That’s it everyone! We made it through another year. 2013 had a lot going for it – good, bad, whatever, at least it wasn’t boring! There are plenty of fine events where you can celebrate the coming year, so read on and plan accordingly!
First Night: Animal Hospital Ensemble, Experimental Spaces @ Hynes Convention Center
8pm // All Ages // $10 button
First Night is the city-sponsored event series happening across metro Boston tonight. for a $10 button pass, you get access to it all – a mind-numbingly long list of multi-sensory experiences, including lots of feel good music.
Despite the multitude of First Night events, the one that jumps out is Animal Hospital Ensemble at Hynes Convention Center. For a second year ring leader Kevin Micka leads a band of dozens of guitarists through a sprawling 3+ hours free-form jam – equal parts astral and groovy. Definitely a cerebral, relaxing way to ring in the new year.
While your in the convention center , be sure to explore the various other ‘experimental spaces’ throughout the 2nd and 3rd floor. There you’ll find whistful drones from Solid State Entity, warped psych rock from New Highway Hymnal, improv dancing, lysergic lightshows, macabre delights and numerous other otherworldly experiences, courtesy of local talent.
Allston Pudding: Krill, Grass is Green, Two-Inch Astronaut, Kal Marks @ Regina’s Pizza (Allston)
8:30pm // 21+ // Free
The AP takes over Regina’s in Allston once more, for another NYE with cheap beer, cheap eats, and lots of rock. The bands on this lineup are the sort of emotionally charged rippers perfect to mosh along with at this tense, ecsatic soirée. Slices are a $1, tallboys $2, and entry is FREE. There are no in’s and out’s though, so get there early, and be prepared to squeeze through the crowds to get around. This one will be popular.
EDAN, Fat Creeps, Electric Zeus, special guests @ Lilypad
10pm – 4am // All Ages // $5-10
Over in Inman Square, famed turntablist EDAN will surely dazzle the eyes and caress the ears with quick handed vinyl scratching and cutting, overlaid with his quirky fresh rhymes. Garage bop sweetpeas FAT CREEPS, spaced warblers ELECTRIC ZEUS and other highly talented musicians will be spreading the good cheer with some psyched out sounds. This one goes real late so be sure to stop by.
Together: DJ KON @ Great Scott
Organized by the people behind EDM love-in fest Together, Boston’s own DJ Kon spins deep into the night in Allston with some deep disco cuts, understated boogie bubblers and funky bass bangers. If you like that silky soft sub-bass production to envelope you like a sea of pillows, or you know a friend named Molly, this one will probably do you right.
If you are craving more interactive art to feel more like an active participant in the new year festivities, head over to the Common downtown for a feast of light. Dynamic, responsive sculptures, fire dancers, electric forests and mystic puzzles are just a few of the attractions at this most egalitarian of NYE events. Part of First Night.
NYE @ Firehouse (Worcester, MA)
For those beyond the reach of Boston, your best bet is the lovely Firehouse in Worcester. They’ll be new wave fast cats SECRET LOVER, Jake McKelvie & the Countertops, lots of peppy DJing, and even a KISS concert! We hear there’s also an all day hangover brunch/noise show on New Years day, so don’t forget to come back for the recovery/party continuation
Bugs & Rats, The Channels, Ariane Shaifee @ The House That CD-r’s Built (JP)
Last but not least, those looking for a raucous punked out rager in a lost but not forgot house venue – your prayers have been answered. Find that ivory mansion in the deep bowels of Jamaica Plain, and prepare to wreck your neck muscles with the metallic headbang bruisers of Bugs & Rats, The Channels and G-Toss’ Ariane Shaifee. Email [email protected] for more info.
