Eddie Van Halen, Angus Young, Slash, and Steve Perry are all individual musicians whose flare for their instruments have made them the standout in their bands. Standing out in first place is homegrown Chris Kroeze, who has made a name for himself after coming in second on the popular TV show The Voice. Readers voted for Sue Orfield for second place, cementing the tenor saxophonist’s legendary status as the peak of local musical excellence. In third place is Chase Bucheger, who sings lead vocals in the best cover band of the year, Uncommon Denominator. His talent is pretty uncommon after all, so it actually makes perfect sense. — Parker Reed