​A year full of excellent local shows has come and gone, and like years past, we're sad to see them go. We look forward to a fruitful future of local music in 2012. 

To ring in the New Year, a gracious amount of local bands have decided to play shows around the Valley, including some of the city's biggest-ever names. Here are a few local shows to help you count down to 2012 on December 31. 

Go retro as 2012 approaches. The fuzzy, atomic '60s sounds of The Love Me Nots takes on the '80s, 8-bit perspective of video game rockers The Minibosses. Both are favorites of Yucca Tap Room. There's really no better way for the venue to welcome the New Year than with old friends. 

Awww yeah. There's nothing like tortilla chips and Gin. We hear the giant Tostito will reappear at this year's Tempe Fiesta Bowl Block Party, and so will Valley favorites the Gin Blossoms. Get both at the same time as the band performs and the chip makes its descent into the giant vat of salsa. Consider locals Dry River Yacht Club, Ladylike and Vinyl Station appetizers as they jam on various stages on Mill Avenue pre-chip dip. 

It's like a local sampler platter. Blues dudes Sugar Thieves meet the ska sounds of Sara McAllister Band and rock and roll perspective of Strange Young Things and 4 Year Plan. You get the best of all worlds. Head just off Mill and avoid the crowds, but still see all of the fireworks. Plus, Sail Inn is offering free, non-metaphorical appetizers. 

We're pretty sure DJentrification lives in the back room at FilmBar. He DJs every Saturday at FilmBar's The Palace dance night, so why would New Years be any exception. Valley rockers Futurekind will also blend their electronic and organic sounds.