Looking for something to do on New Years 2015-16? There are a handful of shows happening throughout C-U, in addition to being plenty of food-related things outlined by Jess before the break, on Thursday. Plus, as a bonus, there’s a cool show happening on Friday at the Loose Cobra.
Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments.
Thanks for partying with us in 2015 — here’s to 2016 from us at SP.
WHAT: The Chorale
WHERE: The Virginia Theater ($24-26, tickets here)
WHEN: 7 p.m.
For those in Champaign-Urbana who prefer a less-drunken New Year’s Eve, The Virginia Theatre has you coverered for the annual performance from The Corale, which performs tracks from some of Broadway’s most famous musicals. This year, The Chorale will be joined by Caitlin Dobba, a former winner of The Chorale’s Young Artist Scholarship, and current student at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Music.
WHAT: Bones Jugs N Harmony, Kenna Mae, Hot Iron String Band, Paul Kotheimer, Dill Spears
WHERE: The Iron Post ($10)
WHEN: 9 p.m.
Kenna Mae makes her much-anticipated return to the Champaign-Urbana live music universe on NYE for an all-acoustic nightat The Iron Post. If that weren’t enough to convince you, local heavyweights Bones Jugs N Harmony will also be providing vibes, making this show one of the best in town for New Year’s Eve. The Iron Post is a super intimate venue with a very home-y feel, which just may lend itself well to a great night of acoustic jams.
WHAT: The Chemicals, Bookmobile!, The Televangelists
WHERE: Mike N Molly’s ($7)
WHEN: 9 p.m.
At the same time that I am overjoyed that Champaign is welcoming back Kenna Mae, I’m equally bittersweet at the retirement of C-U indie staple, The Chemicals. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them at Mike N Molly’s a couple of times, and they have not once disappointed. The sheer notion that they’re returning to MNM’s for their final show makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside — but also excited for a kick-ass show.
WHAT: Sun Stereo, Church Booty, Flaccid
WHERE: The Canopy Club ($25 advance, tickets here/$30 door)
WHEN: 9 p.m.
If you really want to get down on New Year’s Eve, there truly is no better place than Canopy Club this year, which features the veterans Sun Stereo, one of Champaign-Urbana’s biggest main-stays, coupled with Church Booty, one of C-U’s newest powerhouses. If there’s one place to dance the night away, I can personally guarantee that Canopy Club on the 31st is that place. Be there.
WHAT: DJ Belly, Cypherdevine, Ideal DJs, AMS
WHERE: Cowboy Monkey ($10, ticketing information email here)
WHEN: 9 p.m.
For those who seek the entire typical New Year’s Eve experience, Cowboy Monkey is offering bottle service and tables for up to 4 guests (Details in the link above), but with a special C-U twist. DJ Belly takes the reigns and headlines a party that is sure to be a banger.
WHAT: Single Player, Eric Stanley (of Euriah), Supertrash, Wir Konnen
WHERE: House Show ($5, message Facebook event for address)
WHEN: 9 p.m.
Would it really be New Year’s Eve if there wasn’t a bomb-ass Urbana house show going down? This year, it’s local indie-favorites Single Player (who are about to embark on tour) paired with Eric Stanley, the frontman of Euriah, and Supertrash, a super great indie band from Owensboro, Kentucky. If going to the bar isn’t your style, I promise that this will be the best (and easiest) $5 you could ever spend to go out on New Year’s Eve. That’s a scientific fact.
WHAT: DJ A-RON, Mike ingram
WHERE: Soma ($20 advance, email for tickets here/$30 door)
WHEN: 9 p.m.
Sometimes all you want to do is laugh — even on New Year’s Eve. Luckily, this NYE, Soma has you covered, with both comedy and DJ A-Ron curating tunes. Laughter is the best medicine, after all, and maybe some of us need that to gear up for 2016.
WHAT: DJ (to be announced)
WHERE: Guido’s ($20)
WHEN: 9 p.m.
More info forthcoming.
photo by Sam Logan
WHAT: X-Crush
WHERE: Memphis on Main ($10)
WHEN: 9 p.m.
Here’s to hoping you come out to see X-Crush at Memphis on Main this New Year’s Eve, and don’t encounter any of your ex-crushes while you’re there.
…wow, that was a terrible joke. Regardless, it’s going to be a raging good time at Memphis for this year’s NYE extravaganza. Per usual, a toast and tons of merriment is included.
WHAT: 90’s Daughter
WHERE: Jupiter’s at the Crossing ($60, tickets here)
WHEN: 9 p.m.
Jupiter’s at the Crossing is not a place I typically associate with local music or hosting shows of any sort, but this NYE, they have local favorites 90’s Daughter in the house for an extremely special night. Sure, it costs $60 (or more), but there’s an open bar.
I repeat: there’s an open bar. On New Year’s Eve.
What a time to be alive.
WHAT: Andy Mo Trio
WHERE: JT Walker’s (not listed)
WHEN: 9 p.m.
For those who feel up to the trek to Mahomet, this may be the perfect thing: Andy Mo has built a little buzz in C-U lately as a solo act, but this New Year’s Eve, he’ll be hitting JT Walker’s in Mahomet with a full band. JT’s will also be featuring a specialty menu for the evening, and an included champagne toast at midnight.
WHAT: Bobby Bare Jr., Matt Talbott, The Tang Dynasty
WHERE: The Loose Cobra ($10)
WHEN: Friday, January 1st at 8 p.m.
OK, so this isn’t New Year’s Eve — but it’s notable nonetheless. Matt Talbott of Hum and Earth Analog fame will be taking the stage at The Loose Cobra in Tolono alongside Bobby Bare Jr. and The Tang Dynasty. What a way to start off the new year.