New York City is one of the greatest places to be in the world on New Years Eve. There’s a reason people travel all across the world to stand outside like assholes, bundled up in winter jackets, when they could be getting a tan on the beach. This city goes all out on New Years Eve – the ball drop in Times Square is broadcast to every TV in the country, our restaurants put together extravagant tasting menus, and there is a party on every corner. Literally, every corner. Besides every bar and club, New York City gets packed with top shelf musical talent – all night long. With so many options, it’s really easy to get overwhelmed and miss something great. That’s why Live For Live Music has broken down all of the big events leading up to New Years Eve into some easy to manage categories.
The Big Ones
Phish
December 28-31 – Madison Square Garden
The city’s biggest arena is the temporary home to the world’s biggest jam band, as Phish returns to The Garden for the third straight year. We last saw the Vermont four piece over Labor Day weekend in Colorado, and those shows were some for the ages – expect no less at MSG. In addition, on New Years Eve, Phish plays three sets and puts on some sort of New Years stunt – so be prepared.
Armin Van Buuren
December 31 – Pier 36
New York City will be entering A State Of Trance this New Years Eve, as the recently voted world’s number one DJ, Armin Van Buuren, is putting on a huge show at Pier 36. The 64,000 square foot mega-complex boasts three floors of action, and Joonbug, the promoters, promise “mind blowing, pulse pounding technological sound and light orgy like no other you’ve ever experienced.”
Coldplay and Jay-Z
December 31 – Barclays Center
While Coldplay is playing the brand new Barclays Center solo on the 30th, they are being joined by Brooklyn’s own Jay-Z to bring in the New Year. Jay has collaborated with Chris Martin and the band before, and the two are friends, so this isn’t as out of left field as it seems. Also, this may be the perfect New Years date. “Hey babe – this year, New Years is for you – we’re going to Codplay!”
Pretty Lights
December 30-31 – Roseland Ballroom
Denver based producer Pretty Lights is a fan favorite at music festivals world wide for his unique blend of genres and massive visual productions. You can expect nothing but the best from the man on New Years Eve as he takes over Roseland Ballroom.
Dada Life
December 31 – Dada Land Compound
If your looking for the wildest New Years Eve party, it may be tucked away in a Brooklyn warehouse this year. Electro-house duo Dada Life have promised to transform a Brooklyn warehouse into ‘Dada Land’ – where the only rules are ‘The Rules of Dada’. The duo explained that normal clubs had too many rules, so this ‘Dada Life Compound’ will be a cross between Santa’s Workshop and the Playboy Mansion’s grotto. If you’ve seen Dada Life before, you know these guys are crazy – so this should be awesome.
Nas
December 31 – Radio City Music Hall
The author of the second most famous ‘New York State of Mind’ is coming to Radio City Music Hall, bringing the legendary rapper home to New York City to bring in the New Year. Nas is a legend in the hip hop scene, known for top notch lyrical prowess and clear delivery. His latest album, Life Is Good, was critically acclaimed and debuted at the top of the Billboard Charts – so you know he’s still got it.
Gov’t Mule
December 30-31st – Beacon Theater
The Warren Haynes headed southern rock powerhouse is ringing in the New Year at the Beacon Theater this year, a fitting venue for a group originally serving as an Allman Brothers side project. If your looking for some pure southern blues shredding from a living guitar legend, this may be your spot.
The Disco Biscuits
December 31- The Theater at Madison Square Garden
After four nights at the Best Buy Theater (26-29), the Disco Biscuits move into the larger Theater at Madison Square Garden for New Years Eve. Supposedly, their first set will only overlap with Phish’s third, so if you’re a big fan of both bands, you can run down to the theater right after Phish and still catch the show.
The Others
RJD2
December 31st – Gramercy Theater
Influential producer RJD2 is bringing Com Truise along for an intimate show at the Gramercy Theater. The highly skilled musician is known for his smooth production styles and high energy live sets.
Dark Star Orchestra
December 30-31st – The Paramount
If you’re staying on Long Island this New Years, or just cant get enough Grateful Dead, than the spot to be is The Paramount for Dark Star Orchestra. DSO is today’s premiere Grateful Dead tribute act, playing large venues and festivals, and getting seals of approval via sit ins by The Dead’s Bob Weir and Bill Kreutzman, and Phish’s Mike Gordon & Jon Fishman.
