New Year’s Eve 2013 (CPs Tues., 12/31/13)

1) Highmark First Night Pittsburgh is the biggest New Year’s Eve party in the ‘Burg, happening all over Downtown’s “Golden Triangle.” Headlining this year’s celebration is Charles Bradley. Bradley and His Extraordinaires will deliver their special live music mix of funk/soul/R&B. “Strictly Reserved for You”  is a chart-rising song Bradley currently has out and is sure to play tonight. The entertainment and attractions lined up for this event are amazing: bands, dancers, comedians, balloon-animal creators, acoustic musicians, dance lessons, buskers, caricature artists, face painters, clowns, puppets, ice carvers, fire jugglers, theatrical performances, and martial arts demonstrations. Oh, and of course, fireworks! Events start at 6 p.m. and go on until midnight. Visit Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014 for details.

2) The Rex Theater is hosting a New Year’s Eve party with the way cool rock band Rusted Root, along with the Bastard Bearded Irishmen and Derek Woodz Band. There will be a champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 8 p.m.; show starts at 9 p.m. 1602 E. Carson St., South Side.

3) Stage plays become movies and movies sometimes become stage plays. Ghost the Musical, opening tonight at Heinz Hall, is an instance of the latter. The movie Ghost was a hit in 1990 with stars Patrick Swayze as the departed husband, Demi Moore as the lamenting widow, and Whoopi Goldberg as the psychic who reunites them. In the movie, there’s a big scene that involves a pottery wheel that has been carried over to the stage version. 7:30 p.m. Runs through Jan. 5. 600 Penn Ave., Cultural District.

4) Celebrate New Year’s Eve laughing your ass off! This is possible at the Pittsburgh Improv, where tonight  former “Saturday Night Live” writer and performer Kevin Brennan plays a special New Year’s Eve  event. As one of ten children Brennan had to stand out and one way to achieve that was to be funny. Brennan was voted “Best Comedian” at the 2005 Aspen Comedy Festival which led to him taping his own HBO half-hour comedy special. He’s been on several major network talk shows and has even taped a pilot for NBC called “Number One Son.” In addition to their regular a la carte menu, the Improv is offering New Year’s Eve packages. 8 and 10:15 p.m. 166 East Bridge St., The Waterfront, Homestead.

5) Cincinnati rock band Foxy Shazam  brings in the New Year at Mr. Small’s Funhouse. Their stated goal is to “be the Michael Jordan of  Rock ‘n Roll.” Joining them on the bill is Gene the Werewolf and Dazzeltine. 9 p.m. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale.

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