Ring in the New Year with one of New York's hottest concerts

If you had a banner year…
Take a victory lap with Nas at Radio City. Life Is Good for the Queens MC, whose excellent album of the same name (see what we did there?) topped the charts when it came out in July. He’s bringing soulful up-and-comer Elle Varner along for his triumphant ride—definitely one to watch in the New Year. Radio City Music Hall; $50–$130

If you want to celebrate the year that EDM went mainstream…
Dance your way into 2013 at this massive party, where neon-clad and glow-stick–wielding revelers will be toasting the dominance of the DJ to the soul-infused electronica of prodigiously talented Colorado producer Derek Vincent Smith, who performs as Pretty Lights. Roseland Ballroom; sold out

If you’re scheming a crowd-funded endeavor for 2013…
Catch theatrical punk-cabaret chanteuse turned candid folkster Amanda Palmer, who funded her most recent social-justice opus—er, album—with a $1.2 million Kickstarter campaign. Tonight she’ll perform Prince’s classic Purple Rain. His Royal Badness costumes are encouraged. Terminal 5; advance $50, at the door $60

If you favor championing local musicians…
Don’t miss venerable art-rockers Blonde Redhead, who haven’t played on their home turf in more than a year. Brooklyn's Beach Fossils set the stage with dreamy jangle pop from forthcoming sophomore effort, Clash the Truth, which features Blonde Redhead’s Kazu Makino as a guest. Irving Plaza; advance $35, at the door $40

If you want to ring in 2013 with pomp and celebrities…
Join Beyoncé and Blue Ivy at this most glitzy of poptastic collaborations, coheadlined by Coldplay and Jay-Z. It’s a prime opportunity to make your friends jealous—between Jigga and Chris Martin’s mile-long list of contacts, we’ll bet that the cameos are nothing short of spectacular. Barclays Center; sold out

If thinking about a New Year prompts an existential crisis…
Turn over a new leaf with top-tier string quintet Punch Brothers, whose groundbreaking bluegrass rouses positivity, raises hell and exorcises demons. As heard on recent EP Ahoy!, the Chris Thile–led ensemble’s good-natured jaunts nod to babes and barrooms. We’ll drink to that. Bowery Ballroom; sold out