17 New Year's Eve concert choices for ringing in 2018 in Milwaukee

Whether you're capping off an incredible year — or eager to end a miserable one — there is an abundance of concert options in Milwaukee to send 2017 out in style. 

More than usual, it seems. For the first time, on New Year's Eve, the Pabst Theater Group is hosting live music at three of its four venues; each of the shows has local ties. You also can see scores of club gigs, dance the night away at massive parties, or toast the year with cinema's cutest alien and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. 

It's closer to a different Eve, but New Year's Eve is closer than you think. 

Here are 17 concerts to choose from New Year's Eve, from frugal festivities to swanky soirees. 

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1. Abby Jeanne (critic's choice): The soulful rocker sang about a stressful 2016 on her debut album "Rebel Love," but her 2017 has been spectacular, including Radio Milwaukee Music Awards this month for best album and solo artist. 9 p.m., Cactus Club, 2496 S. Wentworth Ave. $15 at the door and cactusclubmilwaukee.com. Perks: Champagne toast, drink specials. 

2. Armchair Boogie (bluegrass):1 a.m. Jan. 1, Fire on Water, 518 N. Water St. Free.  

3. "Brew Years Eve" (electronic and rock): 8 p.m., Milwaukee Athletic Club, 758 N. Broadway Ave. $99 to $179 at events.sugr.social. Perks: four-hour open bar, champagne toast, appetizer, party favors, free coat check, no cover for after parties.

4. Chasin' Mason (country): 8 p.m., Red Rock Saloon, 1225 N. Water St. $15 to $60 at eventbrite.com. All tickets include free admission to McGillycuddy's after midnight. VIP perks: open bar until 1 a.m., free coat check. 

5. Cheap Shots (rock): 9 p.m., Milwaukee Ale House, 233 N. Water St. $10. Perks: champagne toast, raffle ticket, party favors. 

6. David Wake Sextet (jazz): 8:30 p.m., Blu Milwaukee, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave. $300 to $500 per table. Reservations required; call (414) 273-8222, Ext. 2450. Perks: Bottle of champagne, dessert and international cheese display tableside, party favors.

7. Eric Jacobson Quintet (jazz): 8:30 p.m., Jazz Estate, 2423 N. Murray Ave. Pricing details to be announced. 

8. "E.T., The Extra-Terrestrial" (critic's choice): Catch one of Steven Spielberg's most famed films with John Williams' unforgettable score performed live by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. 2:30 p.m., Uihlein Hall, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St. $22 to $112 at the door, the MSO box office (1101 N. Market St., Suite 100), (414) 291-7605 and mso.org. 

9. GGOOLLDD (critic's choice): The Milwaukee-born synthpop group celebrates the release of its latest and greatest EP "Teeth," which adds a bit of guitar rock bite to its irresistible, dance-ready sound. 9 p.m., Turner Hall Ballroom, 1040 N. 4th St. $25 to $85 at the door, the Pabst Theater box office (144 E. Wells St.), the Riverside Theater box office (116 W. Wisconsin Ave.), (414) 286-3663 and pabsttheater.org. VIP perks: open bar, appetizer buffet, balcony access.

10. Horseshoes & Hand Grenades (critic's choice): No disrespect to Jim Gaffigan, who headlined the Pabst Theater New Year's shows for a decade, but this Stevens Point-founded bluegrass band is going to put on a much more festive, foot-stomping shindig. Arrive early for Milwaukee-based roots country artist Joseph Huber and Sloppy Joe. 8 p.m., Pabst Theater. $25 in advance, $29.50 day of show. 

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11. Joe Wray (jazz): 5 p.m., Bugsy's Back Alley Speakeasy, 218 N. Water St. Free, including champagne. Email travis@bugsysmke.com to reserve VIP packages and tables. 

12. Klassik (critic's choice): One of Milwaukee's most ambitious and accomplished singers and rapper gets into DJ mode, sure to be stocked with a fresh mix of hip dance-floor material. 9 p.m., Iron Horse Hotel, 500 W. Florida St. Free.

13. MKENYEVE (electronic): 8 p.m., Event Center, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, 1721 W. Canal St. $49 at the box office, (800) 745-3000 and ticketmaster.com. Perks: Champagne, free coat check, party favors.

14. Paper Holland (rock): Noon, Cactus Club. Free. Band performs during halftime of Green Bay Packers game. 

15. The Record Company (critic's choice): Chris Vos is living the musician's dream: from rocking out as a kid on his family dairy farm, to entrenching himself in Milwaukee's music scene, to fronting breakout Grammy-nominated blues-rock band the Record Company. Field Report — another locally based act with a national following — opens for Vos' special homecoming. 10 p.m., Riverside Theater. $29.50.

16. Southport Sound (jazz): 8 p.m., Ambassador Hotel, 2308 W. Wisconsin Ave. $125 at the hotel and Eventbrite. Perks: Food stations and hors d'oeuvres; beer, wine and soda; a pre-prohibition-themed cocktail; gaming; champagne; dessert and coffee. '20s attire encouraged. 

17. Zomboy (critic's choice): Intense EDM star Zomboy headlines the annual Stellar Spark fest, with 40 DJs taking over the Rave's four rooms until the early hours New Year's Day. 8 p.m., the Rave, 2401 W. Wisconsin Ave. $48.50 to $58.50 at the box office, (414) 342-7283 and therave.com.

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Find out about the week's must-see shows, concert tickets and more in the newsletter "Piet Levy's Music Picks." Subscribe at jsonline.com/newsletters.

Piet talks about concerts, local music and more on "TAP'd In" with Jordan Lee, 8 a.m. Thursdays on WYMS-FM (88.9).