Jon Behm

#1. Aldous Harding at the Turf Club (both times)	I am thrilled to have been able to see this enigmatic performer twice this year. Her shows are like nothing else – Harding is really able to somehow transport her audiences into another realm entirely.
#2. KOKOKO! At the Cedar Cultural Center	I saw a lot of great performances at the Cedar this year and the energy and fun in this one were unmatched.
#3. Les Filles de Illighadad at the Cedar Cultural Center	It blows my mind that these women are from a place in North Africa that has no electricity or running water (not to mention very strict misogynistic laws about women and art) and yet somehow they sound incredible.
#4. Mdou Moctar at the Cedar Cultural Center	Another desert blues performer from North Africa – Mdou Moctar blew the roof off of the Cedar. I liked his record this year but hearing it live pushed it to another level.
#5. Altin Gun/Thunderbolt Pagoda at the Turf Club	This show was just a huge amount of fun – DESPITE the fact that the lead vocalist Erdinç Ecevit gives the impression that he takes himself VERY seriously. While he didn’t crack a smile, everyone in the audience sure did.
#6. Robyn at the Palace Theater	It’s been around a decade since I last saw Robyn and the time has done nothing to diminish her incredible stage presence.
#7. Afrotronix at the Cedar Cultural Center	I often attend the Cedar’s Global Roots Festival an this year’s was probably my favorite of all time. Topping off a series of terrific performances was Afrotronix, an African band I had previously never heard of.
#9. Angel Olsen at First Avenue	Olsen had one of my favorite records this year so it’s no surprise that I greatly enjoyed hearing it live at First Avenue. It was also a bonus to see long-time local music veteran Nona Marie Invie on keys!
#9. Iceage/Nadah El Shazly at the Turf Club	I came for El Shazly and stayed for Iceage. Both were brain-meltingly good.
#10. Black MIDI at the 7th St. Entry	I have had a love/hate relationship with Black MIDI’s music on and off again this year but live at the Entry it was 100% love.
RU. Madison Mcferrin at Icehouse	This was just the other night and I feel like I am still coming down from the high this evening of music created.