The top 5 event venues of 2008

December 31, 11:53 AMSeattle Events ExaminerMaria Christensen

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photo by Joshua Trujillo/Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Let me be honest about this list right from the start. It is extremely subjective, highly biased and a wee bit whimsical. Forewarned is forearmed, as they say, so read on.

1. Forget the Sonics (as if we could), Key Arena makes the list for hosting Barack Obama and his Stand for Change Rally in February. We stood. Things changed.
    
2. This wasn't the year for the Seattle Seahawks, but Qwest Field was packed for a visit by the Dalai Lama in April. His Holiness spoke of compassion. Keep that in mind when thinking of the Seahawks.
    
3. After 16 years without putting out an album the B-52s released Funplex in March and then played to a sold out house at the Showbox in May. Yes, the Showbox hosted a number of great acts in 2008, but this was my favorite and it's my column.
    
4. Benaroya Hall also hosted a number of legends and some really excellent symphonic offerings in 2008 but it gets my nod for both the annual National Geographic Live lecture series and for letting its hair down, so to speak, for Play! A Video Game Symphony in January.
    
5. And last on the list, the White River Amphitheater probably isn't on anyone's list of great venues - it isn't the best outdoor amphitheater, doesn't have the best acoustics and wouldn't be on mine if it weren't for the fact that it hosted Journey, Heart and Cheap Trick on one magical night in September. Reliving my youth scored.

Obviously there's a lot missing. What about the Paramount and Moore Theatres? Town Hall? Marion Oliver McCaw Hall? Read the introductory paragraph and then use the Comments box below to tell me your favorite venues and events of 2008.