This year, as in some years past, we asked musicians, fans, writers, and other members of the St. Louis community to share their thoughts on the very best live music they witnessed over the last twelve months, in our city or elsewhere. The diverse responses we received were often heartfelt, funny, and entertaining. We’ve included links to each of our contributors’ band pages, Twitter handles, and/or personal websites; show them some love.

 

Jason Stoff, formerly of St. Louis, is a photographer and much more in Seattle, WA. Explore his work at Encor.es.

1. Emperor X at IWTAS HQ (June 25)

Last year, I learned that buying tickets to any and all I Went To A Show house-shows is a good idea, regardless of whether I knew the artist in question. This year, Emperor X (and friend/opener Ryan Wasoba) put on my favorite show of the year, bringing a sense of community and musicality to Annie and Jess’ apartment in a way I’d never seen before.

I can’t really explain it, you just had to be there.

2. Cody ChesnuTT at Plush (June 4)

The first night of Twangfest brought Cody ChesnuTT to Plush in Midtown, and ChesnuTT came to party. On record, he can come across as low-fi and a little sloppy. Live, he’s a soulful singing and dancing machine, and put on one of the most energetic sets of the year.

3. OK Go at The Old Rock House (August 13)

This is a little bit of a cheat — I don’t think this OK Go show would have normally ranked as one of the best live shows I saw this year. It was fun, and they treated the audience to plenty of songs from their at-the-time unreleased “Hungry Ghosts” record, but it wasn’t phenominal on any specific level. I’d call it solid, all things considered.

No, this was simply the last show I saw and photographed in St. Louis before moving to Seattle, WA — and it will always have a place in my memories for that.

 

Jason Gonulsen writes, edits, and takes photographs for Speakers in Code.

1. Neil Young, Chicago Theatre, April 22, Chicago, IL

There are so many kinds of Neil Young shows. With Crazy Horse, with CSNY, with Buffalo Springfield (well, there have been only 6 or so of those in the last 40 years), or with some random band that Neil has decided to put together. And then there’s Neil Young solo — my favorite way of seeing him — which means he’s going to do whatever the hell he wants to do. On this night that meant gloriously ripping through his entire career on acoustic guitar, piano, and organ. This was my 27th Neil Young show, and my favorite part was when he opened the second set with “Pocahontas,” “Cortez the Killer,” “A Man Needs a Maid,” “Ohio,” and “Southern Man.” What a night.

2. Glen Hansard, Lollapalooza, August 3rd, Chicago, IL

It rained. Oh my God, it rained. But Glen Hansard told us to embrace the moment, to soak it up, and especially to focus on this stage and not the loud, thumping EDM stage across the way. Hell, he even followed his own advice — during the second song of his set, he jumped into the photo pit and stood a mere 10 feet away from my camera, getting absolutely drenched and loving every second of it. I will never, ever forget that moment.

3. Josh Ritter, The Sheldon, February 23rd, St. Louis, MO

The Sheldon is a great venue, but don’t go there for a rock show — the sound is only superb when quieter tunes are being performed. Playing an acoustic show (okay, sometimes electric) with only Josh Kaufman and Zack Hickman, Josh Ritter began with “Best for the Best,” “Monster Ballads,” and “A Certain Light.” He closed with an unamplified version of “Wait For Love” literally five feet in front of my face. Will a Josh Ritter show ever be better? I doubt it.

 

Robin Utz is an avid live music fan and Jim Utz of Vintage Vinyl has the privilege of being married to her.

Top 3 Concerts:

1. Outkast at LouFest (September 7)

I was working at Slackers CDs and Games in Columbia, MO when Outkast played the Pageant in 2001, and my coworkers and I had just driven in for a show the week before and decided to pass on seeing Outkast. That was one of few regrets I’ve had concert-wise over the years, since I heard the show was great and they didn’t come back! I am not a festival person, so I was bummed when I learned Outkast would be doing a festival-only tour this year, but was still glad to hear they were playing LouFest. And they delivered so much that I didn’t even mind the festival atmosphere I usually struggle with so much with live music. They were fantastic, and played nearly everything I wanted to hear.

2. Mavericks at The Pageant (November 23)

I am super late to the game with the Mavericks, having only discovered them last year. I was delighted when they announced that they were playing the Pageant, and it was a rare show where I had months and months to anticipate the concert, as it was announced in April and the show was in November. They delivered with a great blend of great musical talent, Raul Malo’s wonderful voice, and showmanship. The fact that they seemed to truly appreciate and be grateful for their fans’ joyous response to their music was a cherry on top.

