Top New Year's Eve 2015 Concerts In Philadelphia
A Sunny Day In Glasgow
Johnny Brenda's
1201 N. Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 739-9684
www.johnnybrendas.com
Date: Dec. 31 at 9 p.m.
Price: $15
Head to Johnny Brenda's New Year's Eve to catch Philadelphia's own A Sunny Day In Glasgow light up the stage with its experimental pop music. The band has released five albums to date, including its latest in November. The night also includes the indie-pop group Mercury Girls from Philadelphia and DJ Jeff Zeigler, who will surely keep the beat moving well after midnight. Johnny Brenda's is a popular small live music joint and is perfect for those looking for local beer (all drafts are from the area), food (most of it is locally-sourced and ever-changing) and music.
Joe Russo's Almost Dead
The Fillmore Philadelphia
29 E Allen St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 309-0150
www.thefillmorephilly.com
Date: Dec. 31 at 9 p.m.
Price: $59.50
Joe Russo is known as the drummer of Further, made up of former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Phil Lesh. Joe Russo's Almost Dead, formed in 2013, is a tribute to the Grateful Dead and also features Ween's bassist Dave Dreiwitz and American Babies' Tom Hamilton, as well as Marco Benevento (keyboards) and Scott Metzger (guitar). Joe Russo is on drums and percussion. The band plays often during the year, especially on the festival circuit, and the show on New Year's Eve will be one to remember for all Dead and jam-band fans at this iconic theater. The Grateful Dead did play at the famous Fillmore in LA during the 1970s, which the Fillmore Philadelphia is based off of.
Mary Fahl
Tin Angel
20 S. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 928-0770
www.tinangel.com
Date: Dec. 3 at 9 p.m.
Price: $45
For a more quiet and intimate New Year's Eve, head to the Tin Angel and Serrano Restaurant where singer-songwriter Mary Fahl will be headlining the night. Fahl is an accomplished musician with several albums under her belt and her power-house vocals are sure to mesmerize as she sings songs like Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" and many originals from her 1990s chamber-pop outfit, October Project. Make sure to reserve a seat at the internationally-flavored restaurant Serrano before enjoying the show.
Philadelphia Orchestra
Verizon Hall
300 S Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 790-5800
www.kimmelcenter.org
Date: Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m.
Price: $60 - $135
Head to the Kimmel Center's Verizon Hall to ring in 2016 with style as the Philadelphia Orchestra with famous conductor Yannick Nezet-Seguin presents a festive and celebratory night full of spectacular sounds and toasts. Since this concert begins at 7:30 p.m., you'll have plenty of time to make it home before the ball drops or to the next party you're attending.
Start Making Sense
World Cafe Live
3025 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 222-1400
tickets.worldcafelive.com
Date: Dec. 31 at 9 p.m.
Price: $25-50
The Talking Head's tribute band Start Making Sense will take over both floors of West Philly's World Cafe Live on New Year's Eve and will bring the iconic 80s bands' career to new heights. The seven-piece tribute act will share the stage with Lovetester, Selectronics and DJ Kaos, and all the musical acts will make your start of 2016 a memorable one. If you're traveling from out of town, a block of rooms have been reserved for $121 plus tax at the Sheraton University City, located just around the corner from the World Cafe Live.
Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
