The AltFreq Guide To New Year’s Eve
–Written by Kevin Madert
The biggest – and last – night of the year is fast approaching, and in our (admittedly biased) opinion there’s nothing better to do on the 365th day of the year than take in a show. Whether you’ve already got plans, are still weighing your options, or haven’t given it a single thought, AltFreq is here to help.
Stay Local
Benny Benassi @ Echostage (Washington, DC)
If you’re looking for well-dressed revelers, bottle service and a steady diet of steady beat from one of dance music’s perennial figures, this is the party for you. (Tickets / Info)
Nadastrom + More @ U Street Music Hall (Washington, DC)
From one end of the spectrum to the other; if no-frills nightlife is more up your alley you’ll find no better place to ring in the new year than U Hall. Tickets are only available at the door the day of the show, so be sure to get there early. (Info)
Steel Panther @ The Fillmore Silver Spring (Silver Spring, MD)
Anyone familiar with this modern-day glam metal outfit knows to take their over-the-top antics and cruder than crude lyrics with a grain of salt. For a night blending tongue-in-cheek comedy and admittedly solid rock music, head here come December 31. (Tickets)
Papadosio @ Rams Head Live (Baltimore, MD)
Jam into the new year with these longtime fan favorites, along with an opening performance from Baltimore’s own ELM. (Tickets / Info)
“Laser Disco” w/Victor Niglio, Getter + More @ The Paradox (Baltimore, MD)
Badass Raves’ end of year blowout is back and better than ever. With multiple rooms, a stacked multi-genre lineup, an affordable cover, free bacon (three thousand strips, no less), and the great familial atmosphere you can always expect at a Badass event, this is an obvious choice for many DMV locals. (Tickets / Info)
J Roddy Walston & The Business @ Baltimore Soundstage (Baltimore, MD) (Tickets / Info)
DJ Blaqstarr + More @ Rock & Roll Hotel (Washington, DC) (Tickets / Info)
Delano Smith + More @ Flash (Washington, DC) (Tickets / Info)
Take a Trip
Bassnectar w/Tipper & G Jones @ Bridgestone Arena (Nashville, TN)
Saving the best for last seems to be Bassnectar’s forte. In the past three years, his most extravagant – and arguably best – performances have been his New Year’s Eve celebrations in Nashville, Tennessee. The sold-out 2014 edition is looking to blow the previous three out of the water, with support from glitch legend Tipper and future bass baron G Jones. (Info)
“Wild Life” w/Disclosure, Dusky, Claude von Stroke + More @ Pier 94 (New York, NY)
This is the kind of lineup that speaks for itself, so I won’t say much. If you’re trying to get a New York City New Year’s Eve experience without that Times Square clusterfuck, this is as good a place as any. (Tickets / Info)
Mike Birbiglia @ The Moore Theater (Seattle, WA)
Ringing in the new year with laughter may be unorthodox, but there are exceptions to every rule. Massachusetts native Birbiglia is one of the funniest comedians on the circuit, and because this won’t run past midnight you’ll still be able to hit a bar or party in time to watch the ball drop. (Tickets / Info)
Andrew W.K. @ Thalia Hall (Chicago, IL)
The last party of the year should be the partiest, and this year there’s no doubt where the partiest party will be. The undisputed king of the soiree Andrew WK is playing a special full band live set on New Year’s Eve in Chicago, and for the love of my jealousy everyone in Chicago needs to be there. (Tickets / Info)