The Neats reunite for a gig at the Orpheum and Kaiju Big Battel takes over the Hynes Convention Center - this year sounds like one of the cooler First Nights lately, that's for sure. More than 1,000 artists are involved, and there are performances at 35 locations.
The annual free Boston New Year's Eve festivities include the 1980s faves The Neats on a bill at the Orpheum with Buffalo Tom and the Lyres. Most excellent. The Army of Broken Toys and Kristin Hersh are among the other rockers playing around the city (although Hersh is on a bill playing old country blues tunes). The jazz and world music side is topped by Berklee alum Anat Cohen, who will be playing her sax and clarinet at the Berklee Performance Center and broadcast live on WGBH FM 89.7 and across the country as part of NPR’s annual “Toast of the Nation" broadcast. Commonwealth Shakespeare Company and the New England Conservatory will collaborate on a program of songs from or inspired by the works of Shakespeare. And Kaiju will bring its live monster mash to the Hynes. Whew! There's lots more too, including regular events like the grand procession and the fireworks. For more info, visit www.firstnight.org. The complete program book is here.
All First Night outdoor events are free, though supported by sales of the First Night button, which is the ticket for admission to all indoor events. This year's button is above; the artwork is by Ekua Holmes. Buttons are $18 (children under 4 admitted free) and will be available beginning Nov. 27 and many retail locations or the web site (where it's just $15 online through Dec. 26).
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