Dana Halferty is a bit of a traveler. When I caught up with the lead singer of Parlours, she had just flown in from Guatemala, stopped in Chicago and was en route to Iowa. Her next stop? Lawrence.

Parlours is set to take the stage at the Jackpot on Superbowl Sunday with a host of other acts including Sam Billen, Canby and Seafarer. She's toured with fellow bandmate Scott Yoshimura before, but this time the full band is heading out on tour. "I just like the full band dynamic," said Halferty. "I think our songs are at their best in the full form. It's just a fun dynamic to have everyone there."

Although this will be the Iowa band's first time playing in Lawrence, the town isn't foreign to Halferty. It's held a soft spot in her heart when it comes to music. "One of my favorite bands is The Appleseed Cast," said Halferty. "So I've always respected Lawrence's music scene." She also noted another area band she used to listen to nonstop, The Belles. "It's just fun to go somewhere where you're actually somewhat aware of what's going on musically."

For Halferty, Lawrence also plays a role in how she connects with other people, which is good for her songwriting. "Most of my songs are very relationally inspired," said Halferty of her wistful and romantic music. "I'd say about 80 percent of the time they're about somebody specific in a situation I encountered." Such was the case for the band's most popular song 'I Dream of Chicago,' which Halferty wrote while on a train to Chicago.

Don't expect Parlours to stick around for too long. After the Lawrence show, they have seven more cities to hit up in their tour. Of course, with Halferty, hitting the road is almost expected now, what with the 32 states she visited last year. "I kind of have a travel bug, so I never stay still for too long."

To catch Parlours while you still can, head to the Jackpot on Superbowl Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Oh, and bring your appetite. Because they're also hosting a potluck.

I don't know if you've noticed, but something happened during this past year of shows. Bands became a little more respectful and polite. I used to see a lot of musicians who just "expected" you to come out to see them play. But this year, they were actually grateful you were there.

The attitude started with a couple of bands, and then it spread. By the end of the year I could go to a show and find smiles as far as they eye could see.

The camaraderie has been fantastic, and held steady all year long. In turn, I am grateful. I am grateful for every single musician in Lawrence. You guys really picked yourselves up, dusted yourselves off and got to work. Every sound that came off of the stage at the Jackpot/Replay/Bottleneck/Granada/Taproom/Liberty Hall meant a little more to me this year. And it's because the attitude in Lawrence was so amazing.

Here are my top ten favorite shows I was lucky to attend in Lawrence and Kansas City this year.

10. Boris

In August Boris came in all their Japanese glory to the Granada to melt my face with experimental rock. Two things made this show fantastic: 1. The drummer was bizarre (see the sparkly vest / gloves) and hilarious. 2. The band placed you in an entirely different universe, they created an atmosphere consisting of a wall of sound and a fog machine that never shut off. For a couple of hours, I was so immersed in the show, I forgot I lived in Lawrence.

Read about the show here.

9. Paul Van Dyk

What was easily the worst show I had ever been to in my life suddenly made the Top Ten list this year. In 2009, I traveled to Chicago to see Paul Van Dyk only to discover (to my horror) the disgusting world of club kids. I was used to Kansas City ravers, who are sweet and cuddly. The show in Chicago was a hot mess of spoiled brats too inebriated to even hear the music.

I begged the husband to give Paul Van Dyk a second chance when he announced a Kansas City show this year. It paid off. Everything, from the crowd to the venue and even the security staff, was a complete 180. It was everything you could ask for when you go see a DJ, especially that magic moment where a DJ is completely in tune with the crowd, and rewards the fans who are really, truly there for the music.

You can read all about the magic from that night here.

8. The Belles

The Belles released a gorgeous new album this year, and they treated the fans to a performance at Love Garden. Love Garden just makes you feel all good inside anyway, and this year the store did a fantastic job at getting in-store performances on a regular basis.

Despite a room full of people and cats, you could almost hear a pin drop. The duo created some of the most beautiful music a two-person band can make, and they had the audience in the palm of their hands. It had been a while since I attended a show that got a group of Lawrencians to shut up and pay attention like that. Bravo, Belles.

Read about the rest of the show here.

