PICK OF THE DAY
Coffee has been around for a long time, even in the days of J.S. Bach, who wrote a cantata about it. Conductor Martin Pearlman (pictured) says of the work, "Coffee Cantata, the closest Bach ever came to writing an opera, is a comic scene with a blustery father who doesn't want his daughter drinking this improper new beverage." Boston Baroque celebrates the turning of the year with Bach's Coffee and Wedding cantatas, and Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 3 and 4 with soprano Courtney Huffman, tenor Matthew Anderson, and baritone Andrew Garland. Intermission treats include chocolate and champagne. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Jan. 1, 3 p.m. $50-$85. Sanders Theatre, 45 Quincy St., Cambridge. 617-987-8600, ext. 113; www.bostonbaroque.org
MONDAY
Organ-ized new year Ring in 2014 with the funky, soulful, jazzy organ trio Soulive. Guitarist Eric Krasno, drummer Alan Evans, and keyboardist Neal Evans play the Paradise with opening act the London Souls. Dec. 30, 8 p.m. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. $20-$40. Paradise, 967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. 617-562-8800, www.ticket
master.com
TUESDAY
Prize comic Contests have been good to comedian Tom Cotter. He won the Seattle International Comedy Competition, the Boston Comedy Festival grand prize, best stand-up at the Las Vegas Comedy Festival, and reached the finals on “America’s Got Talent.” Close out the old year with laughs when Cotter visits Boston. Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. Wilbur Theatre,
246 Tremont St., Boston.
www.thewilburtheatre.com
Catch the new wave Cover band Safety brings you hits of Blondie, Devo, the Go-Go’s, and other bands at the 1980s Time Warp: New Year’s Eve Celebration. Variety show guests include performance artist Madge of Honor and the Solid Gold Circus
Performers. The buffet features crispy tuna spring rolls, smoky chipotle barbecue spare ribs, and grilled artichoke and octopus skewers. Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. $115, $75 without buffet. Beat Hotel, 13 Brattle St., Cambridge. 617-499-0001, www.beathotel.com
Pops into 2014 On New Year’s Eve, you could be sitting at a table in majestic Symphony Hall, sipping libations and listening to Bo Winiker lead the Boston Pops Swing Orchestra. Or you could be dancing on the Symphony Hall floor to the music of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, ABBA, and Elvis. Or both. Dec. 31, 10 p.m.
concert, 8 p.m. doors. $50-$135. Box dinners, buffet service available, see website for details. Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 888-266-1200, www.bostonpops.org
Glory of Hank “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and “Your Cheatin’ Heart” might not offer the most upbeat themes for the new year, but that’s country music for you. What you’re really celebrating is country legend Hank Williams with Boston Music Award winners Girls Guns and Glory. The annual Hank Williams Tribute features classic and obscure Williams tunes and guests Sarah Borges and Billy Wylder. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. (sold out; 10 tickets will be released day of show). Jan. 1, 4 p.m. $18-$30. Lizard Lounge,
1667 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. 617-547-0759, www.lizard
loungeclub.com