| #1. Aldous Harding at the Turf Club (both times) |
I am thrilled to have been able to see this enigmatic performer twice this year. Her shows are like nothing else – Harding is really able to somehow transport her audiences into another realm entirely. |
| #2. KOKOKO! At the Cedar Cultural Center |
I saw a lot of great performances at the Cedar this year and the energy and fun in this one were unmatched. |
| #3. Les Filles de Illighadad at the Cedar Cultural Center |
It blows my mind that these women are from a place in North Africa that has no electricity or running water (not to mention very strict misogynistic laws about women and art) and yet somehow they sound incredible. |
| #4. Mdou Moctar at the Cedar Cultural Center |
Another desert blues performer from North Africa – Mdou Moctar blew the roof off of the Cedar. I liked his record this year but hearing it live pushed it to another level. |
| #5. Altin Gun/Thunderbolt Pagoda at the Turf Club |
This show was just a huge amount of fun – DESPITE the fact that the lead vocalist Erdinç Ecevit gives the impression that he takes himself VERY seriously. While he didn’t crack a smile, everyone in the audience sure did.
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| #6. Robyn at the Palace Theater |
It’s been around a decade since I last saw Robyn and the time has done nothing to diminish her incredible stage presence. |
| #7. Afrotronix at the Cedar Cultural Center |
I often attend the Cedar’s Global Roots Festival an this year’s was probably my favorite of all time. Topping off a series of terrific performances was Afrotronix, an African band I had previously never heard of. |
| #9. Angel Olsen at First Avenue |
Olsen had one of my favorite records this year so it’s no surprise that I greatly enjoyed hearing it live at First Avenue. It was also a bonus to see long-time local music veteran Nona Marie Invie on keys! |
| #9. Iceage/Nadah El Shazly at the Turf Club |
I came for El Shazly and stayed for Iceage. Both were brain-meltingly good. |
| #10. Black MIDI at the 7th St. Entry |
I have had a love/hate relationship with Black MIDI’s music on and off again this year but live at the Entry it was 100% love. |
| RU. Madison Mcferrin at Icehouse |
This was just the other night and I feel like I am still coming down from the high this evening of music created. |