Moby
December 31st – Unicorn Meat Warehouse
Legendary producer Moby has seemingly been around forever – but you’ve probably never seen him like this. Production team Unicorn Meat is once again transforming Brooklyn into a visual wonderland, complete with a circus performance and spectacles to match different types of cultures. This will be one to remember.
Felix Cartal and Yeasayer
December 31st – Secret Warehouse
Bang On! NYC is known for lavish, over-the-top theme parties deep in the heart of Brooklyn. For their New Years Eve blowout, entitled ‘The Rebirth’, features headliners Felix Cartal and Yeasayer (DJ Set) in addition to local favorites, and will feature interactive art installations, rides, inflatable obstacle course, food trucks, a 30 ft long recreation of the Brooklyn Bridge, and an Alice In Wonderland area.
Pacha’s EDM Line-Up
Afrojack
December 30-31 – Pier 94
Every year, Pacha stacks it’s New Years Eve weekend with top notch DJs every single night. This year’s no different, and the main event is Afrojack and Friends at Pier 94. On the 30th, he’ll be joined by Diplo and Rusko, and on the 31st, it’ll be his ‘Jacked’ buddies R3hab, Shermanology, Quintino, Arty, and Bobby Burns.
Sander Van Doorn
December 31 – Pacha
Back over at Pacha, superstar producer and recent ROC Nation signee Sander van Doorn will take the decks for an all-night dance party. Pacha usually goes into the wee hours of the morning, but on New Years Eve I can see people dancing until lunch.
Rusko
December 30 – Pacha
Besides supporting Afrojack at the Pier, dubstep superstar Rusko will be spinning a solo set at Pacha. If you’re looking for a night of pure wobbles and womps, this is your move. This show is also a make-up date for the previously cancelled Rusko show from October 28th, and tickets from that night will be honored.
Ferry Corsten
December 29 – Pacha
Trance legend Ferry Corsten is no stranger to Pacha – he was just there a few months ago for a monster set. Whenever he comes to town, he tears the place down, and with the holiday spirit in tow, this time should be no different.
Laidback Luke
December 28 – Pacha
Another Pacha favorite, Laidback Luke, headlines the 28th – which will also serve as Pacha’s 7th anniversary celebration. The hit-maker is known for high energy electro house sets full of exclusive bootlegs and signature tracks.
Steve Aoki
December 27 – Pier 94
Before Afrojack takes over on New Years, party animal Steve Aoki is headlining Pier 94 along with superstars Benny Benassi and the Nervo twins. Aoki’s high energy sets feature everything from champagne baths to white water rafting atop the crowd. You have to see it to believe.
Benny Benassi
December 26 – Pacha
The ‘Satisfaction’ hit-maker was one of the first names in EDM to break through to the mainstream, and he’s still around, as big as ever, crushing the boards. If you can’t catch him with Aoki the next night, get to Pacha on the 26th – the best way to rage a Wednesday.
The Late Night Shows
Zon Rise New Years Eve Featuring Horizon Wireless, Subset, Business Casual Disco, Speakerbot, More.
December 31st – Club 39
If you’re looking to party all night long this New Year’s Eve, the only place to go super late is is Club 39 for Live For Live Music and Mr. Bugsly’s Zon Rise New Years Eve. From 4:30am until practically lunch time, Club 39 will be bumping with sets from Horizon Wireless, Subset, Speakerbot, and Business Casual Disco.
Tommy Trash
December 31 – Webster Hall
After the ball has dropped and you’ve sipped the champagne, Webster Hall is re-opening at 3:30am for a super late night set from electro-house DJ Tommy Trash. The long haired rock star looking producer has been gaining major traction with his recent releases, so expect the show to be rocking all night.
Royal Family Presents: Nigel Hall Band w/ Special Guests
December 31st- Blue Note Jazz Club
Nigel Hall is an honest, humble guardian of soul music. When asked about himself, Nigel reflects, “I’m just someone who lives, eats, drinks music.” This ethic becomes clear as soon as Nigel takes the stage. Whether he is leading his own band, performing solo, or, fronting bands like Soulive and Lettuce, he instantly commands the attention of the audience. Expect Royal Family Label bandmates there.
