Our weekly column has been pre-empted for the following special announcement. New Year’s Eve is slightly more than a week away, and if you are like me, you have absolutely no idea what to do. Well, I’m just about to make it harder for you.
Wallpaper (Club 1994) at Paradise Lounge
Oakland’s electro-funk party starters will be ringing in the new year with 90’s pop DJ’s spinning the middle school jams. Balloon drop at midnight and 90’s themed photo booth as well, just to help encourage the need to cabbage patch.
The Roots w/ Orgone at The Warfield
Jimmy Fallon has been hogging the greatest live band in the world for far too long… Chances to see them have been fewer and further between, and tonight you’ll be getting them in their loosest and happiest form. Opening is LA funk band Orgone.
X w/ Dave Gleason & The Golden Cadillacs and The Heavenly States at Slim’s
Original line up X has been back together for quite a few years now, and without any new material, you know you’ll get the classics. They also still play with an insane energy and are even pissier than they were in 1980.
“The Penny Pinchers Ball” at Annie’s Social Club
The greatest bar in San Francisco, and home to many a great rock n roll show is closing its doors, but is going out with a bang. Champagne toast at midnight, rock n roll DJs, and the greatest karaoke playlist in the world. Wanna sing “Germ Free Adolescents” to ring out the worst decade in history? Here’s your chance!
The Lovemakers w/ Hot Tub and Dirty Bird at Ghost Town Gallery Warehouse
Word on the street is that local dirty synth rockers The Lovemakers are ending their seven year run with a special NYE show in their hometown of Oakland, CA.
Sea Of Dreams 2010: Ozomatli, Bassnectar, Ghostland Observatory, The Yard Dogs Road Show, and more at Concourse Exhibition Center
In the past, this show had always been headlined by String Cheese Incident. Happily, the show keeps continuing with LA’s hip-hop/funk/rock superstars Ozomatli, along with electro-jam band Bassnectar, synth popsters Ghostland Observatory, and cabaret-grass band The Yard Dogs Road Show as headliners. There’s also going to be DJ dancing and all sorts of Burning Man inspired zaniness.
Brett Dennen and Friends w/ ALO and Sambada at The Fox Theater – Oakland
Local folky Brett Dennen plays his first headlining show at home this year, and is bringing along a bunch of surprises. His first one is a free holiday EP from him and his friends!
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue w/ Zigaboo Modeliste & The New Aahkesstra at The Independent
He doesn’t play trombone. He does groove well. It’s going to be a high energy evening of chaos and fun.
Maus Haus w/ Battlehooch at Hemlock Tavern
The most Danny Elfman-friendly NYE party. It’s also only $10, making it one of the cheapest nights of fun. Fun and dark electronic music made to scare you in a happy way.
Les Claypool w/ Khi Darang at The Fillmore
Primus’ New Year’s Eve Freakouts were legendary. With Primus working part time only these days, Les has taken it upon himself to keep the tradition alive and weird.
Squirrel Nut Zippers w/ Steve Soto & The Twisted Hearts at Cafe du Nord
Squirrel Nut Zippers were arguably the best of the 90’s swing revival. Live, they are a force to be reckoned with, and this show is destined to be a fantastic time.
Stanton Warriors, Syd Gris, Dex Stakker and more at Mighty
If you love British breakbeat DJs, you know the Stanton Warriors, and you love them. They don’t get to San Francisco too often, and this show runs until 5AM. No clue when they’ll take the decks, but it’ll probably be long after your favorite band above has left the stage.
Annie’s the Greatest bar in San Francisco?
Oh, Dakin. I know you like the underdog, but that’s just silly.