Pipes's Picks of 2015: Live Music Highlights

As many of you know, seeing live music is one of my favorite hobbies.  2015 didn't disappoint, with a myriad of great live shows.

Here is a recap of some of my favorite musical moments.

Show of the Year: My Morning Jacket- Riverside Theater, June 20-21st

photo by Stephen Bloch

Two blistering shows with fantastic lights and spot-on performances of songs both new and old made My Morning Jacket's two night run at the Riverside an easy pick for concert of the year. Over the two nights, the band played 43 different tunes, creating two uniquely awesome nights of music.  "The Jacket," in my humble opinion, is the best live act on the planet these days and their concerts are truly unique and special musical experiences.

photo by Stephen Bloch

Best Musical Experience:  Eaux Claires Festival, Eaux Claire, WI, July 17-18

photo by Stephen Bloch

Certain musical moments will forever be etched into your memory, and the Eaux Claires festival was one of the coolest experiences I've ever been part of.  Two sweltering hot but gorgeous days in the Chippewa Valley yielded some extraordinary performances. The National's headlining set, Slyvan Esso's sweaty dance party- which made a tent of thousands bounce in unison, the etherial charm of Phox, the heartfelt performance by Sufjan Stevens, and the triumphant return of Bon Iver were just the tip of the iceberg of the highlights from this festival.  This was a superbly special musical experience that I am continually thankful to have attended.  

photo by Stephen Bloch

photo by Stephen Bloch

photo by Stephen Bloch

Breakout Show of the Year: Nikki Lane, Cactus Club, Feb 13th 
Nikki Lane played no less than five shows (that I know of) in Milwaukee this year.  They ranged from headlining gigs at the Cactus Club in February, August and November, to opening gigs this summer for Jenny Lewis and Social Distortion.  Lane certainly turned heads in the alternative country community last year with her All or Nothing record, and her relentless touring made her a household name around these parts this year.  I happened to see Lane and her band three times, my favorite of which was her Valentine's Day weekend show.  I can't wait to see what her third LP will contain when it's released in 2016, as she continues to hone and refine her craft as a songwriter.

photo by Stephen Bloch

Best Musical Discovery:  Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen, Anodyne Coffee Roasters May 17, 2015
In terms of exceptional musicianship, there is little room to argue that Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen are not the creme de la creme of the modern bluegrass scene.  Mixing together original compositions and well-positioned covers, this band is the best thing I've seen in the bluegrass genre since vintage Bela Fleck shows from nearly a decade ago.

photo by Will Piper

Best Local Shows: Twin Brother and Buffalo Gospel

photo by Will Piper

Milwaukee is lucky to have a plethora of great acts playing out live these days.  Two up and coming Americana acts top my favorite local shows of the year.  Twin Brother features singer songwriter Sean Raasch who continues to refine his songwriting and craft.  He and his band played a stellar opening set for Water Liars at Cactus Club this past July. With stand-out tracks like "Fire Fire Fire" and "Heart and Soul," the sky's the limit for this group who are working on a new record for 2016.

photo by Will Piper

Buffalo Gospel is about as good of a roots Americana act as you'll find anywhere.  Seeing two of their shows this year, it is clear that this act improves each time it plays and is able to provide fresh takes on older material to keep it interesting to fans.  In addition, Ryan Necci's songwriting continues to take focus on their most recent EP, Waiting for the Lights To Go Out released last month.