New Year's Eve 2010 concert guide

New Year's Eve is traditionally a huge night for live music, and a quick glance at the music calendar for Thursday evening is a bit overwhelming. Don't freak out just yet! To help, we've organized a list of our best bets for musical festivities, in order from the priciest options to the most affordable. There's still time to purchase advanced tickets for many of these shows, but if you are the last-minute type of concertgoer most of these options will also have tickets available at the door.

Photo by Skip Bolen

​Irvin Mayfield, Jearlyn and Jervetta Steele
If you're willing to pony up a little cash, the Dakota is offering a fantastic set of options for New Year's Eve: the evening will start out with a set by pianist Paris Strother, followed by an 8 p.m. performance by Jearlyn and Jervetta Steele (from the legendary gospel group the Steeles). Seating begins at 5:30 p.m., and the cost of admission ($130) includes dinner. Later in the evening, trumpet player Irvin Mayfield will perform as part of NPR's "Toast of the Nation." His 10 p.m. show is $80, or you can see the entire evening for $200. Tickets available online.


​Trampled by Turtles
Duluth bluegrass quintet Trampled by Turtles have added a last-minute New Year's Eve show, and this one has an open bar -- so while the price tag may seem a little steep, remember that it also covers your bar tab for the night. With Two Many Banjos. 21+. $65/$75 at the door (tickets available online). 8 p.m.


​The New Congress
One of the area's best R&B groups headlines this year's Crystal Ball at the International Market Square, along with a wide variety of soul and house DJs. Hosted by Project Runway's Ra'mon Lawrence-Coleman and Christopher Straub, the night will culminate in an Ignite fashion show and a champagne toast at midnight. $40 general/$70 VIP in advance (tickets available online), $50 general/$80 VIP at the door. 9 p.m.


​Solid Gold
Start the New Year off with some warm fuzzies by attending this Solid Gold charity show at the Marriott City Center. All proceeds from the ticket sales go toward the music programs at Edison High School in Minneapolis. With Freddy Fresh, Heatbox, and the Histrionic. 18+. All ages. $25 general admission, $75 VIP (includes complimentary horderves, champagne and beer, meet-and-greet with Solid Gold, and special late night after party with DJ Freddy Fresh). Tickets available online. 7 p.m.