With the New Year comes new beginnings and the endless possibilities of something fresh. It means leaving behind the regrets, pain, and disappointments of the year before.
People want to use music as an escape from all this negativity, so why not ring in the New Year with a musical bang? Listen to the pulsating sounds of your favorite bands and artists.
Start your night off vibrantly -- with an extensive selection of some of the hottest parties and concerts going down exclusively in New York City this New Year’s Eve.
We’ve compiled a list of 18 shows and concerts that you shouldn’t miss. There’s everything from 80s, to rock, rap and experimental, so you can hear that bass drop --- as you watch the ball drop!
Now let’s get straight to it and make some noise, shall we?
1. Jessie’s Girl (December 31st - The Paramount)
What better way in greeting the New Year than rocking out with the old? Jessie’s Girl is bringing you the ultimate 80s tribute concert on New Year’s Eve so you can party like it’s 1989!
Jessie’s Girl is made up of NYC’s top rock and pop vocalists including emerging artist Jenna O’Gara, Off-Broadway’s Chris Hall, and renowned “Sting” impersonator Mark Rinzel, with frequent appearances from Tony nominated star in Rock of Ages and American Idol Finalist, Constantine Maroulis.
Jessie’s Girl will blow you away with their stunning renditions of prominent icons such as Michael Jackson, Cyndi Luper, Madonna, Prince, Bon Jovi and many more.
Grab your tickets here.
2. Phish (December 30th - January 2nd - Madison Square Garden)
After spending last New Year’s in Miami, this Vermont-based jam band makes their way to New York City this time -- to celebrate big.
The American band which is comprised of four members will be performing four consecutive nights at Madison Square Garden.
Phish is influenced by a meld of sonic elements including funk, progressive rock, psychedelic rock, blues, jazz, country, pop, folk and bluegrass.
You can find your tickets right here!
3. Chromatropic & Sprocket (December 30th - Lucille's [Phish After Party at BB King's])
menee_ren Last night was magic. @chromatropic held the honor of sharing the stage with @tndontour and @thewerksmusic, legendary artists of their crafts. Thank you to all who came out and showed their support. This was one for the books.
Two local bands come together for an awesome night after Phish’s New Year’s run at Madison Square Garden, which is just 10 blocks away from BB King's Blues Club venue.
Brooklyn-based instrumental quartet Chromatropic merges the sounds of jazz, funk, house, DnB and ambient, while the Brooklyn-native band Sprocket features rock, experimental and funk.
Special guests include Natalie Cressman and Peter Apfelbaum of Trey Anastasio Band.
Snag your tickets here.
4. Lettuce (January 1st & January 2nd – Brooklyn Bowl)
NYC-based funk outfit Lettuce are crushin' life, with a new album Crush and sexy new music video for their lead off single, "Phyllis." You've probably heard their tunes during the Knicks' program.
You can purchase tickets here.
5. Future & Rudimental (December 31st – Pier 36)
rpmny Grab you tickets now for New Year's Eve 2016 with @Future and @RudimentalUK at Pier 36! Get tickets at www.bigweeknyc.com #BIGWEEKNYC
Need tickets? Get them here.
6. NYE 2016: Travis Scott, Nicky Romero, The Chainsmokers (December 31st – Pier 94)
rpmny Tickets on sale NOW for New Year's Eve at Pier 94 with @NickyRomero, @TheChainsmokers, @travisScott (LIVE), and @Ansolo_music! Get tickets at www.bigweeknyc.com #BIGWEEKNYC
Purchase tickets here.
7. The Disco Biscuits (December 30th – January 2nd – Playstation Theater)
thediscobiscuits @thediscobiscuits #halloween run, night 1️⃣: #orpheumboston Photo: Adam Winokur #adamwinokur
Jamtronica pioneers the Disco Biscuits are back underneath Times Square for New Years, this year featuring NYC natives, Consider the Source.
The night will begin with Source's Sci-Fi Middle Eastern Fusion vibrating the City's underbelly before Philly lovebugs, The Disco Biscuits drop trance fusion ditties and uproarious anthems to bring in 2016.
All four of their shows at the Playstation Theater will be held late at night, giving you enough time to dance the night away.
Grab New Years Eve tickets for their show featuring Consider the Source here.
8. They Might Be Giants (December 31st – January 2nd – Music Hall of Williamsburg)
insta_ang_images So good! #theymightbegiants #concert #livemusic #liveband #band #awesomeness #birdhouseinyoursoul #particleman #thestatuegotmehigh #perth #sisterfun #perthlife #astortheatreperth
American alternative band, They Might Be Giants will spend 4 nights in Brooklyn, giving you enough time and options to adjust your schedule accordingly.
The band has also sold over 4 million records and are best known for their experimental and unconventional style of alternative/pop music. Get There Might Be Tickets tickets here.
9. New Year's Eve with Mykki Blanco, Cakes Da Killa, & MikeQ (December 31st – Mercury Lounge)
bowerypresents Need good New Year's Eve turn up plans? Come get wild with @_mykki_ , @cakesdakilla & @theonlymikeq - tickets are on sale now!
Snag tickets here.
