It's not uncommon to lose your mind on New Year's Eve, the drunkest night of the year, and spend ungodly amounts of money at the bar.
Since we're in, like, the most depressing economy ever, that's probably not a good idea. Might we suggest an alternative to downtown's spendy all-you-can-drink parties, some costing as much as $100?
Your favorite dive bars, neighborhood bars and all-around fine music establishments are also partying on Dec. 31. And they're doing it on the cheap. The following bars are charging $10 max for cover. So this year, pinch those pennies, go catch a good band and get ready to chug gallons of the cheapest beer you can find.
How's this for cheap: Cover at the 331 on NYE is still free (like every other night). The bar has bluegrass band A Night in the Box and the guitar/washboard/washpan magic of the Brass Kings.
Big V's
Now this is how you kick off a national hip-hop tour: in a classic St. Paul dive on NYE night. Yep, that's how MC/VL duz it. If you want goofy, over-the-top throwback hip-hop, these guys will give you a classy fist bump.
Three of our favorite indie bands are having an identity crisis at the Turf, where you'll hear Vampire Hands as the Rolling Stones, the STNNNG as Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Daughters of the Sun as the psychedelic '60s band, 13th Floor Elevators. Just don't call them cover bands.
Ground Zero
The bondage club is getting into the spirit with a thrifty-themed party, which features the tagline: "If the economy ain't painful enough, there's always Mistress Jean." Also: "Po' Folk Bingo" at 9 p.m. (9 p.m. $5/$10 under 21.)
The Seward dive with a big local-music following welcomes those superhero geeks in Dance Band, who dare hipsters to dance. Plus: Best Friends Forever, Fort Wilson Riot and Nyteowl.
Dinkytowner
It's another hip-hop NYE in Dinkytown. Headliner Trama is calling his party "Glow in the Dinkytowner," a riff on Kanye West's recent "Glow in the Dark" tour. Hope he doesn't use Auto-Tune too. (9 p.m. $10.)
The St. Paul gay bar is having a long night of dancing, first with DJ Frayz and Thee Werq'n Bitches spinning until 2 a.m. (free cover). Afterward you'll need to buy a wristband ($15-$65 depending on drink choice) to stay partying until 6 a.m. with DJ Naughty Boyy and the Bears. (9 p.m. Free.)
It's a special Transmission with DJ Jake Rudh, who rules Wednesday nights at Jäger. Cover gets you hors d'oeuvres and midnight champagne. It'll be a good time to check out the bar's new kitchen. (9 p.m. $8 advance.)
First Ave goes against the grain in downtown. While other clubs will be asking for big-money cover, the legendary club says: $10 in advance! (But $15 at the door.) DJs include Soviet Panda, Mike the 2600 King and out-of-towners Roy Freedom and DJ Smitty.
More Thrifty New Year's