3. Jeremy Messersmith at Off Broadway (June 17)

Full disclosure: Jeremy’s lead guitarist is a personal friend and the band stays with us when they come to STL, but I really think their June show still holds up even with that bias. Their January show at the same venue was great as well, but seeing them after a few months of playing together and seasoning their songs really made June’s performance shine. The only other show that I felt held up to their vocal harmonies and accompanying instrumentals was the Firebird’s Boy and Bear show.

Top 3 Musicals/Performances:

I see an increasing number of musicals and opera throughout the year as well. I am no expert – I have friends that are far more well-versed in musical theater, opera and classical music, but with that in mind, here is my top 3 for that:

1. Elixir of Love at Opera Theatre St Louis (Loretto-Hilton Center)

My husband Jim often jokes that my version of “the most wonderful tiiiiiiiime of the yeaaaaaar” is June, when OTSL’s festival takes place. Between the warm weather, picnics before, during intermission and after the performances, and the performances themselves which are top notch, it’s hard to argue with his assessment. I am newer to opera and am fortunate to have season tickets with my dear friends, Carrie and Brent, who are far more well-versed and always help me focus in on elements I might not otherwise notice, but Elixir of Love needed no prefacing remarks. It was charming, funny, and brilliantly performed, and René Barbera’s performance of “Una furtiva lagrima” (the famous aria from Elixir of Love) took my breath away.

2. Hello, Dolly! at the Muny

On average I see 4-7 Muny performances each year in addition to several musicals at the Fox and sometimes I’m lucky enough to get to see performances in other cities like “Sound of Music” at Lyric Opera of Chicago (which was tremendous, but I’m trying to keep my list to St. Louis performances only). Hello, Dolly! blew nearly every performance away this year, and was the best show I think I’ve ever seen at the Muny. I switched my schedule around to see it a second time before its run ended because I could not get enough of Beth Leavel’s performance as Dolly Levi, Cornelius and Barnaby’s hijinx, a freaking marching band for “Before the Parade Passes By” (which gives me chills all over again as I type this) and the acrobatics in the infamous Harmonia Gardens scene. I wanted to see it again and again.

3. Meditation de Thais from Night on Bald Mountain by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

SLSO gave a performance of several very familiar classical songs to a large audience in November (aptly called “Music You Know”, which was predictably excellent). But I only learned the day of that Massonets’s Meditation (Thais) would be performed as part of this concert, and was thrilled as it’s been a favorite of mine since I was a child. The performance was exceptional; Dana Edson Myer’s performance brought me to tears, which is something that very rarely happens to me.

 

Nate Burrell is a photographer in St. Louis, MO and beyond. Find his work on Before the Blink.

3. Pokey LaFarge‘s Central Time Tour – Midwest America (Various Dates in September)

I was fortunate enough to be able to join this tour as the photographer and seeing this tour unfold night after night was an amazing experience. To see all of the work that goes into a 5-act show, night after night, was truly impressive and this cast did it with complete professionalism. Pokey and his band thrilled crowds night after night…playing sets that had people singing, shouting, and scooting along the dance floor. The Loot Rock Gang (St Louis, MO) and The Tillers (Cincinnati, OH) won crowds over each and every night and may have been the most impressive part of the tour. With Dom Flemons acting as the defacto historian and master of ceremonies and the Cajun Country Revival introducing many new fans to their Louisiana sound stylings….every show seemed like an old school review, which is rare to see these days. This was a very bold way to do a tour, and as expected, Pokey and his team pulled it together and made each night a memorable experience for their fans.

2. Amanda Shires at The Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN (October 24)

Playing the most historic venue in the city she now calls home, while sharing the bill with her husband, Amanda Shires completely stole the night when she and her band made their debut at The Ryman. Standing solo at center stage to start the show and silencing the sold-out crowd was one of the most excellent things that I saw all year. She followed suit for the next 50 minutes and put on a set that everyone in attendance will likely remember forever: beautiful vocals, blazing fiddle work, and her rhythm section is as tight as any you’ll hear. The best thing about the night, though, was to see how much she appreciated the opportunity…you could literally see someone fulfilling one of their lifelong dreams, and it was stunningly beautiful to witness.

