New Year's Eve 121713

Confetti and fireworks, champagne and music. You'll find all of these in the Birmingham area on New Year's Eve 2013. (The Birmingham News/AL.com file photos)

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Of course, you could stay at home on Dec. 31, sipping a glass of steaming cider and waiting for Miley Cyrus to embarrass herself on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest." Nothing wrong with that approach, but the more social among us will want to dress up, head out and enjoy the holiday with other festive folks.

Here are 14 ways to ring in 2014 in the Birmingham area:

Christopher Confessore is resident conductor and principal pops conductor for the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. (AL.com file photo)

Bask in good cheer

as the

presents "New Year's Eve: A Viennese Celebration" at the Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Ave. North. Conductor Christopher Confessore and the orchestra will celebrate in style, with elegant waltzes, lively polkas and opera selections. Start time: 6 p.m. Soloists: violinist Daniel Szasz and soprano Amy Maples. Lagniappe: A glass of champagne at intermission. Bottom's up! Tix: $34-$74. Info: 205-975-2787 or

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Boogie down

, breakdance, moonwalk. Check your self-conscious brain at the door; it's time to revive those 1980s dance moves at Bottletree Cafe, 3719 Third Ave. South. DJs Stevo and Maelstrom are in charge of the playlist for a Neon Electric Dance Party at 9 p.m. That means synthpop, New Wave and electronica galore, with a multimedia assist from VJs Katie and John Gaiser. Tix: $10. Info: 205-533-6288 or

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Black Jacket Symphony covers classic rock albums in concert. (MaryMargaret Chambliss photo)

Sing along

to "Thunder Road," "Jungleland," and other working-class anthems by Bruce Springsteen. The Boss has other plans on Tuesday, but don't fret.

, the popular tribute ensemble led by J. Willoughby, will perform the "Born to Run" LP at the WorkPlay theater, 500 23rd St. South. Get there by 10 p.m., to catch the first set covering the 1975 album track by track. (The second set cherry-picks from Springsteen's greatest hits.) Tix: $35. Info: 205-380-4082 or

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Shout requests

, all night long. You won't be annoying the piano players; it's the way they organize their shows. Atlanta's Damian Cartier and Cliff Holcomb (two members of the

team) will be at their keyboards, covering everything from classic rock to pop standards at Iron City, 513 22nd St. South. The old-school piano bar becomes an amped-up party in their skillful hands, with lots of audience participation. Start time:10 p.m. Tix: $7-$26. Info: 205-202-5483 or

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Get ready to "Ooh!" and "Ahh!" at fireworks in Gardendale. (Mike Kittrell | mkittrell@AL.com)

Think of bombs bursting

in air -- colorfully, safely, spectacularly. If you're in Gardendale,

wants to add a little sparkle to your evening, The restaurant, 2505 Caufield Drive, has organized a New Year's Eve ball drop and fireworks show, starting at 9 p.m. The free event is family-friendly, preceded by a 6 p.m. Glow Run from the B-Dubs Running Club. Kids will be occupied with inflatables, face painting, a photo booth and more. Info:

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Uphold tradition

with

. When New Year's Eve rolls around, the country-rock band settles in for its annual show at Zydeco, 2001 15th Ave. South. Frontman Kenny Strickland and his colleagues are regulars on the Southeast nightclub circuit; these guys have roots in Alabama and Georgia, and they know how to have a good time. Expect party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. James Miller & the Country Road Band open at 9 p.m. Tix: $15. Info: 205-933-1032 or

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If you can walk, you can contra dance. So say the members of Birmingham FOOTMAD. (Tom Gordon photo)

Twirl your partner

as

play folk, bluegrass and other music for contra dancing. The Birmingham Friends of Old-Time Music and Dance -- more commonly known as FOOTMAD -- welcome veterans and newcomers to their New Year's Eve festivities. Caller Susan Kevra will supervise the 9 p.m. dance, calling out forms and figures at the downtown YWCA, 309 23rd St. North. Tix: $15, $6 for teens, free for kids ages 12 and younger. Info: 205-822-0505,

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Stop fretting

over your wardrobe. Only one color will do on Dec. 31 at the Merienda Lounge, 420 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South. The Annual All Black NYE 2013, hosted by DJ Dirty Vegas and Young Dil, requires an outfit that's dark and dramatic. Radio station

will broadcast its live countdown from the club, providing an R&B/hip-hop soundtrack before and after the ball drops. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tix: $10 advance; call 205-422-9849 for VIP packages and reserved seats. Info:

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Heath Green, right, and Chad Fisher, center, are the leaders of FisherGreen. (FisherGreen Facebook photo)

Open the door

to Black Market Bar & Grill, 2011 Highland Ave. South. But don't be surprised if good vibrations spill onto the street. FisherGreen, the band led by trombonist Chad Fisher and singer-guitarist Heath Green, will be on stage, playing a dynamic fusion of soul, rock, country, folk and funk. They'll offer selections from a

and other tunes for your listening pleasure. Show time: 8 p.m. Tix: $10. Info: 205-933-8035 or

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Trade your paper hat

for a Mardi Gras-style mask at the Tin Roof, 2709 Seventh Ave. South. Time to get a little glam for the nightclub's Masquerade New Year's Eve Ball, flaunting feathers and glitter, bangles and beads. Party favors and a champagne toast will be provided at the event, which kicks off at 9:30 p.m. Wear your own mask, or grab one at the door. Tix: $10, $50 for four-person booth and bottle of champage. Info: 205-323-4356 or

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OK, so Michelle Obama would know the difference. But Jay Pharoah does a spot-on imitation of her hubby. ("Saturday Night Live" photo)

Double over with laughter

at the Comedy Club Stardome, 1818 Data Drive in Hoover. Jay Pharoah, a breakout cast member on

will perform his standup act at 7:45 p.m. and 10 p.m. He's a masterful impersonator, targeting celebs such as Barack Obama, Denzel Washington, Chris Rock, Jay Z and Lil Wayne with wicked precision. Tix: $49.95 early show, $27.50 late show. Info: 205-444-0008 or

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Shake your moptop

(or just pretend you have one).

crowd is sure to understand. When you're watching a Beatles tribute band, it's only natural to find yourself transported back to the 1960s. The BeatLads, a Birmingham troupe, specialize in the Fab Four's early catalog, using instruments quite similar to the ones played by John, Paul, George and Ringo. Their "Christmas in Bermuda" show is set for 7 p.m. at Moonlight on the Mountain, 585 Shades Crest Road. Tix: $15 at the door, cash only. Info:

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Ona Watson keeps things cool at Ona's Music Room in Pepper Place. (The Birmingham News file photo | Linda Stelter)

Toast the New Year

with

& Champagne. Watson, the owner of Ona's Music Room, has been entertaining audiences for almost two decades with cool-cat jazz, pop, R&B and blues. Just as important, he's provided a forum for emerging musicians at his nightclub, 2801 Second Ave. South. Watson's built a reputation as a cordial host, an engaging vocalist and a confident bandleader. Ask him to perform "Auld Lang Syne" on Tuesday, and you'll want to sing along. Doors open at 6 p.m.; music usually starts around 8:30 p.m. Info: 205-320-7006 or

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Let's be honest.

It really doesn't matter who's playing at The Nick on New Year's Eve. The music will be just fine -- Baak Gwai, Grandaddy Ghostlegs and GT are on the 9 p.m. bill -- but at this great dive bar, it's all about the atmosphere and the history. If you love

, 2514 10th Ave. South, you'll be there around midnight, raising a glass to 2014. Tix: $10. Info: 205-252-3823 or

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