Best of Buffalo 2008	The Music You Hear

Artvoice did a series a while back called “Got Live If You Want It,” showcasing the triumphs and tribulations of the city’s live music venues. Whether they’re devoted mostly to local music or invested in bringing in national acts, almost every club in Buffalo lends a stage to hometown musicians. At some venues local bands headline their own show, at others they may open for a bigger act. Artvoice also holds that BOOM contest you may have heard of—the Battle of Original Music—which offers bands and solo artists of all genres the chance to compete and be heard, the winners playing live at the grand finale. And of course, musicians are showcased again with our Best of Buffalo poll, with so many nominees it seems that anyone who’s ever graced a stage in this town has gotten a vote. Local talent keeps coming each year, with as many new bands popping up as those who reunite, resurface, reincarnate or reinvent themselves. So thanks for the votes, the number of which proves once again that music fans in Buffalo are the best of anywhere.

—k. o’day

Best Blues Act Kate Engler Jony James Billy McEwen Tommy Z Mick Hayes Best Club DJ DJ Cutler DJ Lil Joe Lady Atram DJ CJ DJ Anthony Best Country Act Bareback Jack West of the Mark Stone Country Steam Donkeys Skiffle Minstrels Best Folk/Bluegrass Act Skiffle Minstrels Tom Stahl Big Leg Emma Doug Yeomans Nick Gordon Best Hip Hop Act Soul Alignment Fresh Guac Tentet Octet Chae Hawk Pseudoslang Best Female Vocalist Kelly Wahl Dee Adams Ani DiFranco Alison Pipitone Gretchen Schultz Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus

Best Male Vocalist Mark Valentino Tom Stahl Lance Diamond David Moore Mike Jordan Best Jazz Act Paul James Band Pyramid Dance Band Babik Natural Elements Ladies First Big Band Babik Best Open Mic Night Broadway Joe’s Nietzsche’s Tudor Lounge Sportsmen’s Tavern Stillwater Best Rock Act Hit n Run Jackdaw Tom Stahl & the Dangerfields Kryszt Pug Mahones Best Vocal Ensemble Gay Men’s Chorus Diva by Diva cast Freudig Singers Canisius College Chorale Westminster Choir Best Regular Gig Lance Diamond @ the Elmwood Lounge Hit n Run @ Macaroons Paul James Jazz Band @ Brodo Babik @ Allen Street Hardware The Stripteasers @ Roxy’s