7. Extra Classic

There is no better way to spend your Summer than at an Extra Classic show. Scores of Lawrencians dressed to the nines packed into a hot, sweaty Taproom and cut a rug. Fans had patiently waited all Summer for Dri to come back with her new band, and she didn't disappoint. The band brought a high-energy performance and some of the finest dub you can get out here in the Midwest, and the crowd rewarded them with a fantastic night of partying.

See more clips from the show here.

6. Julian Casablancas

I got to relive my younger years and indulge in full nostalgia when Julian Casablancas came to Kansas City this year. He was on a solo tour, but he performed some Strokes classics and even indulged us with a little Christmas music (in April). Armed with his new sobriety, he really came out of his shell and belted out song after song to a surprisingly small crowd. But because so few people were there, I got to experience the full power of his voice. I was pleasantly surprised and left the show a bigger fan.

What really made me feel valuable was even though he was Mr. Hot Shot in little old Kansas, he was ultra friendly to his crowd and catered to their wants and needs. Very classy.

More about the show here.

5. Beach House

"Is it getting romantic yet, God d*$#it?"

That was the guitarist. And he's right. It was pretty darn romantic. Extremely romantic. I literally saw folks at this show holding hands, putting their arms around each other and swaying to the music. The cutest group was about five or six guys, all with their arms on each other's shoulders. They were tipsy, smiling, leaning on each other and just having a heck of a night. That was pretty much the mood of the show for everyone.

Beach House was in the middle of skyrocketing to popularity, and came to Lawrence in the middle of a severe thunderstorm. Scores of happy/tipsy/adorable fans took shelter from the storm in the Granada and were treated to a warm, cozy night of music.

You can read more about how the adorable crowd felt the love here.

4. Anvil

I was eight months pregnant when the husband took me to go see Anvil in Kansas City. I had a baby shower in the morning, then took off the pretty dress and drove three hours to go party with Anvil.

The Heavy Metal band was recently the subject of a documentary, which brought them into a new era of popularity. Therefore, the crowd was split into two different types of fans: the old school metal heads and the film buffs. They got along remarkably well, and we were all just elated to see the band play.

Steve "Lips" Kudlow was also elated, and rocked a guitar solo in the middle of the crowd at the start of the show. The crowd constantly broke out into "Anvil! Anvil!" chants and were rewarded with one of the most unique shows they would see that year.

You can read about some of the other tricks Anvil pulled out here.

3. Cowboy Indian Bear CD Release Show with Ghosty and the Noise FM

Here are some of finest musicians in all of Lawrence, packed into one venue. I (along with everyone else within a 100 mile radius) had become increasingly fond of Cowboy Indian Bear, and I have always had a soft spot for Ghosty. The Noise FM always bring a fantastic energy to their shows. Here were all three of those bands under one roof.

It was at this show that I started noticing a more positive attitude in the music scene. That combined with an unbelievably low cover charge made me feel a little spoiled this year. I got to consistently see great bands with great attitudes for next to nothing. I truly started feeling grateful and pledged to see more local music on a consistent basis.

I am particularly fond of the clip below because Cowboy Indian Bear recruited drummers from other bands for assistance, and that's exactly the kind of camaraderie that lingered in Lawrence throughout the year and made me happy as a clam.

Watch all the bands play here.

2. The Walkmen

The moment I waited YEARS for finally arrived in October. I kicked myself a few years ago when I didn't see them play in Lawrence, and it wasn't until a couple of albums later that they finally made their triumphant return.

I was on Cloud 9. They kept the mood calm, laid back, smooth. Almost as though they were saying "Hey, relax for just a bit....here, we'll unbutton the top button on our shirts and let's all take it easy the rest of the night."

The played the new stuff and the old favorites, but all with a new spin. It was like hearing their music for the first time again. They absolutely, without a doubt, made my heart melt. Every album they've put out felt like they were predicting the next five years of my life. So watching them play all the favorites was like listening to the highlights of my existence so far.

Read more about the nostalgic night here.

1. Scion Garage Fest

Prior to the night, I had the nastiest attitude about this show. For one, I was peeved that during what was advertised as a showcase of garage rock, only ONE band was local (Rooftop Vigilantes). Also, I didn't like the name of the event. I thought "Who are these corporate jerks telling us what to listen to? What do THEY know about garage rock? Meh!"

