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New Year’s Eve 2013: Where to see live music in Minneapolis and St. Paul

by Selena Carlson

December 29, 2013

Tuesday, December 31, is jam-packed with ways to celebrate yet another thriving year for the Twin Cities music scene. Whether you’re in the mood for a low-key hangout or an extravagant night on the town, there are plenty of events to make this a memorable New Year’s Eve. (On the radio, we'll be counting down our Top 89 songs of the year.) Put on your fancy pants, sip some bubbly, and welcome 2014 with these stellar local concerts.

If you want to lock arms, sway back and forth, and sing along


Dawes

Varsity Theater, Minneapolis

8:00 p.m., $75/$125, 18+

Ring in the New Year with a hearty dose of authentic Americana. The heartfelt melodies of folk-influenced Dawes and Field Report will inspire nostalgia for the year past and promise for what lies ahead.

Tickets available here.

NYE Cover Band Show

Turf Club, St. Paul

9:00 p.m., $10, 21+

Kick back and enjoy the coming of the New Year with some guaranteed singalongs. Grab a beer, savor the light-hearted atmosphere, and bob your head to covers of classics from David Bowie, the Doors and Blue Oyster Cult.

Tickets available here.

If you want to dance like nobody's watching


Crystal Ball

International Market Square, Minneapolis

8:00 p.m., $80, 21+

Har Mar Superstar will get you sweaty and ready for 2014 at this fancy fete. General admission tickets are now sold out, but $80 VIP tickets are still available for those who want to celebrate in style.

WookieFoot

Cabooze, Minneapolis

7:30 p.m., $20/$25, 18+

Treasured jam band WookieFoot will usher in a harmonious 2014 with their knack for creating an aura of existential love and community. This New Year’s Eve event will be an experience to be shared.

Tickets available here.

New Year’s Eve Danceteria

First Avenue, Minneapolis

8:00 p.m., $10, 18+

If you're seeking a fist-pumping party, look no further than this end-of-the-year blowout. Hosted by Drinking With Ian, this epic rager will feature Get CryphyDJ Foolproof with MC Cloud of Forever Young, and Roy Freedom with DJ Smitty. Stop by the Record Room next door for Too Much Love and WAK LYF’s smaller gig, Y2KML.

Advance tickets available here.

If you want to dance like everybody's watching


Vic Volare

Crooked Pint Ale House, Minneapolis

8:00 p.m., $25/$50, 21+

Swing out at this interactive rendezvous with lounge singer Vic Volare. Dance instructors will bring the audience to their feet for slick moves from the boogie-woogie to the jitterbug. All ticket service charges will benefit Rock the Cause.

Dinner reservations recommended. Tickets available here.

If you want to nod (or bang) ya head


Solid Gold

Icehouse, Minneapolis

5:00 p.m., $20/additional cost for meal, reservations recommended

Arrive early for a decadent dinner, or show up at your leisure for late-night entertainment courtesy of Year of the Horse. Electro-glam rock band Solid Gold strike their first chord at the stroke of midnight.

Reservation information can be found here. Tickets here.

Night Moves

7th St Entry, Minneapolis

8:00 p.m., $10 adv/$12 door, 18+

This psychedelic spectacular is brimming with Midwestern talent. Opening acts also feature favored local flavor such as Pony Bwoy, Carroll and The Fatty Acids.

Tickets available here.

Bloodnstuff

Triple Rock Social Club, Minneapolis

8:00 p.m., $10, 18+

A high-energy, head-banging performance is in store. The rock riffs of BloodnstuffBuildingsRed Daughters and Speed's The Name will collectively make for a lively evening.

Tickets available here.

If you want to be seated and serenaded


Carole Martin and friends

Artists Quarter, St. Paul

9:00 p.m., $65, reservations recommended

Embark on a romantic soiree with the smooth jazz of Carole Martin. Complementary hours d’oeuvres and champagne will add to the ambiance of this traditional torch singer. Adding poignance to this show is the fact that it will be the AQ's last, after a packed final weekend of music.

Reservation information can be found here.

Davina at the Dakota

Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis

6:00 p.m., $102

Soul sensation Davina Sowers has been compared to both Bessie Smith and Bonnie Raitt—what more do you need to know? The $102 ticket price includes music, dinner from the Dakota's acclaimed kitchen, and even a tip for the hard-working servers.

Tickets and information here.

If you want to see God


Throwdown to Motown

Nomad World Pub, Minneapolis

7:00 p.m., $15 adv/$20 door, 21+

Give your loafers a good shining and hit up this blast from the past. God Johnson, Mark Joseph and Circle of Heat are sure to deliver a soulful performance of this feel-good genre. Those best dressed to impress will be duly awarded.

Tickets sold at the door. Additional information here.

Selena Carlson is currently tackling a double major in journalism and music business at Augsburg College. In addition to writing, she is an avid enthusiast of all things banjo; biking; and breakfast for dinner.

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