Jam Years Eve: A 2011 NYE Preview

New Years Eve is perhaps the biggest night of the year for jam bands and their fans. We love to party any night, but there is a special feeling in the air at a New Years Eve show. The band, whoever it may be, almost never lets down. Here is a preview of some notable NYE shows for 2011, just one month away…

Furthur, San Francisco. In true Grateful Dead fashion, Bobby and Phil return to the Bay Area for yet another New Years run at the Bill Graham Auditorium. Playing San Francisco for the third consecutive year on New Years Eve, this run will feature 3 shows, 1 more than the past 2 years. Expect 3 sets, maybe some some special guests and a whole lot of dancing. What will the band burst into as the clock strikes midnight?

Umphrey’s Mcgee, St Louis. A bit of change in scenery this year for the UM New Years celebration, as the band plays a 3 night run leading up to NYE at the Paegent in St Louis (in years past Chicago has been the location.) Umphreys gets better and better every year, and with the recent release of their new album, Death By Stereo, this run is not one to miss for any Midwest UMphreaks. Or any UMphreaks for that matter. We want the Umph, gotta have that Umph!

Phish, New York City. As if NYC isn’t crazy enough at this time of year, the 4 night run of Phish at Madison Square Garden only makes this crazier, but in a good way. After an epic NYE run at the Garden last year, Phish looks to top that and ring in 2012 with their devoted fans yet again. With the most, if not all of the shows already sold out, consider yourself lucky if you get to see this run. It will surely be one to remember.

Steve Kimock and Friends, Pittsburgh. Kimock is bringing his stellar band to the Steel City, which features Bobby Vega, Bernie Worrell and Steve’s son, John Morgan. The Rex Theater is sure to be rocking that night and Western Pennsylvania folks are in for a treat. Perhaps this is the “sleeper show” of all the NYE extravaganzas.

Moe., Portland. Jam veterans Moe. will be playing a 2 night NYE run at the State Theater in Portland, Maine. While it may be cold outside in New England at this time of year, things will be surely be hot on the inside during this run. Don’t miss these shows if you are in New England for the holidays!

Some honorable mentions:

-Disco Biscuits, Chicago.

-7Walkers feat. Bill Kreutzmann, Reading PA.

-DarkStar Orchestra, Montclair NJ.

-Primus, San Francisco.

-Yonder Mountain String Band, Boulder.

…So many options to choose from. Whatever you do, have fun and stay safe this New Years. Get in the Groove and bring in 2012!!

6 months ago  /  4 notes