The bottom line is, this was the event of the year. If you can ignore the title of the show, the evidence is there when you look at the lineup. Four local venues were packed with hours of the most energetic bands out there. The Clean, The Gories, The Raveonettes, King Khan and the Shrines....this festival had it all. It was like watching a glorious mixtape come to life right before your very eyes.

Downtown Lawrence was alive. Fans rushed from venue to venue to catch glimpses of their favorite bands, and I wouldn't be surprised if they high-fived each other in passing.

Ever since that night, I have gone over it again and again and again and just CANNOT find a more magical night. This was hands down the most extraordinary experience of the year. Things happened on this night that I cannot explain. Friends who I hadn't seen in five years were suddenly at this show. The shows were FREE, therefore making it a true "music for the masses" event.

The true belles of the ball were Best Coast. By the time they took the stage in all their adorable glory, the crowd was deliriously happy. I sat clutching one of my best friend's hands, starry eyed and in happy shock over what was happening. The band pulled a little girl out of the crowd, gave her a tambourine, and played a song with her. Can you imagine being that little girl? Your favorite band pulls you onstage and serenades you? Isn't that every nine year-old's dream?! And here we are, a crowd of hard, seasoned concert-goers, our ears blasted from the hours of garage rock....and our hearts melted as we let out a big "Awwwwww....."

And then there were all the other amazing moments. The rowdiness, the crazy drunk antics of the fans, the three-ring circus from King Khan, the glamor from The Raveonettes, and (one of my favorite moments) our local boys from Rooftop Vigilantes blowing the roof off of Liberty Hall with their set.

I am smitten. What a night. It left me high on life and out of breath, and it will probably be a while before I ever experience anything that wonderful again.

You can see videos of some of those amazing moments from the night here.

*There are definitely some shows I missed this year, and some that I will never forgive myself for missing (I'm looking at you, Jónsi). I'm sure if I had made it to more, this list would be a little different. I want to hear what your favorite shows of the year were, so please share them in the comments section.

On Saturday when I stepped inside the Bottleneck my eyes couldn't help but light up. I was met with a sea of red and green balloons, dangling Christmas lights and holiday kitsch everywhere. Folks were wearing Santa hats and glow-sticks, and there were ugly Christmas sweaters as far as the eye could see.

The festive decor surrounded the stage where four local acts were to take the stage in hopes of raising money for Toys 4 Tots. Up first were The ACBs.

I was really looking forward to seeing the band now that they had a new album (and new lineup). The lead singer donned a tacky wig for a few songs before ripping it off in exasperation and falling into a more comfortable groove during the set.

It felt like the longer they played, the more fun they were having onstage. They played some tracks from the new album, but their older songs were a lot more fun to play and more upbeat (and got a more enthusiastic reaction from the crowd). I love the new album (you can listen to it here) and can't wait to see where it takes them.

The biggest surprise of the night came from Quiet Corral. Let me tell you, Quiet Corral was not so quiet. This was an EP release show for them, and what an entrance they made. I hadn't heard them before Saturday night, and I was blown away. They sound so professional. Folky, but fun. The lead singer's voice was smooth like James Taylor's.

They're bred from The Art House, so no wonder they're so good. They're also creative in their performance. During some of their songs the lead singer carried a big drum (little drummer boy, heh) while he played. Their beautiful acapella harmonizing was spot on. The energy was exploding through the roof. I think they had the biggest crowd of the night, and what a happy crowd they were! Tossing balloons back and forth. It looked like they just had an all out party onstage, especially once they broke out the drums:

I just cannot say enough good things about them. It doesn't matter if you dig their music or not, you'll have a good time. The clips I posted don't do them justice. Go see them live.

The camaraderie at this show was absolutely fantastic. I think people could have cared less whether this was a fundraiser or not. The bottom line is that these were all fantastic bands. To give you an idea of how supportive everyone was, when Hawley Shoffner got up to play, she had some audio trouble (feedback issues, I believe). She stopped during her first song and said "What do I do to make it not sound like that?" and some jerky-jerk-face in the crowd yelled "Get off the stage." Everybody (everybody!) booed him, harassed him, yelled at him and then promptly turned their attention back to Hawley and her adorable little voice and ukulele. In fact, her kazoo playing was met with a hearty round of applause. Sometimes you're only as good as your crowd, and if that's the kind of supportive and happy people you have at your show then you must be playing a pretty good set.

