Whether 2017 was a rough one or a never-ending year of bliss, there’s always one night to send it off the right way. The ball will be dropping when the clock strikes midnight on December 31 and a new year will be upon us. In Rhode Island, there’s going to be a ton of live music going down. Numerous venues are going to be packed and open late. For the sake of lists and telling you how to have a good time on New Year’s Eve, here are seven shows to check out in The Ocean State.
Los Duderinos @ Pour Judgement | 32 Broadway Newport
Every Sunday at a little bar in the heart of Newport there’s a weird band that does a fun mix of covers and originals. They’re known as Los Duderinos and since New Year’s Eve is falling on a Sunday this time around they’ll be bringing hot jams to Pour Judgement. Formal attire is suggested so bring your finest suit or your most gorgeous dress. There also might be a “portal of exquisite tequila vapor” being opened right in time for 2018. If you want to know what exactly that means, then show up and enjoy yourself. 10pm / 21+ / Free
Queen Anne’s Revenge, Eclectic Electric, Nate Cozzolino & The Lost Arts and Sunday Drive @ News Café | 43 Broad Street Pawtucket
The good folks at C9 Productions put on this wide-ranging rock show at the coolest dive in The Bucket. Sunday Drive is an acoustic alt-rock project from ex-Sweet Release drummer Corey Chabot that includes fellow ex-Sweet Release members John Clifford and Mike Marchand along with C9 Productions’ owner David Begin joining in. Nate Cozzolino will be performing his unique style of acoustic rock with a revolving cast of bandmates. Quinten Ouellette on drums, George Petrus on guitar and Thomas McCorry on bass make up Eclectic Electric and their shredding sound. East Providence grunge act Queen Anne’s Revenge will be rounding out the bill for what should be a great night. 7pm / 18+ / $7
Churchburn, Wreak, Red Mantis, Black Acid Prophecy @ Alchemy | 71 Richmond Street 2nd Floor Providence
If you’re the type who likes it loud and you enjoy banging your head, then Alchemy is the place you want to be on New Year’s Eve. Churchburn headlines a stacked metal bill and their brand of thrash is amazing. Wreak is another thrash act that exhibits a plethora of intensity and Red Mantis is as a mix of punk and metal that’s fast-paced. Black Acid Prophecy will please the folks who prefer the doom side of the style. The walls are going to shake at Alchemy when this goes down and it’ll never let up. 9pm / All Ages / $10
The Agents & DJ Shzz Mack @ The Parlour | 1119 North Main Street Providence
Reggae legends The Agents will be bringing the vibe to The Parlour for an evening that will be bringing the dancing feeling. They’ll be performing two sets so it’ll be twice the fun. Soul & funk record spinner Shzz Mack will be DJ’ng in between performances to keep the energy up to a steady level. It’s a prime opportunity to see a killer band that has been repping Providence for decades in an up close setting. It’ll also be a great way to make a few new friends. 10pm / 21+ / $20
Atlantic Thrills, Civility, Karis Owen & The Dead L.A. @ Dusk | 301 Harris Avenue Providence
New Year’s Eve at Dusk is always a special time. There’s usually an eclectic rock bill, a bunch of food and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. This time around Dusk has garage rock wonders Atlantic Thrills, gothic post-punks Civility, post-hardcore screamers Karis Owen and the return of the bluesy jam known as The Dead L.A. There’s also going to be a lot of dancing going on until the early morning hours. Don’t forget to grab a grilled cheese from Puggles too so the taste buds will be happy. 9pm / 18+ / $7
The Silks & The Copacetics @ The Met | 1005 Main Street Pawtucket
Two of the best bands in Rhode Island will be taking the stage at The Met for a musical clash. The Silks ooze blues while having a ‘70s bar rock aesthetic that goes for the soul. Classic ska and righteous rhythms are The Copacetics’ forte and they know how to bring a very fun experience. Both bands are top tier and they both have quality talents. It’s also a cool melding of styles that should complement each other well. 9pm / All Ages / $15
Ian Fitzgerald & Something Else, Smith & Weeden, The Low Cards and Geraldine @ Columbus Theatre | 270 Broadway Providence
Over in Providence’s west end, there’s going to be a fantastic night of rock & roll going down at the Columbus Theatre. Singer-songwriter Ian Fitzgerald will be joined by a backing band consisting of Seamus Weeden on lead guitar, MorganEve Swain on upright bass and fiddle and James Maple on drums. Weeden’s other band, Smith & Weeden, will also be performing and showing why they’re one of the most talented rock bands in the New England area. The Low Cards will be getting swampy while Geraldine brings an abundance of versatility. It should be a pristine experience in a stellar place to see live music.