Zach Deputy
December 30 – Gramercy Theater
The one man band himself will take the stage late night so you can run to the Gramercy right after Phish. Deputy brings a relaxed vibe and mixes it with loops made on the fly to create a unique performance.
Wyllys, The Heavy Pets, Kung Fu, Speakerbot
December 30 – Rebel
This massive after party boasts several different rooms for a variety of musical style. The line-up is packed, with Wyllys and his live band, The NY Hustlers Ensemble, Florida based jam-band The Heavy Pets, L4LM favorites Kung Fu, and disco fiend Speakerbot.
Dead Sessions
December 30 – Highline Ballroom
If you think the best way to wind down your night is with some tunes by the Grateful Dead, Dead Sessions are bringing along the Vermont All Stars for a late night jam fest.
Rebirth Brass Band
December 29 – Gramercy Theater
If New Orleans funk is more your style, the legendary Rebirth Brass Band is playing a special late night set, in addition to their regular show. Rebirth Brass Band have been on stage for over twenty years, bringing that NOLA sound all across America.
Cyro Baptista’s Beat The Donkey
December 29 – Le Poisson Rouge
It’s a Trey Anastasio Band party at Le Poisson Rouge as Cyro Baptista’s bringing his Beat The Donkey project to New York City, along with fellow Trey Anastasio Band members Jennifer Hartswick, Natalie Cressman, and James Casey. After you see Big Red at Madison Square Garden, check out his friends at LPR.
Marco Benevento
December 28 – Highline Ballroom
Marco Benevento has become one of the most respected names in the jam scene through his many projects such as Benevento/Russo Duo, Bustle In Your Hedgerow, Garage A Trois, and GRAB with Mike Gordon, Trey Anastasio, and Joe Russo. His solo shows feature a blend of piano-based covers and original compositions that are a perfect fit for a late night dance party.
Start Making Sense
December 28 – Gramercy Theater
The East Coast’s premiere Talking Heads tribute act plays all your favorites and then some. Expect the suits and the same Talking Heads stage presence you’d expect.
Madeon
December 28 – Webster Hall
While not technically an after party, this French prodigy will take the stage late enough for you to catch him after your earlier entertainment. While still young, Madeon has gained a reputation for awesome live shows drawing huge crowds, where he shows off his insane sampling skills live through his MPC.
The Main Squeeze
December 28- B.B. Kings
This Indiana funk band has recently been making some serious waves in the music scene. The show is dubbed as a Phish after party and they will be playing a few originals and some “funkified” covers!
Atlantic City
Tiesto
December 31st – Ovation Hall/HQ Nightclub Late Night
While he usually headlines festival stages for tens of thousands of people, Tiesto will ring in the New Year at Atlantic City’s Ovation Hall for the city’s biggest New Years Eve throwdown. The legendary DJ has been putting on unforgettable live shows for over a decade, so expect nothing short of amazing on New Years Eve. For a late night throwdown, the DJ is taking the stage at Revel Hotel’s HQ Nightclub.
Kaskade
December 30 – HQ Nightclub
Kaskade is one of the biggest names in electronic music, and he toured extensively this year to sold out shows in support of his album ‘Fire and Ice’. The superstar has tons of huge anthems in his repertoire, and throws them all together into a memorable set.
Alesso
December 29 – HQ Nightclub
Over the past two years, Alesso has risen through the ranks of electronic artists through collaborations with huge stars, eventually making a name for himself as a superstar of the genre. He’s bringing rising star Otto Knows along for back to back sets of house music bliss.
Shermanology
December 29 – MIXX
The trio, signed to Afrojack’s JACKED label, were responsible for one of this year’s biggest anthems, ‘Can’t Stop Me Now’. Their live shows are full of energy, mixing pumping house music with live vocal performances.
Axwell
December 28 – HQ Nightclub
Swedish House Mafia is about to embark on ‘One Last Tour’, but that doesn’t mean the individual members can’t get it in with solo DJ sets. Axwell, responsible for many hits in his own right, will take the stage at HQ Nightlife, and is sure to play a bunch of Swedish House Mafia favorites.
Sebastian Ingrosso
December 27 – HQ Nightclub
Another Swedish House Mafia Member, Sebastian Ingrosso, will also grace HQ with his presence on the 27th. Expect the same thing – a mix of current hits, solo tracks, and Swedish House Mafia favorites.
