There’s no better way to ring in the new year than by checking out this year’s hottest talent. Whether you’re a country music fan, a lover of boy bands or prefer to bang your head to grunge, the D.C. area has a concert in 2013 waiting for you. Check out this year’s best concerts right here in your favorite city.

Taylor Swift – The Red Tour
Verizon Center
601 F St. NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 661-5000
verizoncenter.com/

Date: May 11 and 12, 2013 at 7 p.m.
Price: $32.50 – $97.50

Whether it’s her latest hit “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” or her earlier smash single “You Belong With Me,” chances are you have hummed or sung along to one of Taylor Swift’s catchy tunes. In May, the reigning princess of pop country music is making her much-anticipated appearance at the Verizon Center. The show opens up with special guest Ed Sheeran, an English singer/songwriter who has achieved major success in the U.K. Taylor Swift has received six Grammy’s and more than 110 other musical awards, so if you haven’t seen a show yet, it’s time.

Barry Manilow
1st Mariner Arena
201 W. Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 347-2020
www.baltimorearena.com/

Date: April 20, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Price: $17.99 – $127.99

If you’re longing to go to the Copacabana but dread the thought of driving through New York City traffic, the cost of gas and tolls or dealing with a mafia boss to protect a pretty showgirl, then reserve a seat at the Barry Manilow concert. Manilow has reached impressive heights in his 40-year musical career, including selling more than 80 million albums with plenty reaching multi-platinum status. Most recently, Manilow was honored with the Heart of Hollywood Award, a testament to his philanthropic support to the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. Don’t miss out on the chance to sing great hits, including “Mandy” and “Could it be Magic” along with the legendary crooner.

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One Direction
601 F. St. NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 661-5000
verizoncenter.com/

Date: June 23, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Price: $79.50 – $89.50

Known as the first British band to debut an album in the No. 1 position on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, One Direction to today’s preteens and teens is the equivalent to the effect of New Kids on the Block on young female fans in the 1990s. Make your kid’s day with tickets to this sure to be a sold out show. The musical group has sold more than 12 million albums worldwide and received three MTV Video Music Awards. Its hit singles include “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Live While We’re Young.” Upon purchase, please note there is a four-ticket limit.

K-Ci and JoJo
Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
1212 Cathedral St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 783-8100
www.bsomusic.org

Date: Jan. 5, 2013 at 8 p.m.
Price: $57 to $65

If you’ve been waiting a decade for a K-Ci and JoJo reunion concert, then here’s your chance. The duo, which was once part of the popular R&B group Jodeci, is back at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall with special guests Dru Hill and Jon B. Relive your soulful days with classic hits like “All My Life,” “How Deep is Your Love” and “Don’t Talk.” K-Ci and JoJo enjoyed numerous hit songs and received the American Music Award for Favorite R&B Duo in 1999. Dru Hill has won awards in R&B categories including Billboards R&B Artist of the Year and Single of the Year. Jon B. has enjoyed his share of achievements as well including multi-platinum albums and award nominations.

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Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar
1104 H St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
littlemisswhiskeys.com/

Date: April 10, 2013 – 9 p.m.
Price: free

Bang your head to Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, the latest new wave/post punk band to hit the Mid-Atlantic mainstream garage rock scene. Based out of Los Angeles, the band has performed on local and international stages including the Coachella Festival in California. Expect Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’s dark ups and downs in this bang-up show. With a former fashion model as the lead singer and a “femme fatale” drummer who formerly performed with the Wooly Bandits, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is just as sexy and dark in person as it sounds.

Susan Diranian is a freelance writer living in Ashburn, VA. She is covering Travel & Outdoors. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.