Thanks for all the great response to my Top Ten lists of albums and EPs for 2011. To go along with that list, I wanted to also provide my Top Ten list of the best live performances in 2011. Unfortunately (or is it fortunately), I couldn't pick just 10, as the quality of performances this year was outstanding. So, I picked 16 of my favorites.
With the technologies available today, such as ProTools and AutoTune, it is easier than ever for an artist to create a quality CD. However, when an artist performs live, without that assistance, the true essence of their talent comes forth, and they either sink or swim. With that in mind, here are my thoughts on the best live performances I have been fortunate enough to have witnessed in 2011:
No. 16 - Tiny Animals - Hotel Cafe (5/4) - This was my first introduction to this band as they made their LA debut, and I was thoroughly impressed. For more details, check out my earlier article - http://www.examiner.com/los-feliz-in-los-angeles/tiny-animals-run-rampant-on-the-pop-music-scene.
No. 15 - Jessie Payo - Universal Five Towers (7/23) - You have probably heard Jessie before, as she's had numerous placements in television and movies, as well as a gold record for Disney. She is also part of the duo Jupiter Rising. She was really on a roll with a rocking band behind her, as she impressed the audience and the Universal Music executives at the show.
No. 14 - Kelly McGrath - Hotel Cafe - (6/15) - Although I saw Kelly several times in 2011, this was her best show, coming on the heels of her CD release for Heartstrings. Kelly is a consummate performer, who pours her heart and soul into her music. Unfortunately, Kelly has decided to move to Texas to further her career. I highly recommend catching her when she comes to town again.
No. 13 - Me and Mr. Cassidy - Genghis Cohen (various dates) - I first met Hope Leigh and Scott Cassidy when they first moved to town, as they were looking for a place to play and grow their audience. Over the course of 2011, this duo completed recording their first album and gave a stellar performance at the CD Release show in October. They will be returning to Genghis in March, April and May for a three-month residency - don't miss this duo who I predict are ready to break.
No. 12 - Kim DiVine - Hotel Cafe (2/9 & 7/20) - I have known Kim for many years, and watched her growth as an artist. I also had the distinct pleasure of appearing in her new music video for "Perfect Kind of Love." This lady is ready to soar to new heights - don't miss a chance to catch her before she blows up.
No. 11 - Shannon Hurley - Hotel Cafe (8/31) - Another artist I have followed for a long time, 2011 was a "coming out" for Shannon and her music. With the release of her new album California, the formation of her new duo Lovers & Poets, and her return to California, Shannon is poised to truly hit the big time in 2012. Find out more in my article - http://www.examiner.com/los-feliz-in-los-angeles/local-artist-celebrates-release-of-new-album-at-hotel-cafe-on-8-31.
No. 10 - Outliar - Sonic Sound Off Finale (9/18) - Six friends from El Camino Real High School have turned a high school garage band into a legitimate contender for a break-out career. Winning the competition entitled them to work with Grammy-winning producer Mikal Blue, who can hardly wait to get the boys into the studio. Keep an eye on these guys in 2012. Find out more in my article - http://www.examiner.com/los-feliz-in-los-angeles/sonic-sound-off-final-recap,
No. 9 - Harper Blynn & Schuyler Fisk - Hotel Cafe (11/16) - I was unfamiliar with HB until this night, and had primarily come to see my friend Schuyler perform. I had heard the hype based on their current residency, but was unprepared for the powerful sound. This was one of the best shows I attended all year at the Hotel, where the extraordinary is normal. I guarantee I'll be back the next time they're in town.
No. 8 - Ernie Halter & Thomas Nicholas Band - Universal Five Towers (8/20) - Ernie has been blowing up ever since a certain Justin Bieber decided to cover one of Ernie's songs, and make a surprise appearance at an Ernie show. Thomas has been popular ever since he first appeared in American Pie, but his music is so much better than his acting. Together they put on one of the best shows held at Universal's new Five Towers stage, impressing everyone in attendance.
No. 7 - David & Devine - Hotel Cafe (2/26) and Molly Malone (10/1) - Dave Yaden and Candance Devine continue to grow as artists and performers. Their songwriting is incredible, and their range of music and styles continues to grow. These guys are headlining at the Canyon Club in Agoura on January 15 - don't miss the boat on these two.
No. 6 - Lucy Schwartz - The Satellite (1/24) - I had seen a small sample of Lucy's music at 2010's Rockdrive show, but was unprepared for the full band. Backed by Chaska Potter and Mona Tavakoli from Raining Jane, and her dad on bass, Lucy totally wowed the standing room only crowd, and showed why she is an artist in demand in 2012.
No. 5 - Kate Voegele, Amy Kunney & Kelley James - The Roxy (1/8) - In this age of corporate sponsorship, it was refreshing to see a corporate entity like Oakley get behind these artists and give them the freedom to truly express themselves. From the short acoustic set of MTV and One Tree Hill's Kate to Amy and Kelley, the show was fun from start to finish. It was a truly amazing display of talent.
No. 4 - Julie Neumark - Whiskey-a-go-go (3/5) - Julie made the list last year and did not disappoint in 2011. This was her hallmark show, and she made believers out of everyone in attendance that night.
No. 3 - Cindy Alexander - Molly Malone (2/12) - Cindy has been off the grid since getting married and having twins, but her performance this night was worth the wait. Currently finishing the final mix on her new CD, watch out for some fireworks from this artist in 2012.
No. 2 - Kyler England - Hotel Cafe (10/27) - Kyler had a very busy 2011. Her band The Rescues got signed to Universal Republic records, released their debut album, toured the world and STILL found time to write and record a solo project. Her CD release show was one of the best I have ever attended. The band she assembled truly complemented her style and left the audience feeling like they had seen one of the best shows ever.
No. 1 - Keaton Simons - Residencies at Hotel Cafe and WitZend (various dates), The Roxy (1/26) - What can be said that hasn't already been said about this artist? Not only was 2011 a great year for Keaton with placements in television and film, but he also had the chance to reconnect with his step-dad Eric Roberts, courtesy of Dr. Drew's Celebrity Rehab. Every show was great, but Keaton truly reached new heights with his residency shows. I highly recommend you catch him whenever he performs - you wil not leave disappointed.
Honorable Mention: Nina Storey - Hotel Cafe (2/9 & 7/10) and Room 5 (4/8); Of Verona - Molly Malone (6/1); Katie Costello - Room 5 (6/3); Curtis Peoples - Hotel Cafe (7/15); Shane Alexander - Greek Theater (8/2); Libbie Schrader - Hotel Cafe (8/31); Jake Newton - Hotel Cafe (9/30); Camille Bloom - Genghis Cohen (10/18).
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