Shows of the Year from Our Promoters

'Tis the season... to put together "Best of the Year" lists. So we thought we'd get into the spirit in our own way, with a few of our favorite promoters, booking agents and talent buyers telling us what their favorite show of the year at their venue was, brought to you by Ticket Alternative, of course!

Thee Oh Sees, Wizzard Sleeve, TV Ghost @ The EARL, October 14 - Damon Hare, assistant talent buyer for The EARL, Atlanta, GA

"This was one show in particular that I was already excited to see. The bill may not have made sense to everyone but it did to me. TV Ghost being on tour with Wizzard Sleeve and also being label mates with Thee Oh Sees. The label being the legendary In The Red Records.

 

TV Ghost started the evening with an abrasive blend of DNA, Suicide, and Birthday Party. They played surprisingly tight for a band that was inevitably going to fall apart however never doing so. They left the crowd (95% not knowing of their existence) in awe. Wizzard Sleeve then took the stage with their mix of damaged, goth tinged, and heavily Chrome inspired death rock. The drummer doing double duty with maintaining the backbone of the performance while also playing many of the synth leads. They never ever disappoint.

To end the evening Thee Oh Sees didn't take to the stage. They instead took to the floor with their own PA and just exploded on to the crowd with their high energy and uber catchy garage pop. It's their staple and not many can compare. Definitely one of the most exciting live bands in the United States. There were definitely members of the crowd saddened with the band performing on the floor but majority still got it. No matter what you took away from the show you know you'll never forget the evening. That is something very few live acts can pull off these days."

*****

The Drones @ The EARL, April 5 - Patrick Hill, talent buyer for The EARL, Atlanta, GA

"For many reasons, most of them obvious, Sunday is our least favorite night of the week to host a show.  In this case, both the band and I had been at a mutual friend's wedding in Charleston, SC the night prior and I don't think either party was particularly looking forward to the 5 hour drive that led to the early load in and sound check (the band arrived on time despite my poor attempts at explaining to these Australians the concept of Sunday blue laws- take that, Broadcast!). 

Somehow, The Drones made it all worthwhile. Loud guitars and hangovers have never meshed so well.  Howling vocals and a lack of sleep. Low end and tired eyes. Rejoice, sweet rock n' roll!"

*****

K'Naan @ Vinyl, March 4 - Brandon Mize, Rival Entertainment, Atlanta, GA

“One of my favorite performances of 2009 was K’Naan, a brand-new Hip Hop/Folk artist, on March 4 at Vinyl. We were only familiar with this artist from some initial Internet research prior to booking the show, so we were not expecting much out of the night. Little did we know that the show would not only sell out, but he would blow us and everyone in the room away with his talent. His current CD Troubadour became a mainstay on my iPod throughout the summer and still is to this day.”

*****

Phoenix @ Rock and Roll Hotel, June 21 - Steve Lambert, Talent Buyer and Booking Manager for Rock & Roll Hotel, Washington, DC

"The buzz had been growing and growing in anticipation of the band's new record. By the time we confirmed them, I knew from the immediate ticket sales and local chatter they could easily do a room three times the size if not more. Lucky enough for their fans, Rock & Roll Hotel would probably be the last chance to see them in such an intimate venue. Performing on Saturday Night Live two months prior, PHOENIX played Rock & Roll Hotel on Sunday June 21 to a sold out, euphoric crowd who sang and danced to old hits and the new record. They took the room and made it seem like they were playing to millions or to the fans that were right in front of that night. Amazing. Memorable.Legendary?"

*****

Dan Nolan, Co-Owner of Smith's Olde Bar, Atlanta, GA

"It's always hard to pick just one show that was my favorite. If I had to pick, I would say that B.o.B in October. Having Whynatte come in and celebrate their 1st Anniversary was special, and having such a rising star come play the venue is always a lot of fun.

James Hunter in February was another great show. Having such a legend come in and tear the place down is as much fun as you can have without being destructive. 

Bob Schneider plays here often, but the show we had in October was a great one. He had just released a new album, and was back rockin' our stage. We can't wait to have him back.

From a music fans point of view, I am most proud to have had Band Of Skulls played Smith's. We got them right after Lollapalooza, and right before they blew up. I'm so happy that we got to have them play our room."

*****

Von Iva and Semi Precious Weapons @ Drunken Unicorn, January 28 - Gavin Frederick, Booking Agent for Drunken Unicorn

"NYC's Semi Precious Weapons started it with a raucous glam rock performance with their singer producing a performance that would have given David Bowie serious competition during David's prime while SF's Von Iva ended the show with their great blend of Tina Turner, dance and punk jams."