WHAT: The Dirty Feathers, Elsinore, Temple of Low Men 
WHERE: The HighDive ($20)
WHEN: Saturday, December 31 at 9:00 p.m.
The Dirty Feathers are joined by all of Elsinore this year (last year their NYE show featured a Ryan Groff solo set) and Temple of Low Men to watch the ball drop into 2012. Expect some new songs from The Dirty Feathers outside of their solid Midnight Snakes material, and surely other antics that accompany their live show as well. And Elsinore has been busy writing some new material, so hopefully they will play some tunes off their impending Yes Yes Yes follow up.
WHAT: New Ruins, Tractor Kings, The Chemicals, That’s No Moon
WHERE: Mike ‘N Molly’s ($7)
WHEN: Saturday, December 31 at 9:00 p.m.
New Ruins conclude the year with their excellent This Life Is Not Ours To Keep and are joined by another solid lineup of acts next door at Mike ‘N Molly’s. Hopefully you’re comfortable getting to know people, because you can expect this one to reach capacity in the cozy upstairs area. Whether you end up here or at The HighDive, you can expect to see some great rock music to toast champagne to.
WHAT: Phaded, Eyetoadahso, Lincoln James,
White Rabbit, DJ Belly
WHERE: Cowboy Monkey ($15)
WHEN: Saturday, December 31 at 9:00 p.m.
For the fans of dubstep, Cowboy Monkey provides a bit of a dancier destniation to welcome in 2012. With a packed lineup, Chicago producer Phaded is joined by some local DJs to make you move around a bit in a different sort of way. Bring your dancing shoes.
WHAT: The Duke of Uke and his Novelty Orchestra
WHERE: Esquire (Free)
WHEN: Saturday, December 31 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
The Duke of Uke and Esquire on NYE have quickly become an annual tradition. If you’ve got plans for later (or can’t find a babysitter), the band will be playing a happy hour set. And, of course, they’ll play a longer set late night to ring in 2012. Though the band had originally planned to release a new album in 2011, it appears we’ll now have to wait until this Spring for April’s Empire. But I suspect we’ll here lots of songs from that album this Saturday to tide us over. (photo by Eric Frahm)
WHAT: New Year’s Eve at Emerald City Lounge
WHERE: Emerald City Lounge
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 31, 7:00 p.m.–2:30 a.m.
Doors: 6:30 p.m.
Tickets:
- $30 each, or $55 per couple (includes Prime Rib buffet, from 7–10 p.m.)
- $10 at door after 10:00 p.m. (includes party favors & Champagne toast only)
Dancing, party favors, with a Champagne toast at midnight.
Special performances before and after midnight by the Emerald City Divas.
Limited Seating, call or stop in the bar to purchase your tickets. Please call Emerald City Lounge for reservations: (217) 398-8661.
WHAT: The Misfit Masquerade
WHERE: 88 Broadway
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 31, 10:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.
Fluid Events and Carnivàle Debauche have teamed up to host The Misfit Masquerade. Ring in the New Year with a night of good old fashioned debauchery
The evening will include:
- Performances from members of Carnivàle Debauche
- Fire stunts from The Scions of Prometheus
- Strong Man John Beatty from America’s Got Talent
- A raffle with prizes from area businesses
- A 50/50 raffle
- Tons of carnie games
- Putt Putt Golf
- Special appearances from Father Time and Baby New Year
Tickets: $20/person or $30/couple (One free drink, a champagne toast at midnight, and a few carnie tickets to get you started)
VIP tickets: $30/person and $50/couple (Two free drinks a person, carnie game tickets, champagne toast and a special gift to remember your night)
Tickets are available from members of Carnivàle Debauche, as well as online.
Other options:
Boltini Lounge – DJ Cal Emmerich & DJ Space Police Radio 9 p.m.(Free)
Soma Ultralounge – DJ Delayney w/ Video DJ Tugs 9 p.m. ($30)