December is all about spectacle—the lights, the trees, celebrations, insane shoppers, your uncle’s crazy sweater—there’s nothing quite like the last month of the year, and that is especially true for concerts in and around New York City.
It’s tough to plan a schedule in December, especially considering all of the holiday events, but there are definitely a few concerts on this list you won’t want to miss. Bands are coming for multi-day shows, there are special benefit concerts, and year-end concert specials, too. Let’s finish off 2019 right.
Here are ten can’t-miss concerts in and around New York City.
Bob Dylan
Tuesday, December 3 at the Beacon Theatre
Ok, we know Bob Dylan of 2019 is not Bob Dylan of 1969, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. He’s adapted his style, voice and body of work over the years in countless different versions and his latest evolution shows him aging with grace and wisdom. He’s been playing a run of great shows at the Beacon recently, and we highly recommend seeing a legend before it’s too late. If we know one thing about Dylan, it’s that he’s great in any era.
Cher
December 3 & 4 at Madison Square Garden
You know how we said Bob Dylan has evolved substantially over the years? Well, Cher makes a great case for staying exactly the same. So, while you may be rolling your eyes at the thought of a pop superstar who hit her stride in the ‘70s, maybe think again. She’s somehow defied age and continues to hit the high notes, literally and figuratively, during her shows. Let’s just say she’s worthy of MSG and definitely worthy of your time.
Not So Silent Night
Thursday, December 5 at Barclays Center
Alt-rock fans, listen up. Alt 92.3’s perennial jam-fest is back with quite the lineup this year. For those of you who aren’t sure if you’ll be able to make much time for concerts in December, we think this one is a pretty safe bet. It’s packed with A-list headliners so you can get your fix before the family gets into town. Mumford & Sons are bringing their stadium-folk style, Vampire Weekend will satisfy the indie itch, and you’ve got alt-rock titans Cage the Elephant and Jimmy Eat World to boot.
She & Him
Thursday, December 6 at Kings Theatre
Nothing opens the holiday season quite like a She & Him concert. Sure, they have plenty of folky jams that aren’t festive, but they’ve made their name with quirky, irresistible holiday albums. Zooey Deschanel brings the sultry, jazzy swoon with her voice and stage presence, but M. Ward is no slouch on the stage, either. A veteran of the indie scene, he’s got a unique voice and some of the best acoustic guitar chops in the game. If you’re looking to get in the Holiday spirit, this is a great place to start.
Holiday Cheer for FUV (w/ Mavis Staples, Nathaniel Rateliff, and more)
Tuesday, December 10 at Beacon Theater
It’s great to support your local independent radio station—and WFUV is one of the best. Headlined by the incomparable Mavis Staples and supported by troubadour Nathaniel Rateliff, this concert will not be short on soul. Mavis has only increased her creativity with age, and we think she couldn’t be a better act to headline this benefit.
Z100’s Jingle Ball
Friday, December 13 at Madison Square Garden
This is the pop event to end all pop events. If you’re into anything Top 40, then get your tickets early for Z100’s annual end-of-year blowout. The lineup is headlined by none other than Taylor Swift, but when your “supporting acts” are The Jonas Brothers, Camila Cabello and Halsey, you know this isn’t your run-of-the-mill concert. It’s going to be big. It’s going to be festive. It’s going to jingle-bell rock.
A$AP Ferg
Sunday, December 15 at Starland Ballroom
Let’s take a break from the festive concerts and point out an essential hip-hop show. A$AP Ferg is bringing the heat to Starland Ballroom. Rap shows are in short supply in December, but if one of the founding members of A$AP Mob are in town, you’re going to want to stop in and appreciate the greatness.
John Henry’s Friends Benefit
Tuesday, December 17 at City Winery
A benefit for autism research, the 5th Annual John Henry’s Friends concert is shaping up to be the best yet. Steve Earle and band are leading the charge with their legendary outlaw-poet ballads, but we think the supporting cast here may be the deciding factor. We couldn’t think of a better trio to represent Americana than Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires and Josh Ritter. It’s going to be a night full of sing-a-longs that you won’t want to miss.
Hot for the Holidays (w. Khalid, H.E.R., Wale and more)
Wednesday, December 18 at Barclays Center
It’s not at the scale of Z100’s end-of-year concert, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Hot 97’s Hot for the Holidays concert is a must-attend as well. Featuring an all-star lineup of R&B talent lead by Khalid’s silky-smooth vibes and supported by H.E.R. and Wale, this will be a big show, but maybe a more chill affair than Jingle Ball. If you’re into good music and once-in-a-generation talent on display, then you’ll be into this show.
Deer Tick w/ Robert Ellis
Sunday, December 29 at Brooklyn Bowl
Deer Tick is no stranger to Brooklyn, and their Tick Tock 2020 event is going to be the perfect way to ring in the new year. A little bit dirty, a little bit indie and a helluva good time, Deer Tick’s folk-rock vibes are built for a party. Plus, country-rocker Robert Ellis is an up-and-comer you won’t want to miss. So, if you’re looking for a honky tonk with an indie heart, grab your PBR and head over to Brooklyn Bowl.
St. Paul & The Broken Bones
Monday, December 30 at Brooklyn Bowl
Indie soul is having a moment and we’re definitely not complaining about it. While Deer Tick’s show may be a bit more down-and-dirty, wait one more day for a bit of a classier affair with St. Paul & The Broken Bones. Their sound is something straight out of 1968, inspired by the likes of Sam Cooke and his contemporaries. The horn section is going to be in full form for this show, so get ready to dance.
The Strokes
Tuesday, December 31 at Barclays Center
It’s strange to think of The Strokes as the elder statesmen of indie rock, but here we are. We couldn’t think of a better way to end 2019 than with the band who essentially defined indie rock in the 2000s. Their catalog is extensive, the songs are infectious and they’re going to blow the lid off Barclays Center. Fun bonus, too, is you have the charming oddball style of Mac DeMarco in a supporting role, which almost warrants attendance by itself. Enjoy, and Happy New Year.
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