This was also Cowboy Indian Bear's last show in Lawrence until the Spring. This was my first time seeing the local favorites with the amazing/beautiful/talented Katlyn Conroy as an "official" member of the band.

They treated the crowd on this night with some new material, and they even played some older songs in a new manner. They got folks to sing along, and played a slow, seductive number towards the end of their set. Couples were even slow dancing to it! It's probably their sexiest song yet. I hadn't heard it before, but I loved it. It's a shame we won't get to see them until the Spring.

You gotta love The Noise FM. They don't even live here, yet they traveled down to Lawrence to help put together the event (this was the second year for Noise for Toys). They also decorated the venue themselves. They must truly love Christmas, because they made absolutely sure that everyone was in the Christmas spirit. The bands meshed well together (everyone performing has either been in other bands with each other or lived with each other) and you could see concert-goers giving out holiday hugs.

When I arrived at the show it was windy and unbelievably cold. Then I warmed up with a happy-go-lucky crowd, and when it came time to leave I stepped outside to find a winter wonderland had formed with snow everywhere. What a magical night. I'm already hoping they decide to do this again next year.

What an incredible sight I ran into on Friday night. We are so lucky to have an institution like Americana Music Academy.

On this clear, mild and beautiful night the good folks at Americana decided to do a little caroling. But first they played some holiday music live on Channel 6 (check out the video below).

What really hit me right in the heart is this: you look at everyone in the group playing and notice some are young, some are old, some just learned to walk but all are bonded together by music. Age is nothing but a number when you all speak the universal language of music.

Also, I'm particularly fond of Americana Music Academy because they're always up for a little silly. Here they are donning hats with little elf ears attached, and sometimes they'll even play the kazoo. You can also expect to see a lot of folk culture integrated whenever possible. Even the little tyke in the video is playing the spoons on a washboard.

They now have a Topeka location open (they're expanding!) and I wish them the very best. Merry Christmas!

David Supica has to admit, Lawrence is a pretty intimidating town. The Delta Saints bassist just moved down to Nashville with his bandmates, where he says folks are constantly judging bands and their music. But when the band comes to Lawrence he can't help but feel a few of those same butterflies in his stomach. "I was actually really scared when I first played there, but it's gone surprisingly well each time."

He's being a little bit modest. While Lawrence fans are fairly snobby about the music scene (and we like it that way!), the last time I went to a Delta Saints Show it was packed with rowdy and excitable fans. This came even as a surprise to me, I didn't think Lawrencians really enjoyed the Southern Rock that the Delta Saints tend to conjure up. The band knows this, and that's why they've been changing it just a bit. "While people are generally opposed to Southern Rock, I think a lot of us are coming more from Motown, Delta Blues background," says Supica. "And that sort of thing I think Lawrence is pretty hip to."

Despite the judgemental and intense music scene, the Delta Saints don't see themselves disappearing from Lawrence anytime soon. You can usually find them playing here about every three or four months, craving that criticism. "Everyone's so art and music conscious, people are actually very critical of your music," says Supica. "So you pretty much have to be on your game and give them something new each time."

To see what they'll be bringing to Lawrence this week, check them out at the Granada on Thursday, November 18. Doors open at 8:00 p.m., Tickets are $5 in advance, $7 at the door.

They'll also be playing with local lovelies Arthur Dodge and the Horsefeathers, Seafarer, and Tyler Gregory.

If there's anyone who is swelling with Kansas pride, it's Justin Marable. You can see it in everything he does. Most folks know him through his art, but he's starting on a new venture with Interior Sea. Marable teamed up with Justin Hocking recently to stretch their wings in the music scene with a few melodic songs about life in the Midwest.

Up until now, the Justins (who live next to each other in Topeka), have been keeping it low key. But they've got a CD Release show coming up this Saturday at Blackbird, 4025 SW 10th St. in Fleming Place Center (10th and Gage) in Topeka. They will have two shows, one at 8:30 and one at 10:30.

I talked to them about their upcoming venture, you can see the interview below. I've also recorded a couple of songs so you can get a taste of what's coming up.

