Admit it. There’s a part of you that’s a little nervous about 2012. It’s understandable. What with all the prophecies and doomsaying, it might be the first time the new year comes loaded with more baggage than the one before it. Instead of sitting and praying that the Mayans made some crucial typos, we recommend treating this New Year’s Eve like it’s the last one ever — and with this handy guide, you won’t waste one precious second. We’ve picked the best pop, classical, theater, film, comedy, dining, and outdoor events to help make the most of your night. And if you lose your bearings amid the revelry, simply consult our handy map. From all of us at the Globe, Happy NewYear! (Now let’s party like there’s no tomorrow.) MICHAEL BRODEUR
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A guide to New Year's Eve in Boston
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POP MUSIC
THE FOUR LEGGED FAITHFUL
If you want to close out 2011 with rich harmonies and a dive into the folk-bluegrass-Americana pool, this show at the cozy Cambridge club should be just your (free) ticket. 9 p.m. Free. Toad. 617-497-4950, www.toadcambridge.com
ELLIS PAUL
One of the region’s premier singer-songwriters, Paul does double duty tonight, saying goodbye to the year in his warm and reflective style. 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets: $40. Club Passim. 617-492-7679, www.clubpassim.org
CASS MCCOMBS
The prolific singer-songwriter released two albums in 2011 so he should have no shortage of his smart, funny, and thoughtful songs to sing. 10:15 p.m. Boston Public Library. 617-542-1399, www.firstnight.org
MAVIS STAPLES
The legendary R&B and gospel singer has been enjoying a well-deserved renaissance thanks to her superb, Grammy-winning 2010 album, “You Are Not Alone.’’ 9 p.m. Symphony Hall. 617-542-1399, www.firstnight.org
J. GEILS, JEFF PITCHELL, & TEXAS FLOOD
Shake out those end-of-the-year blues with some blues of the blistering hot musical variety as the J. Geils Band’s namesake axman, Pitchell, and Texas Flood make a ruckus. The ticket price includes dinner, a champagne toast, party favors, and all the blues you can feast on. 7 p.m. Tickets: $90. Bull Run. 978-425-4311, www.bullrunrestaurant.com
JUANITO PASCUAL
If fabulous flamenco flourishes float your boat, then make sure to stop and see Pascual, a well-regarded practitioner who should have your feet and your heart racing. 10 and 11 p.m. Park Plaza Hotel, Terrace Room. 617-542-1399, www.firstnight.org
INSANE CLOWN POSSE
If you are a Juggalo in good standing, there’s only one way to spend the night. And that’s by heading out to Worcester to revel with Faygo-obsessed, clown-faced rappers about the miracle of magnets. 8 p.m. Tickets: $29.50. Palladium. 800-477-6849, www.tickets.com
ELIZABETH MITCHELL AND YOU ARE MY FLOWER
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