Best Musical Performance in the Past Year (touring or local)

Locally based Mojo Blues Band earned first place and brought the house (or at least the bandshell) down with energy and style during their July 10 performance at Tuesday Night Blues. Metal stalwarts Disturbed didn’t disappoint at Rock Fest on July 14, delighting longtime fans and new listeners alike. And Russian punk collective Pussy Riot stood out from the crowd with a politically charged performance July 7 at Eaux Claires, stunning festival goers with their wild visuals and impassioned vocals. — Katy Hackworthy