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Local Gig List: New Year’s Eve 2012

by Andrea Swensson

December 29, 2012

2012 was a prosperous time for Minnesota music, and it's hard to believe that the year is already drawing to a close. Why not usher in 2013 with the help of a little local music? Below, we've rounded up some of our top choices for New Year's Eve celebrations in the Twin Cities. All shows are happening Monday night, December 31, and as you'll see there are options ranging from free to VIP.

Happy New Year!
 

Mark Mallman's 9th Annual New Years Eve Party
7th St. Entry, Minneapolis
5:00 pm (all ages) and 9:00 pm (18+), $10 adv/$12 door
Piano man Mark Mallman recently revealed that this will be his final New Year's Eve gig, so take it in while you can. Past years have found him dangling upside down above his keyboard, riding a motor scooter over the keys, and partying down with his faithful pair of man-sized rat friends. Buckle up.

Fat Kid Wednesdays
Icehouse, Minneapolis
6:00 pm, reservations recommended
JT Bates, Mike Lewis, and Adam Linz will perform their unparalleled free-form jazz all night long. Come earlier in the evening for dinner or stop by later in the night to ring in the New Year. Reservations can be made in advance at icehousempls.com.

Carole Martin and friends 
Artists Quarter, St. Paul
9:00 pm, $45, reservations recommended
Jazz singer Carole Martin's appearances have been few and far between in recent years, so this night provides a special treat for her longtime fans. Reservations can be made at artistsquarter.com or call 651-292-1359. 

New Year's Eve Danceteria 
First Avenue, Minneapolis
8:00 pm, $10 adv/$20 door, 18+
One of the biggest dance parties of the year, hands down, and one of the most fun places to be at midnight. This year's bash will be hosted by Drinking With Ian and DJed by Get Cryphy, Peter Lansky, Roy Freedom, and DJ Smitty. For a more intimate party, pop into the Record Room next door for DJ Verb X's End of Year Smokeout. Advance tickets here.

Villa Rosa
Aria, Minneapolis
9:00 pm, $50/$75, incl. hours d'oeuvres
The former Theatre de la Jeune Lune has been transformed into a swanky event center, and this Scarface-themed New Year's Eve bash is sure to be a unique night. Live music will be provided by Maria Isa and Muja Messiah, who will perform a collaborative set as Villa Rosa. Tickets here.

Har Mar Superstar and Astronautalis
Triple Rock Social Club, Minneapolis
8:00 pm, $20, 18+
Have you seen Har Mar as Baby New Year on the cover of this week's Vita.mn? Do you really need any other motivation to party down with him and Astronautalis on New Year's? It's sure to be a riot. Get advanced tickets here

Wookiefoot
Cabooze, Minneapolis
7:30 pm, $17 adv/$20 door, 18+
One of the state's biggest jam bands celebrates the New Year in their hometown. Advanced tickets here.

Big Wu
Fine Line, Minneapolis
7:00 pm, $20 adv/$25 door, 21+
What's a jam band fan to do? Another solid local choice for the feel-good crowd. Big Wu are also holding it down at the Fine Line the night prior. Tickets for both gigs here.

Dillinger Four
Turf Club, St. Paul
9:00 pm, $10, 21+
A no-frills night of loud, fast, good music. The legendary Dillinger Four will be joined by Frozen Teens, L'Assassins, a girl group cover band, and DJs Lady Heat Hot Soul Party. 

The Melismatics and Apollo Cobra
Crooked Pint Ale House, Minneapolis
9:00 pm $12/$15
Dance your cares away! Booty-shaking funk and groove band Apollo Cobra and infectious pop-rock band the Melismatics co-headline the night, which will also include an opening set from Chrash. Info and reservations here

 

 

Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment
This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.