New Year’s Eve is a big night, it’s time to celebrate and say goodbye to another year that held its share of ups and down for all of us. This weekend’s line-up goes to show how far the beloved Lincoln music scene has come in 2017. Sunday night brings four big shows from reliable venues and favorite artists to celebrate the work of 2017 and ring in 2018.
Duffy’s Tavern w/ Universe Contest, Bogusman, Cupcake, DJ Darren Wayne Keen
9:00 p.m. | $5 | 21+
Duffy’s Tavern promises a NYE celebration full of rad, rock and roll energy, as they welcome locals Universe Contest, Bogusman, and DJ Darren Wayne Keen to the stage alongside Cupcake, a group from St. Joseph, MO.
No stranger to NYE shows, Universe Contest plans to headline the event with favorites from their latest release, Get Cot Livin’.
Bogusman’s edgy, metallic, hard-rock sounds have built a reputation for a fun, eardrum-blasting shows that are hard to overlook.
Bogusman and Universe Contest have unique and dramatic sounds that provided surprisingly complementary energies. They’ve played several shows together, including the Halloween release show for Get Cot Livin’.
Cupcake, a four-person garage band from Missouri, makes their way to Lincoln for the celebration. Cupcake was formed in 2005 and after a short hiatus, began playing again in 2011. With influences and likeness from The Pixies to Real Estate, they’ve hit a stride among the eclectic indie soundscape.
Vega w/ AZP, Both, Funk Trek
Doors 8:00 p.m. | GA $10 | 21+
A nod to the flourishing funk/hip hop/soul community in Lincoln, Vega hosts its final show on New Year’s Eve with AZP, Both, and Omaha’s Funk Trek.
AZP is a six-person group working to merge the genres of pop, soul, and hip-hop to create a unique, unforgettable type of show. Having gained traction and local recognition throughout the year, AZP has played several shows at The Zoo Bar, the Bay, and were featured at Lincoln Calling.
BOTH, a hip-hop heavy duo from Omaha joins AZP both on the stage and in a healthily growing reputation. From their 2015 release of the BOTHSUCKS EP, BOTH has gained recognition from Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards nominations, and high-energy live performances.
Omaha’s Funk Trek is a lively jazz, soul-based band on their third full length release, Quencher. Born in 2008, Funk Trek is a six-person band the draws inspiration from soul, jazz, and funk.
Vega’s $10 general admission includes a free champagne toast at midnight. $100-VIP tables include general admission for four people
New Year’s Eve will be the last show at Vega before the venue closes. The owners plan to relocate to Royal Grove and begin operating that historic venue once again.
1867 w/ Church Beers
9:00 p.m. | No Cover | 21+
1867 Bar invites local cover band Church Beers to the stage for NYE.
Church Beers is a four-person cover band that specializes in Top 40 hits from the 80’s onward. They plan to play a fun show full of well-known favorite songs. 1867’s drink specials for the night include $1 Tallboys and a free champagne toast at midnight.
Bourbon Theater 90’s Masquerade Ball
Doors: 8:00 p.m. | $10 Advance, $10 DOS w/ Mask | 21+
The Bourbon Theater hosts local favorite Flannel Channel for a 90’s themed masquerade ball on Sunday night. The cover band play 90’s favorites from artists such as Radiohead, Stone Temple Pilots, Weezer and Sublime. Flannel Channel has played several events for The Bourbon and Vega including well-loved themed nights such as “90’s Night” and “Emo Night.”
The masquerade ball theme hopes to bring people in costume to celebrate the new year. The winner of the “Best Mask” competition will receive a Golden Ticket, which earns them free admission to any show at The Bourbon for an entire year.
1867 Bar
Church Beers NYE Show
80’s, 90’s, hits cover band, country and all sorts of party covers
9:00 p.m. 21+
No cover charge
Free champagne at midnight
More information here.
Duffy’s
Universe Contest, Bogusman, Cupcake, DJ Darren Keen
9:00 p.m. 21+ $5
More information here.
Vega
AZP, Both, Funk Trek
8:00 p.m. 21+ $10
VIP tables available
More information here.
Tickets
Bourbon Theater
90’s Masquerade Ball w/ Flannel Channel
Doors: 8:00 p.m. Show: 9:00 p.m. 21+
Advance: $10 DOS: (Mask) $10 (No Mask) $15
Best Mask wins free admission to all Bourbon shows for 1 year
More information here.