Droppin the Ball: Your guide to some of downtown Indys biggest New Years parties
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It’s time to say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new. But while 2012 may have many exciting things ahead, shouldn’t there be one last hurrah for 2011? New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest party nights of the year, but you don’t need to be in New York to celebrate. Why ...                 ” What a SHOW !!!! “ Share and Enjoy: David Hyde Pierce assists in marking Tarkington's debut Reading these interpretations might be the closest you'll get to this sold-out show

1. Punk Rock Night Awards

10 p.m. Oct. 4, $7, Melody Inn, 3826 N Illinois St., (317) 923-4707.

Once a year, the weekly Punk Rock Night showcase at the Melody Inn honors whathappened theprevious 51 weeks. Stop by to see bands walk away with trophies for Best Punk Band, Best Album,Sexiest Band, and others. The night's lineup features a reunion of Hoosier punk act The Retreadsalong with We Are Hex, The Ettes, and Stealing Volume.

2. Dave & Rob's 7 Year Melody Inn Anniversary feat. The Fuglees

7:30 p.m. Oct. 3, $7, Melody Inn, 3826 N Illinois St., (317) 923-4707.

Seven years ago bartenders Dave Brown and Rob Ondrish took over ownership of the Melody Inn withthe goal of transforming it from a dingy neighborhood pub to a beloved (but still dingy) rock &roll bar. Seven years later they can confidently declare "mission accomplished." They celebrateseven years with a lineup featuring Stockwell Road, Reckless Edward, Bulletwolf, Bible of theDevil, The Cocaine Wolves, and The Fuglees.

3. Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

8:30 p.m. Oct. 2, $32, Murat Theatre, 502 N. New Jersey, (317) 615-1500.

Alt-country rocker Ryan Adams' has made 11 studio albums, including four with his backing bandThe Cardinals. The group has also served as the studio band for Willie Nelson on his 'Songbird'album. There are even rumors that Adams is going to knock his name off the top of the bill andjust call the band "The Cardinals." They tour in advance of their latest record, "Cardinology."

4. The Queers w/ The Independents

8 p.m. Oct. 3, $10, Locals Only, 2449 E. 56th St., (317) 255-4013.

The Queers got their start in 1982, but called it quits just a couple years later. When the bandre-formed in 1990, they became one of the biggest pop punk bands in the punk underground. Theirsound has been described as "The Ramones meet The Beach Boys."

5. Lindsey Buckingham

7:30 p.m. Oct. 5, $38, Egyptian Room, 502 N. New Jersey St., (317) 615-1500.

In between work with his legendary band Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey Buckingham has recorded andreleased five solo albums. His two most rehave come in the last two years, as Fleetwood Mac takesa break from recording and touring. The guitarist/singer brings his solo tour to Indy to promotehis most recent record, "Gift of Screws."

6. My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult

9 p.m. Oct. 2, $15, Talbott Street, 2145 N. Talbott St., (317) 931-1343.

My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult helped create the industrial music scene in Chicago and spreadit to the world. The band's pounding, abrasive electronic music has filled dance clubs since theearly 1990s. Talbott Street, one of Indy's top dance clubs, provides a perfect backdrop for theirshow.

7. Circle City Classic Cabaret feat. Brian McKnight & Lakeside

8 p.m. Oct. 3, $40, Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., (317) 239-5151.

The annual Circle City Classic football game returns to Indy this week and brings a calendar fullof events with it. This Friday night cabaret-style show features Brian McKnight and Lakeside. R&Bsinger McKnight is best known for his hit singles "Love Is" (duet with Vanessa Williams) and"Back At One."

8. Jeff Sample's 40th Birthday feat. The Leisure Kings & Joe Welch

8:30 p.m. Oct. 7, Birdy's Bar & Grill, 2131 E. 71st St., (317) 254-8971.

As former booking agent for The Patio and current talent buyer for Birdy's, Jeff Sample hasprobably heard every demo recorded in Indy since 1990. As front man for Gravelbed and Lines ofNazca, he's created his own unique rock & roll. The Leisure Kings and Joe Welch of Born AgainFloozies will be on hand to serenade Sample as he finishes off four decades.

9. David Wilcox

8 p.m. Oct. 3, $23, Wheeler Arts Community Building, 1035 Sanders St., (317) 916-9375.

Singer/songwriter David Wilcox, typically compared to folk rockers like James Taylor and NickDrake, tours in support of his recent album, "Airstream." The artist released his debut record inthe late '80s and has 14 albums to his credit. The show is part of the Indy Acoustic Cafe Series(indyscousticcafeseries.com).

10. Southern Culture on the Skids

8 p.m. Oct. 5, $15, The Vogue, 6259 N College Ave., (317) 259-7029.

For two decades, Southern Culture on the Skids has been performing raunchy rock about importanttopics like banana pudding and fried chicken. The rockabilly/punk trio took a turn down thecountry road with its most recent album, 'Countrypolitan Favorites.' The record featured coversof classic country singles from the '60s and '70s along with countrified versions of songs by TheWho and Byrds.