Going to Scion Garage Fest in Lawrence this year was like watching an incredible mix tape come to life right before my very eyes.

Dozens of bands from around the world took the stage at various venues around town for about 8 hour straight. The Clean, The Gories, The Raveonettes, King Khan and the Shrines....this festival had it all. It supported local venues, which made me happy, AND it was free (free!). I had a hard time deciding which bands to see, but ended up spending all of my time at Liberty Hall. I feel a little bad for not getting out to the other venues, but all the bands I really wanted to see were at Liberty.

I could not believe that a festival of this magnitude only had one local band lined up. That was probably my ONLY complaint about the festival. This is Lawrence, and every venue's show should have started with one of our many amazing local bands. But lucky for us, the one local band was Rooftop Vigilantes, and they did not disappoint.

I hadn't seen them before, but knew they were going to be rowdy. What I didn't expect was that they would blow the roof off of Liberty Hall. Seriously, I heard these guys playing LOUD while I was walking down 7th street (which is nice if you were stuck in the Will Call line outside, it made for a good preview).

They represented the Lawrence music scene well. They were rowdy, chatty with the crowd, and played hard and fast. But best of all, they were LOUD. I thought "Yowza, I feel bad for whoever has to follow these guys."

The Lawrence crowd loved them right back. As people started filtering in they were already dancing and eager to get their garage fest on.

Slowly throughout the evening more and more people started filtering in. You had folks clutching their PBR cans, nodding to the music, right next to folks clutching their kids, swaying to the music. And before I knew it, Best Coast took the stage to an absolutely packed and deliriously happy crowd at Liberty Hall.

Oh Best Coast, way to make the Lawrence crowd fall in love with you. Not only did they pay homage to Love Garden (where they noted they bought records and played with the cats), but then THIS adorable thing happened:

The true magical moment of the night was when Best Coast brought a nine year-old fan onstage with them. The lead singer started talking to her from the stage "How old are you...nine? You TWEETED me?....well THANK you!" Then, she brought the young fan onstage and serenaded her. As if Best Coast weren't sugary and cute enough... That little girl stood there in all her innocence and won our hearts over. This was going to make her year (possibly her decade). And what a hip young girl she was! She donned a Bottleneck t-shirt, and when the drummer gave her a tambourine, she kept a perfect beat with it throughout the whole song. I was impressed. I can't wait to see this little girl's future band.

Watch the magic happen here:

After that much cute I needed some air. The set was so sweet I'm pretty sure we all left with an extra cavity or two.

I had a tough decision to make. Go see King Khan and the Shrines at the Bottleneck or watch The Raveonettes. I ended up seeing The Raveonettes because they don't come this way as often, and also the King Khan show had become one of the many moments during the night that shows became one-in-one-out.

I was thrilled to see The Raveonettes perform. I remember playing their albums on KJHK way back in the day, and was excited to see what they'd bring to Lawrence.

What they brought were two extra band members (who didn't play on EVERY song) and a whole lot of sexiness.

Here's what they opened their set with:

What I liked about The Raveonettes was the glamor they brought to the night. I wasn't expecting that. I also wasn't expecting it to feel that sultry. They know garage rock, they know how to make a lot of noise, but they also know when to turn down the lights, kick off the high heels and perform a sultry little number with just the two of them.

I'm not going to lie. It felt a little romantic. They even brought two extra band members to help spread the love around. And forgive me, but I couldn't help but sway a little while I gazed up at them from the pit down below.

I was expecting a night of mayhem, tom-foolery, and obnoxious behavior. But it was nice to see those little sweet (Best Coast) and romantic (Raveonettes) moments peppered in. My only regret is that I didn't get to the other venues. I hope you will share your garage fest experiences with me, because surely this was the concert event of the year in Lawrence.

I love a good party. Especially when it comes in the form of a CD release show. On Friday, Downtown Lawrence was in full swing, and I headed out to Fourth of July's CD Release Party at the Jackpot.

What I liked about this show was the diverse lineup. You had hip hop/rap, hard rock, and then indie rock.

I caught just a little bit of the opener, Conchance (out of Omaha). Here he is with Black Johnny Quest.

