NYE: Rockin’ (and laughing) the night away

SOUND THE HORNS: No BS! Brass plays the Camel in Richmond on New Year’s Eve.

BY JONAS BEALS

THE FREE LANCE-STAR

The holidays have come fast and furious, but there’s still one left. New Year’s Eve is the Sunday of the holiday season—it’s still a party day, but you know that once it’s over, it’s back to the grind.

That makes New Year’s Eve a tough night to reckon with. Even if you plan to party like Andrew W.K., you need the right venue to keep your spirits high throughout the evening—a place designed to entertain you and attract like-minded party people who don’t want the night, the holiday season or the year to end.

Here are some suggestions that should extend your joy for at least a few more hours.

(Please check for ticket availability.)

NO BS! BRASS AT THE CAMEL

A dynamite cross between a marching band and a New Orleans second-line funk group, this Richmond collective is one of the more high-energy bands working today. I can pretty much guarantee this will be a sweaty, exhilarating way to ring in the new year. With the Green Boys.

Cost: $20 When: 7 p.m. Where: 1621 W. Broad St., Richmond Info: 804/353-4901; thecamel.org

ERIN JACKSON AT COURTYARD MARRIOTT

If music isn’t your thing, but you still want some entertainment for your New Year’s Eve, maybe comedy will do the trick. Check out a couple of national acts right here in town. With Jon Mumma.

Cost: $35–$55 When: Two shows, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Where: 620 Caroline St., Fredericksburg Info: coolcowcomedy.com

LITTLE FEAT AT THE HAMILTON

If you’re going to spend an important evening out, you might as well be among old friends who also happen to play some of the greatest songs in rock history. Put on your Sailing Shoes and toast the new year with your Dixie Chicken.

Cost: $84-$99 When: 9 p.m. Where: 600 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. Info: 202/787-1000;  thehamiltondc.com

THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS AT THE JEFFERSON THEATER

If you want to hear bluegrass, but want it with a little more kick, you could do worse than the Stringdusters, a band that takes traditional music in a very progressive direction. Basically, it’s bluegrass that’ll blow your mind. With jazzy folk outfit Lake Street Dive.

Cost: $35–$40 When: 7:30 p.m. Where: 110 E. Main St., Charlottesville Info: 434/245-4948;  jeffersontheater.com

PAPADOSIO AT THE NATIONAL

Trance dance into the new year with a band that plays smoothed-out electronica jams and is known for putting on a tremendous live show. Dopapod opens, laying down intricate funk grooves.

Cost: $25–$30 When: 8 p.m. Where: 708 E. Broad St., Richmond Info: 804/612-1900; thenationalva.com

THE TRANSMITTERS  AT THE OTTER HOUSE

Music is, perhaps, the best way to keep your party vibe activated, and there is no better band in Fredericksburg than rock steady revivalists The Transmitters.

Cost: $10 When: 10 p.m. Where: 1005 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg Info: 540/656-2969; theotterhouse.com

THE SELDOM SCENE AT THE BIRCHMERE

It won’t keep you rocking all night long, but if you’re looking for some great music and a laid-back vibe, here’s the legendary bluegrass band with Fredericksburg ties. Not only that, but my personal favorite band, The Hot Seats, will also be playing.

Cost: $39.50 When: 8 p.m. Where: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria Info: 703/549-7500; birchmere.com

FRANKENFÜT AND THE IDIOMATICS AT THE COLONIAL TAVERN

Want to stay a little closer to home, but still want to party like a rock star? Check out hard rock locals Frankenfüt (former members of She Bites Dogs and Crank-spanker) and indie-rockers The Idiomatics at a great downtown music venue. Not bad at all.

Cost: $5 When: 10 p.m. Where: 406 Lafayette Blvd., Fredericksburg Info: 540/373-1313;    irishbrigadetavern.com

DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS AT  THE 9:30 CLUB

This has become a bit of a tradition, and it’s one that most any rock fan should get on board with. Perhaps the best live band working today playing in one of the greatest clubs in the country—it’s a combo that ensures memorable moments. With the North Mississippi All Stars Duo opening.

Cost: $55 When: 7 p.m. Where: 815 V St. N.W., Washington, D.C. Info: 202/265-0930; 930.com

THE LEGWARMERS AT THE STATE THEATER (SOLD OUT)

The area’s premier ’80s cover band is a blast to see live any time of year, so New Year’s Eve is sure to be totally radical. As with any Legwarmers show, be sure to don your best Breakfast Club-era outfit.

Cost: $50 When: 7 p.m. Where: 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church Info: 703/237-0300;  thestatetheater.com

Jonas Beals: 540/368-5036 jbeals@freelancestar.com

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