Best of 2008--The Nortons Weigh In!

As your humble blogger awaits the thawing of his pipes, he decided to post the top concert lists of a prominent family at the Narrows--The Nortons.

Patrick is the president and the booking guy; his wife Maggie helps at the door and wherever she is needed; and their two sons, Ben and Owen, pitch in, sometimes helping their dad with the equipment on the stage or engaging in some other task for youngsters who still haven't even reached high school age! These guys are growing up surrounded by the likes of Odetta (RIP) Richie Havens and other musical icons. Not a bad way to help your children learn about the arts!

All are volunteers. So here are their thoughts on the best shows of 2008, in no particular order, except as noted:


Patrick Norton's picks:

Bettye LaVette
Eric Lindell
Sonny Landreth
Marcia Ball
Chuck Prophet
Justin Townes Earle
Narrows Arts Fest
Shelby Lynne
Eilen Jewell (Dec)
Johnny Winter (Dec)


Maggie Norton's picks:

Bettye LaVette
Johnny Winter (Jan)
Marcia Ball
Mavis Staples
The Radiators
Watermelon Slim and The Workers
Narrows Arts Fest
The Iguanas
Taj Mahal
Crooked Still
Eilen Jewell (Dec)

Ben Norton's picks

10 Narrows Fest
9 Coco Montoya (Hey Ben, come to think of it, I liked that show too!)
8 Los Straightjackets
7 Surprise Me Mr. Davis (Ben, a creative choice)
6 Mavis Staples
5 Eric Lindell
4 Taj Mahal
3 Bettye LaVette
2 Dickey Betts
1 Johnny Winter (Dec)

Owen Norton's picks

Bettye LaVette
Eric Lindell
Entrain
Johnny Winter (Jan)
Narrows Arts Festival
Taj Mahal
Mavis Staples
Sarah Borges
Drunk Stuntmen (Hey Owen--thanks for remembering the Stuntmen!)
Graham Parker