The title of one of Old 97’s most popular recent songs, “Let’s Get Drunk and Get It On” from 2014’s Most Messed Up, provides a pretty decent blueprint for how many people will choose to welcome 2015. But while the alt-country pioneers do enjoy singing about their vices, seeing them perform live proves nearly as mind-altering as drinking to excess. After more than two decades, frontman Rhett Miller and company have a way of connecting with every audience member, whether they’re playing rocky, up-tempo numbers like “Nineteen” and “Murder (Or a Heart Attack)” or quieter, polite ballads like “Question.” For its stand at the Hamilton, the band will be joined by local folk act Vandaveer, whose string-heavy compositions will fill out the evening’s rootsy vibe. Greeting the new year with joyful guitar solos, love-soaked anthems, and free Champagne beats any stuffy rendition of “Auld Lang Syne.” Old 97s perform with Vandaveer at 9 p.m. at the Hamilton, 600 14th St. NW. $60–$85. (202) 787-1000. thehamiltondc.com.