CONCERTS

Wed, Dec 31
Reignwolf
It's been a while since Reignwolf returned home to grace the Seattle stage with his wild howl and primal guitar shredding. In fairness, he's been busy touring the world and opening up for Black Sabbath. He'll close out a banner year with a party of a concert at the Showbox with opening support from Rose Windows and Thunderpussy. Hopefully next year will finally see the release of his long-awaited debut LP. The Showbox, $28–$30.

Wed, Dec 31
A Black Constellation and Shabazz Palaces NYE
After releasing the otherworldly sounds of Lese Majesty earlier in the year, Shabazz Palaces close out 2014 with the other weirdos from their Black Constellation crew. The night at the Neptune is a veritable local hip-hop bonanza featuring performances by THEESatisfaction, Porter Ray, OCnotes, and more. Neptune Theatre, $25.

Wed, Dec 31
New Year's Eve with Emerald City Soul Club and Dug! 
Welcome the new year with a packed house of good looking people dressed to the nines and cutting a rug to some swinging tunes – just like grandpa and grandma did it back when she was a babe and he was a rascal. In years past, Emerald City Soul Club has held this New Year's Eve bash at Low-Fi. This year they team up with Dug! for a funk/soul combo at Chop Suey, with two genre-specific rooms, both spinning original vinyl. Chop Suey, $15.

Fri, Jan 2
Bruce Springsteen Tribute Night
Who's the Boss? Well on this evening, quite a few people, actually. Seattle musicians including Country Lips, Mikey and Matty, and Duke Evers gather to start 2015 by honoring the extensive catalog of Bruce Springsteen. 'Cause baby, they were born to run. Neumos, $5.

COMEDY

Wed, Dec 31
Mike Birbiglia
Mike Birbiglia can get laughs with a deft punch line, but it’s his storytelling craft that really sets him apart from his standup peers. The frequent This American Life contributor’s material almost feels more appropriate for a conversation over pizza than for a comedy club. Even his first film, Sleepwalk with Me, showcased his Woody Allen–esque knack for witty and neurotic self-examination as a writer-director. In other words: You could do worse for a New Year’s Eve date. Moore Theatre, sold out.

CLASSICAL & MORE

Wed, Dec 31
Seattle Symphony New Year's Eve: Concert, Countdown, and Celebration
New Years Eve reminds us of the march of time, but the Seattle Symphony's NYE celebration reminds us of things that are timeless: Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and Mozart's Paris Symphony. After the music and a countdown to 2015, the party continues with a live band and dancing. Benaroya Hall, $98–$153.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Thur, Jan 1
Resolution Run 5k and Polar Bear Dive
If you didn't go too hard the previous night, start 2015 on a healthy note by taking part in the Resolution Run 5k at Magnuson Park. For the more extreme participants (or those looking for a really unique cure to jolt them out of a hangover) there's an optional Polar Bear Dive section that routes runners though the chilly waters of Lake Washington just before the finish line. Magnuson Park, $40–$45.

Fri & Sat, Jan 2 & 3
Big Ass Boombox 
True to its name, this event is stuffed with as many local artists as you can fit into a two day event: 40 bands, 10 writers, two stages. Big Ass Boombox is the answer to that post-holiday question, "What free, culturally nourishing thing should we do this weekend?" Check out music from Ever So Android, the Hoot Hoots, and the Jesus Rehab, as well as local wordsmiths like Ed Skoog, Willie Fitzgerald, Piper Daniels, and Lillian Ruth Nickerson. The Crocodile, free.

THEATER

Thru Jan 4
All the Way and The Great Society
It's the final week of Seattle Rep's dual production of playwright Robert Schenkkan's Tony Award-winning All the Way and its sequel The Great Society. The dramatic look at President Lyndon B. Johnson chronicles his struggles the Civil Rights Act passed, his campaign to actually be elected president after taking over following John F. Kennedy's assassination, and his eventually downfall due to the Vietnam War. Seattle Repertory Theatre, sold out.

THE SPORTING LIFE

Fri, Dec 2
Ticketcity Cactus Bowl: University of Washington Huskies vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Coach Chris Peterson closes out his first year in charge of the Huskies with a showdown against the always dangerous Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Arizona desert. Washington is loaded with pro talent on the defensive side of the ball (three Huskies could easily go in the first round of next spring's NFL Draft), so take the time to appreciate players like Shaq Thompson, Marcus Peters, and Danny Shelton once more before they're busy playing on Sundays. Televised on ESPN.