T.J. Howell at U.S. Bank Eve
Here is this week's critics' choice calendar. The Guide provides an extended listing of events in and around Madison.
Friday 12.27
NOTEWORTHY: Spain becomes democracy after 40 years of dictatorship, 1978.
Frequency, 9 pm. Also Thursday, Dec. 26, 9 pm
The Madison-raised hip-hop artist shows up for his yearly yuletide visit, performing songs from his first full-length album, Fearless Beauty, and giving gifts to a family from a local shelter. (See Music.)
Saturday 12.28
UW Humanities Building's Mills Hall, 1 pm
Jim Latimer's ensemble presents its annual free concert -- called "Our Gift to You" -- for music lovers seeking live entertainment between Christmas and New Year's. It's fun for the whole family, with a range of classical, jazz and holiday music arranged for this unique instrumentation.
Sunday 12.29
NOTEWORTHY: First American YMCA opens in Boston, 1851.
Monday 12.30
NOTEWORTHY: United Auto Workers union stages its first sitdown strike, 1936.
Tuesday 12.31
Keva Sports Center-Middleton (4-8 pm); Prairie Athletic Club, Olbrich Botanical Gardens (5-8 pm); U.S. Bank Plaza, Monona Terrace (6-10 pm)
Most New Year's Eve parties are for guests age 21 and older, but people younger than that want to celebrate, too. This event is geared toward people way younger -- namely, kids, who can usher in 2014 with activities and entertainment at five locations.
Claddagh New Year's Eve Bash
Claddagh Irish Pub, Middleton, 5 pm
Ring in 2014 in both Ireland and the U.S. with a complimentary Guinness toast at 6 pm and a champagne toast at midnight. With Irish music by Kilkenny (5 pm) and DJ Suzie (8 pm).
Five Nightclub, 5 pm
The LGBT-friendly club kicks off an evening of retro fun with line dancing at 6 pm. Tim Walters will DJ throughout the event, during which attendees can glimpse gorgeous go-go boys and drag queens.
Happyoke
High Noon Saloon, 5:30 pm. Also Brocach Irish Pub-Square, 10 pm
Grab the mic at this karaoke event with live accompaniment by the Gomers. Song choices include "She Drives Me Crazy" by Fine Young Cannibals, which can be performed in styles such as reggae and polka.
Liliana's New Year's Eve Party
Liliana's Restaurant, Fitchburg, 5:30 pm
The restaurant will provide a five-course meal, plus free champagne and noisemakers, and the Rand Moore Quartet will serve up fresh jazz all night long. Reservations required.
Comedy Club on State, 5:30, 8 & 10 pm
Chortle your way into 2014 with a night of standup comedy. Ernst has honed his act on Comedy Central and Showtime; he's supported by Matt Lauria and Jackson Jones.
Come Back In and Essen Haus New Year's Eve Celebration
Come Back In and Essen Haus, 6 pm
Two bars join forces for a six-hour marathon of merrymaking that includes old-world dishes such as schnitzel and sauerkraut. Live at Nine perform at Come Back In around 9 pm as the David Austin Band launch a polka party at Essen Haus.
African Association of Madison New Year's Eve Gala
Sheraton Madison Hotel, 7 pm
Dinner begins at 7 pm, and a community awards presentation follows. The rest of the night will be devoted to music and dancing, with a champagne toast at midnight.
Marriott-West, Middleton, 7 pm
Doors open at 7 pm for dinner, followed by a 9 pm concert of heavy rock by California's Smile Empty Soul. With post-grunge act Tantric and alt-rock band Acidic.
Red Zone's New Year's Eve Party
Red Zone, 7 pm
The sports bar features a free champagne toast at midnight, along with music by WheelHouse, Falcon and Michael Alexander & Big Whiskey.
Majestic Theatre, 8 pm
DJs Nick Nice and Mike Carlson present dance hits from a century of music history, in chronological order: from early jazz to Lady Gaga and Deadmau5.
Dueling Pianos: Josh Dupont vs. Chris Lange
Ivory Room, 8 pm
Two show-stopping pianists face off with tunes chosen by the audience. Be ready to sing, laugh and tip profusely.
Goodman Community Center, 8 pm
Seeking a booze-free bash? Watch this local folk duo play a humorous, Wisconsin-centric concert to raise money for the community center's programs.
Ladies of the '80s, Rock It Science
Ho-Chunk Gaming, 8 pm
This free, four-hour show features Ladies of the '80s, who honor more than 30 female icons; and Rock It Science, who cover tunes by the Bangles, Journey and more.
