'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
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
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."