,10. Gowanus (December 31st – The Rock Shop)
paloma_soledad Gowanus rocked the house tonight! #brooklyn#newyork#gowanus #band #music #gowanusband #fresh#best #picoftheday#loves#amazing #trendy
Gowanus, a Brooklyn-based experimental rock quartet will be all the rage this New Year at The Rock Shop.
The band uses traditional analog instrumentation in combination with digital effects, offering fresh sonic sounds. They also infused elements of electro-funk and American rock’ n roll.
Currently, the group is working on material for their upcoming EP while planning shows in NYC and the greater Northeast area. Tickets available here.
11. Carrie Underwood (December 31st – Times Square)
therealg1no Said goodbye, turned around.....#carrieunderwood #carrieunderwoodlyrics #carrieunderwoodconcert #countrymusic #country #lyrics #love #countrylyrics #countrygirl #taylorswift #somethinginthewater #singing #singer #loveher #cover #carrieunderwoodfan #bradpaisley #throwback #thoseeyesthough #tbt #takemeback #smile #seeyouagain #photooftheday #music #mirandalambert #mcm #lukebryan #lovethis #lovequotes
If there's a reason to go to Times Square on New Year's Eve, it's to see Carrie Underwood. Like, really. That might be the only reason.
12. SOB’s Presents New Year’s Eve 2016: A Night in Tropical Paradise (December 31st – S.O.B.)
anierose Last #performance #ElGranMaestro #EddiePalmeri! #greatmusician #legend #oldtimer #latinjazz #salsero #greatband! #liveperformance #liveshow #liveentertainment #onlyinNYC #nyclives #nycnightlife #jammin #loveNY
Warm up your winter with a night in tropical paradise.
S.O.B. is bringing in the New Year with live performances by Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra and Carimi & T-Vice.
Three different package options are being offered Platinum, Gold and Silver. The platinum and gold include a live show with Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra, as well as other perks, while the silver includes live performances by Carimi & T-Vice, and a few other complimentary services.
Check them out here.
13. Macy Gray (December 31st – January 2nd – Iridium)
Who hasn’t heard of the legendary vocalist Macy Gray? The American R&B, jazz and soul singer is best known for her hit single, “I Try,” off her multi-platinum debut album On How Life Is.
Join the Ohio-native artist as she will be performing for 3 days in New York City at the Iridium. Take a look at ticket packages here.
14. Deer Tick (December 30th and 31st - Brooklyn Bowl)
deertickmusic Want to win VIP tickets to a show on DT's New Years Run + a merch bundle and more?? Enter now (link in bio).
Meet Deer Tick... you know like the type of tick you can come in contact with while camping.
Actually, there name derives from one of the members finding a deer tick while hiking, but enough about the origins of their name.. let’s get down to business.
Deer Tick is an American alternative rock group from Providence, composed of singer-songwriter John McCauley, guitarist Ian O'Neil, bassist Chris Ryan, drummer Dennis Ryan and keyboard player Rob Crowell.
The band’s sound can best be described as “alternative meets indie rock.” Get access here.
15. Tower of Power (December 30th - BB King's)
Living up to their name, the Tower of Power have been performing since 1968. Delivering their own eccentric sounds, Tower of Power has managed to reached great heights and massive crowds.
Tower’s sound can be difficult to categorize, but the band's leader and founding member, Emilio Castillo, has labeled their sound as "Urban Soul Music." Check out tickets here.
16. Gogol Bordello (December 30th - Terminal 5)
gogolbordello Dallas! #GypsyPunks 10th anniversary tour starts tonight at Bomb Factory! We're gonna play this classic album in full, plus a whole load of GB faves. Get ready! Photo by: @cliqmo_
Gogol Bordello is a Gypsy punk band from the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Much of their sound is influenced by Gypsy music mixed with punk and dub.
The band has appeared in a number of popular films, most notably in 2005's Everything Is Illuminated.
Tag along and rock out with them on December 30th to experience their authentic energy! Snag your tickets here.
17. Snarky Puppy with special guests (December 31st - Irving Plaza)
elenapetzold So so good #snarkypuppy #missoula #usa #roadtrips #travel #concert #musiclife #loveit #sogood #thewilma #snarkypuppytour #stage #bucketlist
CEG Presents Snarky Puppy NYE Party with special guests Breastfist at Irving Plaza.
Snarky Puppy is a Brooklyn-based instrumental fusion band composed of nearly 40 musicians, and special guest Breastfist is a chill band delivering alternative and instrumental sounds. Tickets are available here.
18. Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band (December 31st - Barclay's Center)
ceceliakoon iTunes is a tease this morning. #jimmybuffett #cheeseburgerinparadise #wishingiwasthere #margaritaville #parrotheads
Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band are blessing us with their music this New Year at Barclay's Center. This show will mark Buffett’s first New Year’s Eve show in New York City, so expect big things!
Barclay's Center has established a tradition of hosting iconic artists on New Year’s Eve,” said Barclay's Center CEO Brett Yormark. “Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band will provide another memorable night as they bring their one-of-a-kind sound to Brooklyn.”
Tickets are here, get some and ring in the new year with Jimmy! Especially if you like Piña Coladas and getting caught in the rain, both of which seem more in line with this year's weather than drinking eggnog and passing out in the snow.
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[Feature Image Courtesy AmericanSongwriter.com]