As Pink might say, “Raise your glass,” and get ready to ring in 2014.
While some of us might choose to order a pizza and curl up on the couch with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin, thousands of metro Atlantans will venture out on Dec. 31 in search of entertainment.
The annual Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta — ready to celebrate its 25th year — is always a major draw. This year's headliner is Atlanta-based soul-funk adventurer Janelle Monáe, with "Anchorman" actor David Koechner serving as host (check www.peachdrop.com for updates).
But if you’re looking for something a little more intimate — and sure, 4,500 people at the Fox or 17,000 at Philips Arena can be considered tightknit — here are some options to consider.
Age restrictions have been noted where applicable, but it’s always a good idea to check with the venue before buying tickets.
New Year’s Eve Black Comedy Explosion with Cedric the Entertainer
He’s a stand-up comedian, a TV star (currently on TV Land’s “The Soul Man”), a game show host (he took over “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” this fall) and a familiar movie face (“Barbershop”). Might Cedric the Entertainer (aka Cedric Antonio Kyles) be the hardest-working man in showbiz this side of Steve Harvey? Oh yeah, he was the co-star of “The Steve Harvey Show,” too. Case closed.
8 p.m. $63.65-$143.50. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499.
Drivin’ N’ Cryin’
Atlanta’s Southern rockers played a triumphant set at Music Midtown this year, and the band isn’t ready to take its feet off the gas pedals. They’re in the midst of a string of shows with Collective Soul frontman Ed Roland and his side band, the Sweet Tea Project, that culminates with this New Year’s Eve gig. DNC also will release an EP, “Songs for the Turntable,” on Jan. 14 and return to the road for a full-scale tour in February. The band also recently welcomed lead guitarist Aaron Lee Tasjan to the DNC family.
With Ed Roland and the Sweet Tea Project. 9 p.m. $30 (in advance) and $35 (day of show). Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-524-7354.
Florida Georgia Line
“Baby you a song / You make me wanna roll my windows down and cruise.” Perhaps you’ve heard that chorus at some point in 2013? Maybe even the version with Nelly rapping on it? No doubt, the duo of Brian Kelley (the recently married Florida one) and Tyler Hubbard (the Monroe, Ga., one) has experienced a beyond-breakout year with “Cruise.” But the boys quickly skipped the One Hit Wonder ditch with follow-up No. 1s “Get Your Shine On,” “Round Here” and “Stay.” Purists snarl at this newly termed “bro country” (see: Bryan, Luke), but radio and consumers lap it up, so resistance, it seems, is futile.
With the Chris Lane Band. 8 p.m. Sold out. Wild Bill’s, 2075 Market St., Duluth. 1-800-745-3000.
Widespread Panic
The legendary Athens-based jam band resumed playing full-blown electric shows earlier this year — including a two-night stand at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Alpharetta — but hasn’t performed one of its hallowed New Year’s dates at Philips Arena since 2009-10.
Widespread Panic holds the venue’s record with 17 sold-out performances. On Dec. 30, they’ll play a special gig at Atlanta Symphony Hall (sorry, that one is sold out) before cranking up an epic party for Philips Arena.
With the Megablasters Horn Section. 9 p.m. $65-$75. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000.
STS9
The instrumental electronic-funk-jazz-hip-hop group that started in Atlanta more than a decade ago is setting up a mini-residency at the Tabernacle starting Dec. 27 and closing out New Year’s Eve (which they also did in 2011). The run will mark the band’s 30th performance at the venue, the most of any other (see: Panic, Widespread and Philips Arena). The group officially known as Sound Tribe Sector 9 is extremely active in social causes (most recently Colorado Flood Relief) and will return to the road in January.
With Project Aspect. 9 p.m. $75 (all ages). The Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000.
Who’s Bad — The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band
Sure, tribute bands can’t compare to the real thing. But this MJ homage is world recognized, and fronted by Joseph Bell (aka “JoBell”), who hails from Hartford, Conn., but lives in Atlanta. The group tackles a range of the Jackson repertoire, from “ABC” to “Working Day and Night” to “Man in the Mirror.” What better way to spend NYE than practicing your moonwalk?
9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. $115 (all inclusive). Park Tavern, 500 10th St. N.E., Atlanta. www.xorbia.com/.
Gringo Star
The Atlanta-based indie rockers recently released a new album, “Floating Out to See,” available on iTunes via their label, My Anxious Mouth. The band plans to have vinyl copies available at its shows, so pack some cash.
With Turf War and Mamma Bear. 9:30 p.m. $7 (in advance) and $10 (day of show). 21 and older. The Earl, 488 Flat Shoals Ave. S.E., Atlanta. 1-877-725-8849.
More ideas for New Year's Eve
