Abbey Pub Hot-shit hip-hopper RJD2, still coasting on the success of this year’s "Since We Last Spoke" and a string of earlier Chicago performances, is returning to the Abbey Pub for a New Year’s dance party. Delivering an eclectic mix of soulful samples, punishing guitar riffs and precise production, he brought down the house last time he played at the Abbey. This time should be no different. Show starts at 9 p.m. Cost: $30 in advance, $35 at the door
Bottom Lounge Mixing earnest folk flourishes with the youthful exuberance and abandon of punk, the Ike Reilly Assassination filter rock riffs through its own outlaw sensibilities. Adding to the mix are Reilly’s lyrics, which unravel tall tales of outcasts and sinners in a Tom Waits’ fashion. Show starts at 8 p.m. Cost: $30
Double Door The dynamic duo that composes Local H creates a thick wail of power chords and hyperactive drumming that belie its lack of bandmates. Joined by raucous garage rockers the Detroit Cobras, they’ll fit right in at the down and dirty Double Door. Admission includes free well drinks, soda, wine, water and the night’s real main attraction, beer. Show starts at 9 p.m. Cost: $55
Elbo Room Continuing an annual tradition, this cozy music club made for up-and-coming bands will have a laid-back New Year’s Eve with DJ Tony Healy. He’ll mix a set of eclectic rock and pop. Cover includes open bar from 9 p.m. until midnight and a champagne toast. Cost: $60
Empty Bottle This rock concert is the place to get piss drunk and party. Two of Chicago’s most balls-out new bands, the slimy garage rockers the Ponys and the multi-faceted math rockers 90 Day Men, will turn up the amps to eleven in front of their hometown crowd. Another local crew, Pit er Pat opens the show. Don’t miss the champagne and malt liquor toasts at midnight. Show starts at 10 p.m. Cost: $20
FitzGerald’s This venerable roadhouse in Berwyn, host to a variety of blues, jazz, Cajun and country acts, is bringing in the Marcia Bell Blues Band to ring in the New Year. Admission includes top shelf open bar, food, party favors and more. The show starts at 8 p.m. Cost: $80
Green Dolphin Entertaining a large crowd at home on New Year’s is a worthy goal, but much like tempting the gods in a great Greek epic, it can leave you poor, bewildered, and lost. Enter the Green Dolphin, who will throw the classy party you wish you could pull off. Dinner starts early, with an appetizer bar and gourmet buffet, and ends with a dessert buffet and an early morning breakfast bar. A premium open bar should loosen you up enough to dance to the big band sounds of the Business. Cost: $100-$200
HotHouse A respected jazzman that’s performed with McCoy Tyner, Eddie Harris and Lonnie Liston Smith, singer Andy Bey recorded his first album when he was only 13. His deep, thick voice and commanding range have earned him a small but devoted following during his many decades as a musician. The intimate setting of the HotHouse is an ideal venue for this rare appearance. Show starts at 10 p.m. Cost: $75
House of Blues Fans of gruff, alternative rock have a big decision to make, since the House of Blues is putting on two great shows. San Francisco’s Train will play on the main stage with openers Gavin DeGraw and Ingram Hill. If the sellout derails your plans, the deranged country-rock group Cracker will play at the Back Porch Restaurant. Train begins at 9 p.m. Cracker starts at 10 p.m. Cost: Train, sold out (makes the choice a little easier); Cracker, $20 at the door and $15 in advance.
Logan Square Auditorium If you’re looking for an over-the-top band to headline on the most depraved and debaucherous night of the year, Chicago’s Urge Overkill certainly fills the bill. Recently reunited, these medallion-clad rockers from the ‘90s who worship at the altar of Cheap Trick should kick out more than a few jams for the kiddies. Cover includes a champagne toast at midnight. Special surprise bands will be announced later. Show starts at 8 p.m. and is 18 and over. Cost: $40
Martyrs' Chicago rock chameleons Tributosaurus will morph into the iconic Who for a night of mod madness. Expect to hear all the hits, from "Pinball Wizard" to "Baba O’Reilly." Hopefully you won’t party like Keith Moon. Show starts at 9 p.m. Cost: $20
Metro Raise a Bud Light in tribute: this is really the end. Iconic indie rockers Guided by Voices are ending their nearly two-decade run as one of the underground’s most loved bands. Fitting that it’d cash in its chips at the Metro. The show is already sold out. Show starts at 10 p.m. Cost: $75; sold out
Navy Pier Grand Ballroom Chicago’s official party is docking at Navy Pier, and it appears to have lifted some of the more annoying traits of other city-sponsored bashes. The rock act headlining in the Grand Ball Room, alternative also-rans Big Head Todd and the Monsters, aren’t exactly stellar. The basic ticket package gives you 10 food and drink tickets in a very Taste of Chicago move. And, of course, the fireworks go off at midnight. In addition, DJ Rolando will spin in the Tom Tom Club and ABC 7 will camp out in the Ballroom. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or at 312-559-1212. Cost: $67-$99
Schubas Toast with a little twang at this alt-country night at one of Chicago’s most comfy clubs. Bloodshot artist Bobby Bare Jr. will perform and preach from atop the intimate stage with his whole Nashville band in tow. Label mate Nora O’ Connor will also help usher in 2005. Cost: $15
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