The Best of the Best - My Top 10 Shows

While there's no doubt that each show this summer was memorable and brought a different experience every show, there were some that stood out over the rest. I'm happy that my list turned out quite varied in terms of the type of shows and this only exemplifies the level of diversity of the performances this year. So here it is, my top 10!

#10: Pixar in Concert - the NSO
Of all the shows this summer, this one may have evoked the most emotion for me. Seeing the movies that I grew up with and hearing the music that resonates as much today as it did when these films were made really reminded me of a innocence that I have unfortunately lost. As always, the NSO sounded terrific and they really allowed me to appreciate the fantastic music that accompanied these Pixar films.

#9: Hall and Oates
Statistically the most crowded show we had, no act rolled off the hits better than this group. While many people, including me, labelled Hall and Oates as a semi-decent 80's act, I found myself liking the show from beginning to end and I definitely gained a great respect for this one of a kind duo. They sounded as good as ever and I don't think I sang more during any other show. Because I mean come one, who wouldn't belt "Rich Girl" along with John Oates?

#8: Counting Crows
As an act that I already liked but knew little about, Counting Crows certainly exceeded by expectations. Since the mid 90's, these guys have released tons of great music and their show reflected their ability to capture raw emotion, Adam Durtiz especially was fantastic and while leaving Mr. Jones off the setlist bumped them down one or two places, there's know doubt that they were one of the best bands that performed this summer.

#7: Yo Yo Ma
Perhaps the most well known musician that graced Wolf Trap this summer, there was little doubt in my mind that this wouldn't be a top 10 performance and the best classical concert this year. Seeing the worlds greater cellist play a 40 minute concerto was literally music to my ears and Yo Yo proved to me that classical music can hold its own against any other genre. A remarkable man and an unforgettable night.

#6: The Fray
While they not be the chart toppers they were a few years ago, the Fray sound like a band who are as strong as ever. While their records seem soft and soulful, the Fray can rock as hard as any group and Issac Slade hold his own as one of the great frontmen of today. The band commanded an audience with upmost confidence and I'll never forget when Issac left the stage and ran to the lawn to the delight of both me and the rest of the amazed crowd.

#5: Nickel Creek and Josh Ritter
With popular music seeming to be going in a more electronic direction, artists like Nickel Creek and Matt Nathanson sound as refreshing as ever. With their unbelievable musicianship, Nickel Creek take traditional bluegrass into a new era that keeps the old fashioned sound and infuses it with more contemporary themes. Josh Ritter's simplistic music relied on excellent songwriting and would make some of the great folk singers like Guthrie and Dylan proud. I couldn't picture a better way to be introduced to bluegrass and reintroduced to folk music.

#4: Lionel Ritchie and Cee Lo Green
"All the hits, all night long!" Mr. Ritchie lived up to his promise and delivered all the great songs that make up his storied career. From the funky Commodores to the more mellow sound of his 80's music, Lionel reminded everyone why he has sold more records than any other artist to come to Wolf Trap this summer. Cee Lo's unique sound speaks for itself and while his set was shortened due to Wolf Trap's curfew, he touched all the bases of his eclectic career and brought the house down with "Fuck You". Of course, who wouldn't get a great response from a song like that?

#3: Darius Rucker
From rock n' roll singer to country crooner, Darius Rucker had one of the great style changes in music history. What makes it even more unbelievable is how good he sounded singing songs from both sides of his career. While I only recognized the Hootie songs, his country output was irresistible and he sang with a voice of a man who has already seen it all. One of the great artists of today, I hope Darius continues to stay in his country direction and who knows, maybe he'll be the man I point to when I explain how I finally erased my distaste for the country genre this summer

#2: John Butler Trio
Probably the best live band I have ever seen, JBT gave me hope that there are still groups out there that focus on instrumentation rather than writing the next hit. Whether it was Butler's incredible guitar playing or the overall proficiency of the bands talent, JBT kept me enthralled the entire night and frankly for the next few weeks after the show. A true gem in the music world, this is a band that deserves to be one of the most famous acts in the world and is the best musical group to come out of Australia since, well ever.

#1: Sara Bareilles
My great find of the summer and probably the year, Sara will continue to be one of my favorite artists of all time and one of the few singers who sounds good in any element. A fantastic singer, songwriter, and performer, her show sounded worthy of a stadium but she was able to also sound like she was singing to one person, you. Her personal songs evoke a variety of emotions and while Sara quotes a fan as saying she only writes "depressing songs", try being depressed while listening to "I Choose You." In the end, Sara wasn't the loudest act or the most proficient, but remained the best because she combined everything that I believe describes great music. The best part is she's still in the beginning of what I think will be a magnificent career. Here's to many more years to come, Sara.

Honorable Mentions

Gavin DeGraw and Matt Nathanson - This pair of pop stars put on a great show and complemented each other well with their piano and guitar based music, respectively.

80's Night - While not all performers were perfect, the Go Go's punk style was great to hear and their supporting cast of 80's stars showed that their music could still sound decent in today's world.

The United States Marine Band - Their performance of the 1812 Overture gave me chills and the fireworks display afterwords served as a worthy introduction to what was to be an unforgettable summer.

DC