For many, the new year is a time for transformation. Resolutions will be broken, but for one night we can party with every intention of keeping those promises of self-improvement. Whether you're embarking on a new personal journey or just want to kick this year to the curb, celebrations are in order. The following guide will help you decide how to spend those precious last moments of 2014.
Buku w/ Royal, Blaze Luminous, Dub Heezy, Hype Myke Wednesday, December 31 Plush 8 p.m. | $14/$18 By Joseph Hess After news of Plush's imminent closure, the cold reality set in that nothing lasts forever -- even beloved venues. It seems like talent buyer Jill Cherkas just hit her stride before the rug was pulled out. Although a few events remain beyond this night, Pittsburgh's Buku feels like a fitting end to Plush's four-year run here in St. Louis. Expect emotive waves of bass to warble up and down the four-story clubhouse.
Oh, and Plush is liquidating its entire stock. That means half-off drinks all night long. Tattoo a cab number on your inner wrist -- the price of removal is cheaper than a DWI.
Eyes Wide Shut Masquerade Ball w/ DJ Blackguy, DJ Vthom Wednesday, December 31 Atomic Cowboy 8 p.m. | free By Joseph Hess If you woke up thinking, "This new year I need to get weird with it," read no further. Start planning your attire for an event based around the cult movie about Illuminati-esque orgies. One has to wonder why Atomic Cowboy didn't go full-on Kubrick with this mess. Guess I'll have to crash the party as a droog, codpiece and all.
Free Year's Eve w/ 18andCounting, Hi Freq, Dolor, DJ Boogieman Wednesday, December 31 Blank Space 9 p.m. | free By Joseph Hess Like its namesake, Free Year's Eve welcomes all with the promise of free music. Dolor brings fresh cuts from the fringes, taking on the confines of hip-hop with an outsider sound. 18andCounting spits rap through noise, crushing elements of kraut rock with heavy lyrics. Both artists collaborate on the track above, so it's not out of the question to think the two might weave solid waves onstage. Because it's free, it's the perfect stop for show-hoppers -- not to mention a great destination for those ringing in 2015 on the cheap.
Hazard to Ya Booty Wednesday, December 31 The Gramophone 8 p.m. | free By Allison Babka From Six St. Louis Acts Named After Body Parts: You guys, our bootys are in so. much. trouble. Ever since Hazard to Ya Booty dropped its new album in December, our asses have been getting a nonstop workout. Can dancing make you pull muscles? Ass muscles? We swear that it's happened, but Hazard's self-proclaimed "crunchy funk" is totally worth the burn. Channeling James Brown's soul, Flea's groovy bass and plenty of smooth, sexy horns, Hazard to Ya Booty ensures that we don't ever want to sit down.
Follow through for more parties on New Year's Eve.
