More bash, less cash

MANE EVENT Jay Reatard wants his locks to look great for his Empty Bottle show.

Photo: Andy Eisburg

You’re with the band

Carol’s Pub
4659 N Clark St (773-334-2402). 9pm–4am, $5.
It’s just another country-western night at this honky-tonk Sheridan Park bar. Drop $5 for a night of music from the Diamondbacks. A pool table in back and a greasy grill turning out late-night burgers round out the gritfest.

Cat’s Meow
2700 W Chicago Ave (773-489-6998). 9pm, $20.
They’re partying Brazil-style at this newish West Town bar-restaurant with an all-you-can-eat buffet, cocktails (like $5 caipirinhas), a Champagne toast at midnight and live samba music from Planeta Azul.

Empty Bottle
1035 N Western Ave (773-276-3600). 10pm, $25.
Memphis punk-rocker Jay Reatard ought to work the NYE crowd into a frenzy with the help of the other acts on the bill: local garage-rock outfit Miss Alex White & Francis, plus the Yolks and DJ Robert Q. In between bands, mosey over to the Bottle’s photo booth to re-create this week’s TOC cover.

Heartland Café
7000 N Glenwood Ave (773-465-8005). 8pm, free.
This Rogers Park restaurant-bar just might have one of the best deals in town, with free Champagne, hats and noisemakers, giveaways from Berghoff and Shiner beers, and a performance by funk and R&B group Snatch Inc. Head a few doors down to the Red Line Tap (7006 N Glenwood Ave, 773-338-9862) at 11pm for another free Heartland-sponsored show by bluegrass-rock group the Mudflapps.

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