First Night: Bookworm Rock vs. Garage Rock

First Night
Monday, December 31
Everywhere (see below)
All outdoor events are free.
All indoor events are accessible with a First Night button ($15)
Official First Night site

Wizard-rockers Harry and the Potters will bring the magic to the First Night proceedings. At first, Bostonist was skeptical because, although the masses love their Harry Potter, that gimmick was bound to get old. And then we were thrilled to discover that they play straight-up, fuzzy indie rock with a weird slacker streak. Rock fans who aren't into the Potter thing might enjoy themselves. In case you are a novice to the band, the guys, Paul and Joe DeGeorge, represent Harry Year Four and Harry Year Seven. Hynes Convention Center Auditorium. 9:30 pm-10:00 pm.

The ultra-tough Downbeat 5 are the exact opposite of Harry and the Potters. If they were faced with Voldemort, they'd just beat him up instead of attempting magic. Judging from their old-school hard party rock, you might not want to meet the band in a dark alley, but their music will make you jump and bang out some devil horns. You may also want to take up smoking, drinking cheap beer, and starting your own band in the garage. Copley Square. 10:00 pm-midnight.

First Night buttons can be purchased for $15 at Shaw's and Star Markets, Store 24, L'il Peach, Tedeschi's, and Au Bon Pain. On December 31, you can get the buttons for $20 at the Hynes Convention Center and at booths on the Common and at the Public Garden. All button locations can be found at the First Night site.

Image of Harry and the Potters from the First Night website.