Plan B's New Year's Eve Celebration
Plan B, 8 pm
The LGBT club encourages visitors to don attire worthy of the gods and goddesses for a celebration of drink and dance featuring DJ Amos Smith. A buffet will appear around 1 am, and specials at the bar will keep everyone in a hedonistic mood.
Club Tavern's New Year's Eve Bash
Club Tavern, Middleton, 8:30 pm
Shake your moneymaker all night at this celebration featuring a music and lights show by DJ Clint Whitehorse. Other perks include door prizes and a 5 am breakfast buffet.
Cardinal Bar's New Year's Eve Party
Cardinal Bar, 9 pm
DJs Chamo, Radish and Wangzoom challenge guests to dance from 9 pm to 6 am with Latin-inspired music and more.
Mason Lounge, 9 pm
Guitar-driven jazz is this local group's bread and butter. They're likely to slather their New Year's Eve set in many different varieties of the genre, from bebop to fusion.
Knuckle Down Saloon, 9 pm
Though this band tend to play R&B, their frontwoman's gospel and soul roots shine through in her meaty vocals.
Brink Lounge, 9 pm
Usher in the new year with Aaron Williams & the Hoodoo's gritty, gutsy blues and the Beth Kille Band's country-flavored rock.
DLUX, 9 pm
This celebration kicks off with an open bar featuring 12-year scotches from Glenfiddich and lots of fancy cocktails. Work up an appetite on the dance floor as DJ Eugene Craven blasts celebratory tracks.
DJs Vilas Park Sniper and Bruce Blaq
Great Dane-Downtown, 9 pm
The downtown Dane enters 2014 on a bold note with hip-hop jams that bring out the crowd's wild side.
The Fountain, 9 pm
This act performs groovy jazz tunes fueled by a Hammond organ.
Frequency New Year's Eve Blowout
Frequency, 9 pm
You'll find plenty of fist-pumping at this hard-rocking celebration featuring Whisky Pig, Pussy Vulturez, Bereft, Underground Day 1 and the Moguls.
High Noon Saloon New Year's Eve Party
High Noon Saloon, 9 pm
Local musicians portray Guns n' Roses heartthrobs like Axl Rose and the bearded badasses of ZZ Top, among others, at this evening of tribute acts. With DJ Lovecraft and the Disc Jockey.
Great Dane-Hilldale, 9 pm
Tracks from DJ AudioMaxx and live Celtic rock by the Kissers will help the crowd get jiggy.
Inferno, 9 pm
Enjoy house and techno beats from three notable Chicago DJs: Robert Armani and Mark and Karl Almaria.
Young Professionals New Year's Eve
Hilton-Monona Terrace, 9 pm
This party and networking event is also a fundraiser for the Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund. The festivities go until 2 am, and DJ Aaron Jai provides tunes throughout the night.
Crystal Corner Bar, 9:30 pm
All aboard for a night of emotion-laden Chicago blues.
Christy's Landing, 9:30 pm
There's no cover for this three-hour party filled with music and libations. But the biggest draw may be the views of Lake Waubesa, which looks enchanting in the moonlight.
Harmony Bar, 9:45 pm
This eight-piece plays R&B, soul and funk with juicy bass lines and lots of heart.
Mickey's Tavern, 10 pm
Fire Retarded and Cribshitter play rock that's explosive in the best possible way. Venus in Furs should draw a crowd with their super-fun fusion of surf-rock and disco.
Natt Spil, 10 pm
Begin 2014 in style by seeing what DJs Tolerance and Zukas bring to the cool downtown hangout.
Segredo, 10 pm
The Great Gatsby is the theme of this party featuring a balloon drop, confetti and a 5 am breakfast. Dirty Disco Kidz and DJs Billy the Kid, Mad Major Melvin, Ryet and Mr. Jones will inspire dance-floor moves that would make a flapper blush.
WORT Benefit with the Mustache
Alchemy Cafe, 10 pm
Funk band the Mustache play from 11 pm to 3 am, pausing at midnight for a complimentary champagne toast.
Tempest Oyster Bar, 10 pm
A soul act fronted by skillful local jazz singer Alison Margaret tugs at heartstrings with music by Booker T.
Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Band
Sardine, 10:30 pm
This local ensemble's music is built around infectious rhythms that are ideal for salsa dancing.
Merchant's Late-Night New Year's Party
Merchant, 11 pm
DJs Wes3 and Phil Money hit the decks for a party that goes until sunrise. The accessory of choice will be a handcrafted cocktail.
Wednesday 1.1
NOTEWORTHY: Euro currency introduced in 11 countries, 1999.
Thursday 1.2
NOTEWORTHY: Viet Cong win first major victory in Vietnam War's Battle of Ap Bac, 1963.
Edited by Crumpet the Elf