After that, Mansion came out to surround you with noise. There was a lot of headbanging going on here, reminded me of the recent Russian Circles show I saw. The clip below isn't a complete song, because this band's entire set was just one big song. But they were pretty rockin. Imagine how much fun you'd have if you were this band's drummer. The stamina!

If you like them and want to see more, check out their Turnpike episode.

My old standbys Fourth of July were welcomed with open arms by a packed Jackpot. Scores of people came out to see them introduce the new album. If you didn't come with a friend, you probably ran into one at the show.

Here is a band that is very comfortable with each other, and (every time I've seen them) very comfortable with the crowd. It's like going to watch your little brother's band, but actually enjoying the music (no offense to my little brother and his musical adventures).

You can tell the band is well-liked. They continuously provide us with a consistent string of shows and feel-good lyrics. Also, I got the feeling half the audience wanted to throw their panties at the guys on stage.

This wasn't a bad way to welcome the students back to Lawrence. I hope the new album will bring us more shows.

Here's an extra bonus for you: the guys made a music video. Neat!

I recently found a goldmine stuffed into a purse in my closet. Six tapes containing performances and interviews of bands in the Lawrence music scene in 2004.

At the time I was gathering this footage for a project of mine. But I didn't have a job, and I didn't have a place to live, and the footage fell through the cracks.

I salvaged some clips and decided that because I love you, I would put what I could online so that we could all take a trip down memory lane. I realize I don't have EVERYTHING from the scene back in that day, so please forgive me.

The first clip you'll see is a compilation of interviews and performances stuffed into a short three minute clip. You will see interviews from Mike Tuley (of Ad Astra Per Aspera), Bill Colburn (musician, various bands), The Capsules (band) and Scott Horn (of the Pink House [venue that played host to many house shows]). You will also see performances from Ad Astra Per Aspera and Minus Story.

When I was younger I remember going to house show after house show after house show. I loved seeing these bands perform and bring the entire community out with them. Then suddenly before I knew it they were playing venues. And before I could blink some of them started to go on tour. Then a couple of musicians here and there toured with bands all over the world. I get a little teary eyed when I think of these bands, and how they grew up right before my very eyes.

I've posted clips from their performances below. Some of these bands are still alive and kicking in Lawrence. Others decided to start new projects.

I couldn't just sit on this footage. I wanted to share it with the world. So I hope you enjoy it. Because I really do heart local music.

Disclaimer: This is a wonderful clip of The Capsules, but the ending was cut off. I apologize.

On Thursday night the Summer gave us a break from the heat long enough for a night out with local darlings Truckstop Honeymoon. The Lawrence Public Library hosted Last Splash Bash as a way to mark the end of one incredible Summer. Latchkey kids and bluegrass music lovers crawled out from all over the area to cut a rug with the band.

This was a fantastic family event. Free food, drinks, games (everybody loves dunking city officials in water tanks) and some of the best kettle corn I've had in my entire life. Children who probably never danced before heard the music of Truckstop Honeymoon, and suddenly felt the urge to boogie and gyrate.

Here's what they opened the show with.

Mothers, aunties and grandmothers all danced the evening away with the kiddos. Some children were showcasing how active they were this Summer by comparing how many bug bites they had on their ankles and legs (I've got you all beat, by the way).

Truckstop Honeymoon proved that you can still have a child and enjoy live music. Someone leaned over to me and said "We need more family friendly events like this." When you think about it, Lawrence does a pretty good job at that. Between the free City Band concerts every Wednesday and the occasional Americana Music jam in the park, I'd say it's DEFINITELY easy to spawn and still see live music. And don't forget we've got Busker Fest coming up. We're so lucky to live in a town that provides opportunities like this, at little to no cost.

Eventually I grew a little tired of dancing with the baby and sat down under a tree in front of the library, where cicadas battled it out with the band for my musical attention. This is how you should always end a Kansas Summer.

It makes sense that more family friendly music events will always be around. Most people in the music scene are going to reproduce at some point, but that doesn't mean they're abandoning it. They just have more people to share their love of the scene with.

Truckstop Honeymoon, as always, were barrels of fun on this night, cracking jokes left and right. Every now and then after a song one of them would lean into the microphone and say "Thank you, music lovers."

Baby, you ain't kidding.