2012. Best year ever? I think so. We’re closing her down in style as I head out to sunny Des Moines with Soca J for Le Gran Finale tonight. Here’s a few of my picks for the “Best of” moments in a truly memorable year.

Best Audience Participation
Soca Jukebox @ Cunningham’s Journal on Cruise Night

Favorite Concert
Maria the Mexican with Los Lobos

Best Guitar Posturing
Under the Influence (any show)

Most Uplifting Guitar Gang (Tie)
Pastor Carl’s Guitar Army
Maria the Mexican with Del Castillo

Favorite Venue (Tie)
Cunningham’s Journal-Kearney NE
Knucklehead’s – Kansas City MO

Best Pep Rally
The Nova Project (in the stands and in the rain) @ Joestock

Best Jam Moment
Maria the Mexican with Patrice Pike

Milestones
Under the Influence – 1 score (2 decades)

Check out our year end video highlights reel…

Big thanks to my whole family and to my brothers and sisters in music…
UTI, Soca, Pig Farmer, The Nova Project, Ed Daniels, Maria the Mexican, The Voodoo Babies, The Garrett Nordstrom Situation, Bryan Alford, Larry and Matt at Awestruck, the Music dept. of MWSU and Benedictine College, Carl and Sharon Butler, this year’s fairs and festival boards, all our agencies, Andrew Riley, Wegen Picks, Dean Markley Strings, Godin Guitars, David Burke, Photographers, Videographers, Sound and Lighting Crews, Shirtless Dancing Guy and everyone on our select mailing list. You guys are the best and we wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you for a great 2012.

Happy New Year!!!!!