Hope everyone has had a happy holiday season, it has been a busy one on my end, but I wanted to be sure to come back and drop my picks for New Year’s Eve! If you are like me and have had your New Years’ of past run the gamut from clubs, to house parties, to church, to work, I have to say my favorite way to spend New Year’s is at a concert. It provides space and place to drink and dance with all your friends, and no cheesy midnight champagne toast, which is never worth the extra $50+ that some places will charge you.

Now my SPARKS for New. Year’s Eve:

Tuesday 12.31.13

Discotheque Burlesque | The Beehive | Boston | Ticket Link                                                          Featuring The AB’s w/ Sinclair Jennings 

The Beehive in Boston’s South End reminds me of a hip French Bistro complete with red velvet curtains and plenty of bubbly on the menu.  On this last night of the year you can choose to enjoy the evening with a full buffet by Executive Chef Marc Orfaly ($125), or just come for the show itself ($85). Aaron and Amy Bellamy lead the  AB’s featuring the soulful Sinclair Jennings on vocals.  Expect plenty of soul, r&b and funk jams to dance your way into 2014. A burlesque show by Calamity Chang, Lil’ Steph, and Stormy Leather rounds out this evening sure to invigorate you for a fantastic 2014!

Bad Rabbits w/Bearstronaut | Sinclair | Cambridge | Ticket Link

2013 Boston Music Award winners for Artist of the Year, Bad Rabbits, join Electronic Artists of the Year, Beartronaut for a slamming New Years at the Sinclair in Harvard Square.  Both groups are sure to bring their “A” game for the hometown crowd as they rock and funk your way into 2014. It’s going to get hot in there, so come prepared to sweat! A pre-show prix fixe meal by Executive Chef Matt Cunningham in the adjoining restaurant is sure to dazzle and give the necessary energy for a fun filled evening to come! Unfortunately, the show is already sold out, but you may get lucky on Stub Hub, Craigslist, or a friend with extras!

Soulive w/the London Souls | Paradise Rock Club | Boston | Ticket Link

The epic soul, funk, jazz trio will continue its tradition of ringing in the New Year at the Paradise on Commonwealth Ave. over the course of two nights. Expect special guests and familiar faces in the crowd, as there are many who return to this bumping party year after year. With opening tunes by the rockin’ London Souls this night will literally have your soul smiling as we traverse into the New Year. One night not enough to shake you out of 2013? Start the party Monday night and make it a double header!

So I have been checking out the year end ‘Best Of 2013’ lists on several websites, here are a few of my favorites:

Top 10 Releases of 2013 – The Brain Trust

Best Music Videos of 2013 – Refinery 29

Top 50 Albums of 2013 – Pitchfork

Top 10 Music Videos of 2013– The Brain Trust

I have to say no list covered everything, but I do agree that music videos made a comeback in 2013! And the one who did it best BEYONCE!!!