See also: Why 2014 Was a Breakout Year for Experimental Music in Denver
The Bouncing Souls Bluebird Theater Dec 30-31, $27.50-$36 Celebrate the New Years by pogo-ing like it's 1999 with the Bouncing Souls. If you think about it, New Years is just an arbitrary recognition of the passing of time, so embrace the nihilism and mosh and scream with the rest of the punks in Denver. If you love cheap beer, downing whiskey shots and listening to loud, fast music with mohawk sporting dudes, this is the only place you should be when 2015 arrives.The Chris Robinson Brotherhood Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom Dec 30-31, $20- $50 If you are a fan of the Black Crowes, then going to see the Chris Robinson Brotherhood (the side-project of the Black Crowes frontman) is mandatory. The night will be full of long alt-rock jams, probably a cover of "Blue Suede Shoes" (which the band released in 2012). Considering how busy the band is, they may not be back in Colorado for a while, and the Black Crowes might now be either, so ring in the New Year with this rare Denver show.
Itchy-O 3 Kings Tavern Dec 31, $30 If you like parties with loud music, tons of dancing and a giant masked marching band, then Itchy-O is the New Years show of your dreams. You may have heard the stories of the insanity that is an Itchy-O show, and we won't spoil anything for you, but if you haven't experienced one by the time 2014 becomes 2015, well than you've failed as a Denver resident. This show will be the definition of celebratory fun, which is what all New Years shows should be, and you should be right in the middle of the crowd celebrating too. Lucero Gothic Theatre Dec 30-31, $27.75-$50 If you want to stay away from the New Years madness that will be descending on Colfax and downtown, take Broadway south all the way to Englewood to check out Lucero and some innovative country music. The band mixes country and punk together. It's unique, and damn fun to listen to. Take your sweetheart and dance the 2014 away at the Gothic. Howl New Year's Eve Syntax Physic Opera Dec 31, $35- VIP $130 We've written before about some of the reasons you should include Syntax in your New Year's Eve plans, and their Howl's New Year's Eve event is the latest. This isn't just a show, it's an event. "Dance out the demons of your past," the description on the site starts, and it's a good indication of how unique this New Year's Eve party will be. There is a set menu dinner, a performance by local heroes Land Lines, video installations, and it's all hosted by "the most revered snake oil salesman in the West." We have no idea what that means, but we do know you should go ahead and get tickets, because New Years at Syntax is sure to be one you won't forget. Yonder Mountain String Band Boulder Theater Dec 31, $35-$65/4-day pass $160 Is there anything that says "Colorado New Years Eve" like counting down to midnight with the Yonder Mountain String Band at the Boulder Theater? Whether you're a native or just moved to the Front Range, this is the show to attend if you want to ring in 2015 in the most Colorado fashion possible. Grab a craft beer at the bar and listen to some of the best bluegrass this fine state offers as you ring in the new year. Colorado Symphony Orchestra Boettcher Concert Hall Dec 31, $22-$84 New Year's Eve is always a great excuse to class it up. Finally wear those high heels you splurged on or wear that suit you spent too much money on and have only worn once. Why not make it the classiest New Year's ever by dressing to the nines, pretending you're the heir of some vast gold mine fortune and attending the Colorado Symphony. You can order fancy champagne, make jokes about how passe Beethoven is, and then listen to some the best classical performers in the state. The Drop New Year's Eve VIE Nightclub Dec 31, $40-$1600 VIE, Denver's newest nightclub, is hosting one of the biggest New Year's Eve parties in the city. You may not be able to afford the $1600 VIP package that includes too many fancy things to name here. But for $40 you can still attend, drink fancy cocktails and dance to the sounds of DJ Ecotek. If you think New Year's is for downing complicated shots and getting down on the dance floor, you need to be at VIE. It's going to be a massive, insane party, and if those adjectives appeal to you, then make some reservations asap so you can kiss someone at midnight on the dancefloor of VIE. STS9 Fillmore Auditorium Dec 31, $37.50 - $75/3-day passes $150-$250 This instrumental jam band has been through Colorado so many times they are basically an institution here. There lengthy, psychedelic jams are nothing but a fun time, and it's guaranteed you'll be smiling and dancing with that clock strikes midnight. More entertaining than the band might just be the crowd, which will undoubtedly full of loyal fans. Strike up a conversation with one about which of the eleven albums is the best, everyplace they've seen the Tribe, and dance the year away.• BACKBEAT'S GREATEST HITS •
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