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Best 2014 New Year's Eve Concerts In OC

One World Concert At Syracuse University
(credit: Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

New Year's Eve is one the best time for partying and with venues tending to book big artists with drink specials, it makes the whole experience that much better. With some of the best concert venues, Orange County is offering up some great New Years Eve shows for you and your friends to attend this year. Whether you're going to a rock concert or an R&B show, you'll be saying goodbye to 2013 in style. Here are our picks for the best shows to go to celebrate the end of the year and the start of a brand new one.

capital cities band concert
(credit Jake Hagopian)

Capital Cities
The Observatory
3503 S. Harbor Blvd.
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 957-0600
www.observatoryoc.com

The dance duo of Capital Cities is bringing its Los Angeles style to Orange County for a special New Year's Eve show. The popular singles "Safe and Sound" and "Kangaroo Court" will definitely be on display and you'll be in for a great show as the band plays other hits. Information is still a little light on this show, such as openers and set length, but The Observatory always hosts killer shows on holidays and expects this to be no different. With a ton of options on the day before 2014, consider giving Capital Cities your attention, especially if its blend of indie-electro rock is your cup of champagne. Be sure to arrive early to avoid the parking spots that require cash, as New Year's Eve is always the time to gouge prices for those caught unaware. Luckily, the venue is right off the freeway and right before the dreaded Orange Crush (where the 5, 405 and 55 meet), so traffic should not be an issue on one of the most crowded days of the year.

Related: Best Sports Bars In Orange County

J BOOG Concert Rapper
(credit:Lalo the giant at 55mil)

J Boog
House of Blues Anaheim
1530 S. Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 778-2583
www.houseofblues.com

Relive some of your favorite 90s boy band R&B days by seeing J Boog at the House of Blues in Anaheim. Formerly part of the group B2K, Jarell Houston (aka J Boog) only has an EP to his name but B2K put out plenty of tunes worth listening to. Add in the "You Got Served" soundtrack and you have enough to party your way into the new year. The House of Blues near the Mouse House has free parking if you tell the gatekeepers that you are there for a concert and don't forget to dress appropriately, as even during December's chilly nights the House of Blues can get very hot during a concert. J-Boog now resides in nearby Compton, so expect a hometown crowd cheering on its superstar neighbor.

Donavon Frankenreiter
(credit: Donavon Frankenreiter)

Donavon Frankenreiter
The Coach House
33157 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 496-8930
www.thecoachhouse.com

Local legend Donavon Frankereiter, hailing from nearby Downey, is putting on a New Year's Eve show perfect for those missing the waves and awaiting a new season. His buddy Jack Johnson probably won't swing by, but if you are a fan of that style of laid-back, guitar-driven rock, this is the show for you. He used to surf in nearby San Clemente and has nearly 20 years worth of material to play from, giving fans plenty of opportunity to hear a wide variety of tunes. HIs style often draws in fans for life, giving them a soundtrack to live, sleep, surf and work by. He tends to play a wide swath of music from his career, not just sticking to the one or two singles a satellite listener might recognize. This is one of those shows that you won't want to miss, as the man lives in Hawaii and hasn't toured these parts in some time, especially not on New Year's Eve and at a cozy venue such as The Coach House.

Related: Best Singles Bars In Orange County

Jesse Seilhan is a writer, editor and photographer from the California Bay Area. After moving to Long Beach, Jesse continues his passion for writing and music by covering concerts, interviewing top artists, and giving a dose of wisdom in a crazy, mixed-up musical world. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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