1. Outkast at LouFest – Forest Park, St. Louis (September 7)

Seeing one of the most innovative and influential hip hop acts of a generation doesn’t happen every day, and Outkast certainly did not disappoint. With Big Boi, Andre 3000, and their entire crew taking the stage and starting their show by holding the “Hands Up Don’t Shoot” pose for an extended opening, they showed respect and solidarity with our city and region and let the crowd know that they were there with us, just as we were there with them. Without hesitation they broke into a set filled with many of their popular songs and gave the crowd what they wanted: a huge sing along and dance party to some of the freshest music that has come through St. Louis in a long time. Knowing that this tour may have been their last as a duo, they banged it out from beginning to end and left a legendary imprint on our city’s biggest and best music festival.

 

Abby Gillardi combines her passions of photography and music to cover shows for KDHX, Eleven Magazine, archcityradio.fm, as well as her own blog at gillardiphotography.com. She’s been doing this for about 4 years now and is proud to call St. Louis her home!

1. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville (September 23)

This was a special show for me. It’s been a dream of mine since I started photographing shows to get the chance to photograph a Tom Petty show. Tom is my dad’s hero, I grew up listening to him and we started a tradition of going to one of his shows in a different city every year. When I got confirmation, I waited to tell my dad the night of the show right in front of the stadium. He was definitely in shock! After shooting, I joined him in the 7th row for the rest of the show!

2. Phosphorescent at The Firebird (January 27)

Matthew Houck is incredible to see live. He transports you to a different world. I will never forget his live version of “Wolves”. He layered loops on top of loops to create howls so real you would have thought there was a pack of wolves onstage.

3. Shovels & Rope at Off Broadway (February 25)

There’s nothing quite like a sweaty, sold out show at Off Broadway. Shovels and Rope are such a powerful husband and wife duo. They put their heart and soul into what they do and it’s very apparent. I don’t dance (ever) and even I couldn’t help but dance along with everyone else that night!

Honorable Mentions:

Passenger at Marathon Music Works in Nashville (August 3)

Lykke Li at Uptown Theater in Kansas City (September 27)

Lucius at Off Broadway (October 9)

 

Kristi Addis is a live music superfan and longtime supporter of IWTAS. Catch her frequently at Off Broadway, or on the internet as @k_addis.

1. Josh Ritter at The Sheldon (February 23)

Wow! Omg! Holy cannoli! I just don’t think there are enough exclamation points for me to describe the joy I felt at this show. I am totally in love with Ritter’s words and melodies, his sweet smile, and his graciousness. Take away all of that, and this is still one of the best shows anyone could’ve hoped to have seen live. The sound was incredible. Ritter was, as usual, all smiles, and the crowd was alive in their attentiveness. It was the largest intimate show I’ve ever been too. Acoustic Ritter is an unbelievably beautiful experience. I would never say no to catching one of this guy’s shows.

2. The Legendary Shack Shakers at 2720 (November 21)

Unbelievably stoked when I saw these guys were finally on tour again! Their drummer nearly died of heart failure and had to get a Pacemaker, but they’re back and better than ever, and recording new music early next year! The Shack Shakers put on one of the best live shows of any band I’ve ever seen. Their frontman, Colonel J.D. Wilkes, is possibly one of the most awkwardly entertaining guys in the business, and they did not disappoint on this rainy November night. The Colonel ate Beatle Bob’s hair, made penis puppets through the zipper of his jeans, and styled about 100 different hairdos on himself throughout their set. What more could you possibly ask for?! They’ve always been a band enjoyed more in your face than on record. This was easily the best $10 show I’ve ever gone to. Don’t miss out when they roll through next year!

3. Nathaniel Rateliff at The Duck Room (May 2)

I found this guy on Daytrotter in 2010 and was hooked. I saw him play Off Broadway a few years back and had an amazing time, but there was something special about this show at the Duck Room. I dragged my favorite concert buddy and she saw it too! This guy’s voice is hauntingly gorgeous. It’s not a lively show, but it is one that will take your breath away. Dude can sing, and sing he did that night in the cozy confines of the Duck Room. If you dig singer/songwriter types, and enjoy some sad bastard music on a Sunday as much as I do, check this guy out. You won’t be sorry.

