The show at the Fillmore in San Francisco, culmination of too-many-years waiting, and the last date of the North American tour of 2012. The release of Sounds That Can't Be Made. All wonderful.
I'm looking forward to more in 2013: not least, the Marillion weekend!
Next on the list... Gemini Syndrome. I saw them for the first time playing at Sacramento's Aftershock festival.
Look out for them in 2013. As an introduction: see Gemini Syndrome's Facebook page, and listen to Pleasure and Pain!
And then... just last week, My Jerusalem. The album, "Preachers", is stunning; my favourite track is Devoe. They are on my list not only to watch for in 2013, but to revisit their back catalogue, as I feel I've missed something important.
Back to Aftershock... next on my list is Beware of Darkness. Another band to be aware of, and listen out for, in 2013. I love "Howl": watch and listen to the official versions on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efw5i-1Roj8 Debut album coming in 2013!
In 2012, I learned that there is a huge amount of musical talent here in Sacramento. You don't have to travel to New York or Los Angeles to see fresh new talent; there's a wonderful amount here, in this town. Top of my list for those to watch grow next year: Street Urchinz. High energy, happy music!
And there were some big names performing in Sacramento, or rather, in Citrus Heights this summer: Three Dog Night, Lee Ritenour, Commodores, Kool and the Gang, Blondie, America to name just a few. All top performers, established artists, true musicians.
I mustn't forget to mention Trapt. Loved their show at the Ace of Spades.
... and new-to-me amazing guitarist, with Blondie, Tommy Kessler:
And was there more? Of course. Have I missed something, someone important? Probably. Check through the rest of this blog, and through all the Flickr portfolio, and please remind me because it was an incredibly full year!
Wishing you all a very happy, healthy, and musical New Year!