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5 best New Year's Eve concerts in Dallas and Fort Worth in 2016

Live concerts -- the ultimate kind of party -- are the best way to celebrate the passing of one year and the beginning of a new one. Here are some shows worthy of ending your year in thrilling musical fashion.

Editor's note: This story is for 2016 events. If you're looking for New Year's Eve 2017 -- a.k.a., which concerts to attend on Dec. 31, 2017 -- click here.

Cheap Champagne, gaudy party hats and bland hotel ballrooms are fine for some. But a raucous night of no-consequences musical fun is so much better.

Live concerts -- the ultimate kind of party -- are the best way to celebrate the passing of one year and the beginning of a new one. Here are some shows worthy of ending your year in thrilling musical fashion.

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Jonathan Tyler, Nikki Lane and more -- Granada Theater in Dallas

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In what has become a local NYE tradition, the Granada Theater will yet again host Tyler and his southern rock band for a loud and crazy night. But unlike previous years, this year he's paired with nationally-known Americana acts instead of a local cast. Adding the most dazzle to the night will be Nikki Lane. Over the past couple of years, Nashville's Lane and Tyler have become close buds, playing shows together and featuring one another in their social media channels. Their hauntingly gorgeous duet, "To Love is To Fly," from Tyler's Holy Smokes album, is as fine of a song as he's ever recorded.

Joining the lineup are Paul Cauthen, riding the wave provided by tremendous reviews for his new record, and Lubbock's Red Shahan.

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Eli Young Band with Green River Ordinance -- Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth

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These two bands represent different kinds of success. From Denton, the Eli Young Band became a popular draw on the Texas country circuit before signing with a major label. In short order, the group had multiple hits and even a couple of unassailable smash singles in "Crazy Girl" and "Even if it Breaks your Heart." In concert, Mike Eli and crew are a tightly knit, rocking bunch made for big stages.

Originated in Fort Worth as a sleek indie-pop outfit, Green River Ordinance is a rootsy Americana-style outfit established after their major label days were done. This year's twangy Fifteen LP has sold well and has made the group's presence on regional Texas country radio even more prominent.

Ishi, Sam Lao and more -- Trees in Dallas

Deep Ellum will be a top-notch NYE destination. Trees, the historic neighborhood jewel, is hosting a killer local bill packed with danceable, groove-worthy artists. Ishi's lineup has seen some change over the years, but one thing never changes: a guaranteed wild party. In 2013, Sam Lao stormed the local scene with her brilliant blend of soul and hip-hop, then didn't release a follow-up until this year, with her worth-the-wait SPCTRM record.

Hip-hop group Cure for Paranoia and Kwinton Gray will perform as well.

Hellyeah -- House of Blues in Dallas

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It's now been 12 years since "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, arguably the greatest metal talent to ever emerge from North Texas, was killed by a crazed fan on stage in Columbus, Ohio. His brother, Vinnie Paul, was on stage with him when the tragedy struck and has carried on his brother's musical legacy. Formed in 2006 with players from other noteworthy metal bands, Hellyeah has dealt primarily in the groove-metal style similar to that of Pantera. Unafraid to embrace its painful roots, the band included a bombastic cover of Phil Collins' '80s hit "I Don't Care Anymore" on its 2016 album Unden!able. On that track, the band added in some seriously soaring licks that Dimebag recorded many years ago.

Like-minded metal bands 100 Proof Hatred, Vimic and Jibe perform also.

Lights All Night featuring Deadmau5, Zedd and more -- (two nights) -- Dallas Market Hall

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Though talk of local music festivals often tends to lean towards fests such as Untapped, Homegrown and other gigs where local talent is prominently featured, the region's biggest annual music festival is the electro-powered Lights All Night. This is the second year the late-night fest will take place at Dallas Market Hall, where EDM beats will streak through the hall until 2 a.m. each night. There's a sneakily quaint aspect to this neon parade, as it's rare these days to catch bold-name headliners such as Deadmau5 and Zedd inside indoor venues as opposed to massive festival grounds.

A$AP Ferg, Wolfgang Gartner and A Trak are but a few of the global stars celebrating NYE at this Dallas concert.

If you're shopping for what to do this New Year's Eve, check this out: 11 best ways to celebrate NYE in Big D.