Honorable Mentions:

Billy Corgan at Ravinia Festival, Highland Park, IL (August 30)

I looked forward to this show more than any other this year. It was a magical night spent under the stars with friends, in a venue that was so unique it’s impossible to describe. Billy was in top form and played all the acoustic Pumpkins’ tunes you could’ve ever wanted as a lifelong, diehard fan, and at one point it even turned into a rock show.

Kate Nash at The Ready Room (April 4)

Best show I went to by myself this year, hands down. And also my first Ready Room show. Kate Nash was surprisingly less poppy and a lot more punk rock than I thought she’d be. She’s a guilty pleasure of mine and I would absolutely love to see her again after this show!

The Tillers at Lafayette Brewing Company, Lafayette, IN (March 22)

We traveled all the way to nowhere Indiana to see The Tillers headline this show after seeing them open for Pokey LaFarge at Casa Loma in December. Best musical road trip of the year. The floorboards were shaking and the craft beers were flowing. The blue hairs were dancing circles around the kids, and The Tillers were knocking everyone’s socks off. A 3-piece band that creates more sound than a 10-piece band, The Tillers are not to be missed.

Central Time Tour at The Blue Note, Columbia, MO (September 24)

Why can’t all concerts be musical variety shows?! This was an epic night of talented musicians. Dom Flemons was a stellar choice as master of ceremonies. There was not a dull moment the entire night, and I really don’t believe there was a single person there not having fun. Pokey LaFarge and company pulled out all the stops on this one, and I hope they do it again soon.

 

Louis Kwok is a photographer in St. Louis, MO. He doesn’t see as many shows as he used to, but when he does he posts pictures of them at musicVSman.

1. Outkast at LouFest (September 7)

LouFest is easily becoming one of my favorite weekends to look forward to each year and having the legendary duo was monumental, both as a photographer and fan. I’m pretty sure we’ll never have a chance to see them live again, so I’m glad that I got to hear “Bombs Over Baghdad” one more time in person.

2. Bleachers at The Ready Room (August 21)

As much as I wanted to avoid the pun use, it’s just had a ton of fun listening to Strange Desires this year and the Bleachers’ show was just as infectiously enjoyable.

3. AFI at PointFest (May 10)

Even though I haven’t listened to the group since Sing the Sorrow, I was completely sucked in by the firepower and charisma that Davey Havok and crew still have on stage.

Honorable Mentions:

Arcade Fire at Chaifetz Arena (April 24)

Braid at Vintage Vinyl (July 14)

Most Disappointing:

Chvrches at the Pageant (June 2)

The trio sounded flawless, but their visual performance and energy were disappointingly lacking.

 

Danielle Spradley is an artist and teacher in St. Louis. Find her work here.

1. Die Antwoord

They just murder…….. jesus.

2. Jeff the Brotherhood

I had never heard of this band and had no interest in seeing them. I really wanted to sit home that night and watch episodes of The Newsroom. Alas, I was dragged out by significent other and his compadres. We arrived and the boys were about to take the stage.  My honest thought was, “…not another group of youngins with massive camel toe! This is going to suck balls; better grab some whiskey.” Then they started playing and my ears were filled with sweet radness that left me with no choice other than to throw my hands up and scream, “Oh hell yes!” This feeling of elation continued throughout and I basked in the afterglow and exhaustion for at least an hour. Jeff the Brotherhood is as good as that one night stand you had five years ago and you still think about when you’re trying to get off. Put it in your spankbank.

3. Outkast

Some how I had never seen Outkast and I wasn’t going to miss what might be my last chance. I personally am not a fan of festivals and all the douchebaggery involved with them, although I was delighted and flabbergasted by the amount of aforementioned camel toe I witnessed. Also tarts dressed up like indians? WTF, millennials? Outkast lived up to everything I hoped they would. They’re professionals with the ability to captivate a crowd that is almost on the level of despotism. They command respect and receive it. Unlike like your typical despot, they bring you joy and togetherness. I watched what had to be an old white dude in his 60s getting down with some 20-something black girls and that made me melt. The city was reeling with the Michael Brown case and I wondered if Outkast would bring this up. Andre, with all his genius, didn’t disappoint and wore a jumpsuit baring the phrase: “Can one rest in peace & violence”. A peaceful sign of solidarity and again showing why these men will stand the test of time and are one of the most important bands of our generation.

 

Please peruse Parts I (Media/Industry) and II (Musicians) of our Top Shows of 2014 series at your leisure. Thanks for a wonderful year of live music and friendship. Onward!