport Street in Pilsen.
-Sarah Brooks
Tonic Room
Dean Ween and the Brownouts will be hosting a Brown Tie Affair for their New Years Eve event. Regular tickets are sold out but there are still some premium tickets which include a t-shirt and open bar for $150. Doors open at 8pm for this 21+ show at the Tonic Room, 2447 North Halsted Ave.
The Vic
Leftover Salmon will be celebrating 25 years of the band along with a solo perfomance from Keller Williams. Tickets are $50. Doors at 7pm for 18+ show at the Vic, 3145 N Sheffield Ave.