Sure, the Midwest chill can make Lawrence music fans want to retreat to the comfort of their Sanyos and Boses during the winter. But New Year’s Eve is special. It’s ripe with opportunities to celebrate alongside live musicians in a buzzing environment.

Staying home is for losers … and imprisoned inmates of the state. So exercise your right of freedom (and exercise your calves) by making merry at one or all of these fine musical events.

Otherwise, 2002 will be remembered as just another number.

BR549, Legendary Shack Shakers, 9 p.m., Liberty Hall, 642 Mass.

Speaking of numbers, how about BR549? Sure the band was here only two months ago at The Bottleneck, but it’s been three years since BR has occupied its traditional Dec. 31 slot at Liberty Hall. The Nashville-based troupe featuring Lawrence natives Chuck Mead and Shaw Wilson is still familiarizing audiences with its two new members: bassist Geoff Firebaugh and guitarist Chris Scruggs (grandson of bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs). Those who attended the October gig certainly weren’t disappointed, claiming the new lineup has rejuvenated the retro country ensemble. Plus, anything can happen when BR549 takes the stage to ring in this holiday. I still have a vivid recollection of the band performing the theme to “Star Trek” and watching a miniature Enterprise descend from the ceiling, a la Spinal Tap’s Stonehenge replica.

The Anniversary, The Gadjits, Ghosty, 9 p.m., The Bottleneck, 737 N.H.

Hard to beat this triple bill of diverse indie bands. Lawrence’s peppy Anniversary saw a year in which its sophomore effort “Your Majesty” was released internationally on Vagrant Records, garnering reviews in publications such as Rolling Stone. The band supported it with constant touring and issued a video for the lush single “Sweet Marie.” The Gadjits have gone from high school ska wannabes to a more song-oriented rock revivalist band. Formed by brothers Brandon, Zach and Adam Phillips while in their teens, The Gadjits count four albums to their credit, including the new “Today Is My Day.” KJHK favorite Ghosty continue to haunt the Lawrence scene with a stellar combination of mature songwriting and indie quirkiness.

Chubby Smith 5, 9 p.m., Big Six Room (Eldridge Hotel), 701 Mass.

Veteran multi-instrumentalist Jeff “Chubby” Smith makes a rare appearance this year with his quintet, which also features backing vocals from a trio of female singers. Smith describes the show as “AC/DC gone gospel.”

Ricky Dean Sinatra, The Eudoras, 9 p.m., Rick’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill, 623 Vt.

Before Chubby Smith’s band can take the stage, bassist Kevin Enos will have to finish his gig down the street with The Eudoras — he’s a member of both groups. Afterward, Ricky Dean Sinatra will seize control. The Lawrence mainstay is in its third decade since being formed by friends Alan Murphy and Mark Roseberry. The quartet plays “’60s garage music that is influenced by ’50s rock ‘n’ roll.”

Lisa Donnelly Project, 10 p.m., The Jazzhaus, 926 1/2 Mass.

Another hometown unit will showcase its talents, this time at the city’s longest-running club: The Jazzhaus. The Lisa Donnelly Project is the premier funk-blues act around these parts. Fronted by the gritty vocals of Donnelly, LDP knows how to add a taste of improvisation into its tight set without turning into one of those noodly jam bands.

Let’s not forget the booming metropolis of Kansas City, either:

Full Feature, The Feds, Tuesday Project, 10 p.m., The Hurricane, 4048 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo.

This rollicking party band culled a fan base by playing for football fans at Memorial Stadium before every KU home game. Full Feature’s appealing harmonies and infectious grooves (recently captured on its latest album “One for Your Health”) no doubt will convert those in a cozy bar like The Hurricane as comfortably as in a stadium.

Truth Cell, Barphyte, Trip Hazzard, Blood Red Sun, Human Ritual, 9 p.m., Niener’s, 815 N. Noland Rd., Kansas City, Mo.

Performing at a venue that advertises itself as “The true home of rock” makes for a good match for Truth Cell. The five-piece is undoubtedly Lawrence’s heaviest rock band, using its dual vocalists to hammer audiences with a sound described as “brutality with mind.”

Back Porch Mary, The Hearers, Dave Kuehn, 10 p.m., Davey’s Uptown, 3402 Main, Kansas City, Mo.

Since forming seven years ago in nearby Manhattan, Back Porch Mary has relocated to Austin, Tex. There the quartet has perfected a mix of country rock in the vein of Steve Earle and Jason and the Scorchers.

Anything But Joey, 9 p.m., O’Dowd’s, 4742 Penn., Kansas City, Mo.

One of KC’s true alt-pop bands — think Blink 182 minus the tattoos — Anything But Joey seems to be everywhere lately. (Those are the guys romping in the sexy video for the Women of KU calendar.) Looks like dropping their old name “Thulium” really helped out the career.

Chris Duarte, The Hipnotics, 9 p.m., Grand Emporium, 3832 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.

Texas guitarist Chris Duarte has been a familiar face around this area for more than a decade, harvesting a reputation as a true showman. The fretboard master combines Lone Star blues with a technical rock mastery that few can replicate.

Glamour Ball, featuring Steve Miller Orchestra, 9 p.m., The Madrid Theatre, 3810 Main, Kansas City, Mo.

Wow, it must be annoying having audiences yell requests for “Fly Like an Eagle” or “The Joker.” At least they’re not shouting “Freebird.” Actually, for the KC-based Steve Miller Orchestra, you’re more likely to hear Cole Porter or Duke Ellington emanating from this respected, tuxedo-wearing ensemble.

Steve Azar, Anthony Smith, 8 p.m., The Beaumont, 4050 Pa., Kansas City, Mo.

Mississippi singer-songwriter Steve Azar makes his first stop in KC at the cavernous Beaumont. The artist just released his solo debut, “Waitin’ on Joe,” through Mercury Records, resulting in frequent spins on CMT.

Trouble Junction, Pendergast, 10 p.m., The Brick, 1727 McGee, Kansas City, Mo.

The fledgling KC quartet Trouble Junction characterizes its sound as “woe-begotten cow rock from the heartland.” That does sound like trouble.

Sister Mary Rotten Crotch, Peewhap and the Formates, Brass Knuckle Choir, 7 p.m., El Torreon, 3101 Gillham Rd., Kansas City, Mo.

It wouldn’t be the holiday season without Sister Mary Rotten Crotch. Like that Catholic school nun who used to smack your digits with a heavy ruler, SMRC plays the kind of in-your-face, old-school punk rock that screams New Year’s louder than a champagne enema.