Dec. 30--Let's be honest, ticketed New Year's Eve parties tend to offer the same exact things. You can usually count on an open bar, a buffet, champagne, party favors and lots of bros in vests. It can be hard to choose which party to go to because, really, it's hard to tell the difference between many of them.
Here's a closer look at the New Year's Eve celebrations in the Chicago area that stand out from the rest because they offer a performance or appearance by a recognizable name -- or somewhat recognizable name (keep in mind events are subject to change):
AFROJACK
Where: Studio Paris; 59 W. Hubbard Street
When: 9 p.m.
Tickets: $250 for general admission, $2,650-$4,000 for tables; studioparisnightclub.com
Preview: Studio Paris doesn't need one of the world's most famous DJs to pack the house on NYE, but the trendy club booked one anyway. Afrojack will also DJ Studio Paris the next night on Jan. 1.
ANDREW WK
Where: Thalia Hall; 1807 S. Allport Street
When: 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: $40-$50; thaliahallchicago.com
Preview: The "Party Hard" rocker and his head-banging, party anthems are a great alternative to some of the stuffy NYE galas out there.
SASHEER ZAMATA
Where: Zanies Comedy Club; 5437 Park Place, Rosemont
When: 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m
Tickets: $30-$40; rosemont.zanies.com
Preview: You could catch the "SNL" featured player known for her Michelle Obama impersonation at 8 p.m. and party elsewhere afterward. Or you could catch the 10:30 p.m. show, which is sort of a party in and of itself and includes champagne and party favors.
BRODY JENNER
Where: Palmer House Hilton; 17 E. Monroe Street
When: 9 p.m.
Tickets: $134.99 for main event, $189.99 for VIP; bignightchicago.com
Preview: Add Jenner to the always-growing list of celebs who have taken up DJing. The former reality star will spin with DJ partner William Lifestyle.
YO GOTTI
Where: Adrianna's Sports Bar; 16300 Dixie Highway, Markham
When: 9 p.m.
Tickets: $60 for general admission, $100 for VIP; trapnewyear2015.com
Preview: Lil Wayne and Travis Porter performed at Adrianna's on New Year's Eve in the past. This year it'll be "I Know" rapper Yo Gotti taking the stage.
TYLER GLENN
Where: Headquarters Beercade-River North; 213 W. Institute Place
When: 8 p.m.
Tickets: $95; hqbeercade.com/rivernorth
Preview: This party offers guests a DJ set by the Neon Trees singer and over 60 arcade games to pass the time. Beats standing around staring at your drink while you wait for midnight.
ROCKIE FRESH
Where: The Shrine; 2109 S. Wabash Avenue
When: 8 p.m.
Tickets: $40 for general admission, $500-$750 for tables; theshrinechicago.com
Preview: The Chicago rapper and Rick Ross protege will ring in 2015 close to home. Joining Fresh at The Shrine will be DJ Sean Mac.
ADRIENNE C. MOORE
Where: Goodman Theatre; 170 N. Dearborn Street
When: 10 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$45, open bar is an additional $40; goodmantheatre.org/twist
Preview: This one is for the "Orange is the New Black" fans. Moore -- who plays Cindy "Black Cindy" Hayes on the Netflix series -- will make a cameo in the holiday-themed, Goodman Theatre-Second City collaboration, "Twist Your Dickens," on NYE.
THE ORWELLS
Where: Lincoln Hall; 2424 N. Lincoln Avenue
When: 10 p.m.
Tickets: $30; lh-st.com
Preview: See why David Letterman seemed to take a liking to The Orwells -- who performed twice this year on "The Late Show" -- when the Elmhurst rock band takes the stage for the second of two Lincoln Hall shows on back-to-back nights.
RAQUEL POMPLUN
Where: Hard Rock Hotel; 230 N. Michigan Avenue
When: 9 p.m.
Tickets: $175 for general admission, $500-$2,000 for tables; chicagonyeparty.com
Preview: For the second year in a row, Chicago's Playboy party includes an appearance by 2013 Playmate of the Year, Pomplun. Other Playmates will be on hand (it wouldn't be much of a Playboy party without them), including Playmate-turned-DJ Crystal Ellis.
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