10 live music wishes for 2010

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

Well, it's been a great 2009 around St. Louis. We've seen some great shows, The Bluebird is now The Firebird and The Pageant, Off Broadway, The Fox and Blueberry Hill still are fine places to catch live music. That, you should already know.

But what about 2010? What can we expect? Well, that's a little hard to predict, but here are a few of my wishes for the upcoming year:

1. For The Old Rock House to continue to book "better" shows. Have you looked at their line-up lately? They seem to be picking up some steam with The Fiery Furnaces and Todd Snider, among others. That's quite an upgrade from their recent history, so I would keep a close eye on their calendar.

2. For The Pageant to book more three-night stands. Remember Bob Dylan's? Wilco's? Remember the buzz around those sets of shows? I hope there's more of that in 2010.

3. For local artists/bands Gentleman Auction House, The Blind Eyes and Geoff Koch to release new albums. If you don't know their music, make it a point to find their stuff in 2010.

4. For Off Broadway to start their shows a wee bit earlier, especially when three bands are playing on a Tuesday. I've left there too many times after the stroke of midnight. Does that really need to happen, or am I too old?

5. For St. Louisan Jay Farrar to bring his tour with Ben Gibbard to his hometown. Please, Jay, we want to see you and Ben here. Is that too much to ask?

6. For every music lover out there to check out at least one new venue. It's time to drift out of your comfort zone!

7. For another "special" show llike Farm Aid to hit town. Or, I'll settle for even better acts at Live on the Levee. Whatever works.

8. For the final word on whether or not the "new" Mississippi Nights is actually going to open. Or, whatever they are going to call it now.

9. For people to be quiet at shows. Ok, ok...I've talked at shows, too. But not the whole show, and definitely not during quiet songs. Maybe keep it to a minimum, or a whisper? And if you need to talk, at least talk about the music being played.

10. Finally, for all of you out there to let me know your opinion on the best upcoming shows around town! You can always e-mail at jgonulsen@gmail.com, and I will try to respond as soon as I can.