{{Midwest}} MPLS: Music to our Ears for the New Year

Still trying to decide where you are going to down your champagne on New Year’s Eve? Toast to a New Year full of soon-to-be broken resolutions with these Twin Cities bands and artists.
1. Mark Mallman with First Communion Afterparty, White Light Riot and Koo Koo Kanga Roo
As the Denver Post put it: ‘You’ve not really lived until you’ve seen Mark Mallman ride his keyboard!’ The man himself will be exhibiting his on-stage antics along with his brand of 70’s inspired synth pop music at the Varsity Theater on New Year’s Eve.
Varsity Theater | 1308 4th Street SE | Minneapolis | Doors 8:00PM | $12 | 18+
2. Dan Ristrom & the Big Throwdown
Dan Ristrom & the Big Throwdown are not a band you should only check out “once in a blue moon.†They play monthly at Tryg’s in Uptown, but this time they are accompanied by a free champagne toast to compliment their blend of funky soul rock beats.
Tryg’s | 3118 West Lake Street | Minneapolis | 9:00PM | Free Cover | 21+
3. Lookbook, Mystery Palace, Estate, Beatrix JAR
Pick your poison: electro synth pop, conceptual sound art, or experimental easy listening and down the mix with champagne. At Sauce’s New Year’s party you can check out the sounds of Lookbook, Mystery Palace, Estate, and Beatrix JAR.
Sauce Spirits & Soundbar | 3001 Lyndale Ave. S. | Minneapolis | Doors 9:00 PM | $10 = 1 drink ticket & free champagne toast | 21+
4. Tim Mahoney, QuietDrive & Root City
If you are feeling nostalgic, New Years Eve at Cowboy Slim’s will remind you of your frat party days with beer pong, flip cup, and a mechanical bull. Only this time three of the coolest Twin Cities acts; otherwise known as Root City, Tim Mahoney and QuietDrive will be headlining the party. While tapping the keg, be sure to check out Root City, and groove to their soul, funk, rock and R & B repertoire.
Cowboy Slim’s | 1320 West Lake Street | Minneapolis | 6:30 PM | 21+ | $20 in advance, $25 at the door, ticket includes party favors, champagne toast, buffet & drink specials | 21+
5. Trampled by Turtles and Two Many Banjo’s
If knee slapping bluegrass and folk music is your taste then you will enjoy what Trampled by Turtles and Two Many Banjos are putting down. The Onion claims Trampled by Turtles to be: “…Simply put, perhaps the best live band in the state.â€
Fine Line Music Café | 318 First Avenue North | Minneapolis | Doors 8:00PM | Tickets $66 in advance, $76 at the door and includes all drinks | 21+
6. Solid Gold, Freddy Fresh, Heatbox and the Histronic
As a preview of their EP release due out in January and their trip out to Austin as a SXSW showcase band, join Solid Gold as they raise money to benefit the music programs at Minneapolis’ Edison Senior High School. Mingle and jam out to Freddy Fresh, Heatbox and Histronic all while supporting a great cause.
Minneapolis Marriott City Center| 30 South Seventh Street | Minneapolis | 7:00 PM | Price: $25; $75 for VIP or free with approved instrument donation | 18+