Memorable performances that were music to our ears

It was an eventful year for Seattle music.

The Crocodile Cafe closed, marking the end of an era for one of Seattle's most significant clubs of the grunge era and beyond.

Blue Scholars released one of the most moving and powerful local albums of the year and helped raise the profile of the city's hip-hop scene, which may be ready to explode nationally.

The Ventures, a phenomenally successful instrumental-rock band that made its debut on Seattle radio in 1960 with "Walk Don't Run," finally got the news its fans and supporters have dreamed about for years: an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Seattle beatboxer Blake Lewis became a national star during his run on the sixth season of "American Idol." Bshorty is now on the national charts with the release of his debut album, "Audio Day Dream."

Mayor Greg Nickels was determined to police local nightclubs as he packed more people into urban condos.

On the concert front, there were hits and misses. Among the hits were concerts by The Shins, Modest Mouse, The Arcade Fire, Neil Young, Feist, Iron & Wine, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Queens of the Stone Age and Blue Scholars. The Download Festival, which mixed music and commerce as never before, was among the misses.

Of the two most hyped reunion tours -- The Police and Van Halen -- the latter was more flamboyant and entertaining.

In chronological order, here's my list of the year's 10 best concerts at larger venues, based on those I attended or reviewed:

Van Halen: Reunited with former band mates Eddie and Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth proved he hasn't lost his knack for showmanship. Performing in December at KeyArena, Van Halen trotted out such hits as "Dance the Night Away," "Jump" and "Runnin' With the Devil," thrilling fans who had waited more than two decades for a reunion of the Van Halen brothers and the band's original singer.

M.I.A.: Born Maya Arulpragasam, Sri Lankan rapper M.I.A. performed to a capacity crowd in November, thrilling fans who had waited months, even years, to see her in concert because of visa problems that had barred her from playing U.S. venues. The body-slamming, beat-laden concert at Showbox SoDo was a globe-spanning blend of hip-hop, dancehall, raga and electronica.

Neil Young: In October, concertgoers packed WaMu Theatre for a 3 1/2-hour Neil Young marathon that included acoustic and electric sets -- and more than 20 songs, among them the timeless "Heart of Gold," as well as "Spirit Road," "No Hidden Path" and the delightfully crusty "Dirty Old Man" from his new "Chrome Dreams II" album.

Ozzy Osbourne: As part of his first solo tour in 15 years, metal maven (and former reality TV star) Ozzy Osbourne performed a devilishly funny yet powerfully rocking show at KeyArena in late October. Fans turned out in lurid Halloween garb for a concert loaded with favorites, among them "Mr. Crowley," "Bark at the Moon" and "Speak of the Devil." Guitarist Zakk Wylde got an ovation for his fiery, Jimi Hendrix-inspired version of "The Star Spangled Banner."

Tony Bennett: Performing in September at the Paramount Theatre, the Grammy-winning king of croon sailed through a set of nearly 30 songs from a career that began in the1950s and continues to thrive today. Dressed in a crisp black suit, the slender, 81-year-old singer amazed his fans with a soaring version of "Fly Me to the Moon" performed without a microphone.

Stevie Wonder: In one of the more playful moments in Stevie Wonder's career-spanning, euphoria-inducing performance in September at Chateau Ste. Michelle, the soul legend recast his classic song "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" as a country tune, complete with Southern drawl. The magical evening -- his first Seattle-area show since 1986 -- was packed with hit songs and moving stories.

"Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story": Though it was a musical and not a concert, the 5th Avenue Theatre production of "Buddy" last winter was packed with Holly's songs, from "Peggy Sue" to "That'll Be the Day." Billy Joe Huels of the Dusty 45s starred in the title role. With his lofty pompadour, lanky good looks and skill at playing Holly's tunes, Huels personified the Texas rock 'n' roll pioneer.

Brandi Carlile: Maple Valley singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile firmly established herself as a national artist with the release of "The Story," produced by legendary producer and musician T Bone Burnett. Carlile rolled into Seattle last month on VH1's "You Oughta Know" tour. Carlile also performed in June at the Moore Theatre and at the Woodland Park Zoo. At the Moore, Carlile's powerful set was devoted to her current album, but she opened with a riveting version of Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are a-Changin'."

Michael Buble: In the hands of anyone less than an A-plus entertainer, a Michael Buble concert last August at McCaw Hall might have been a little cheesy. But the affable crooner from Burnaby, B.C., projected so much goodwill and easygoing charm that it was impossible to dislike his Rat Pack-style show. Female fans swooned over such songs as "I've Got the World on a String" and "Call Me Irresponsible."

George Strait: Country stars from Kenny Chesney to Gary Allan rolled through the Northwest almost nonstop this year. But none were classier than George Strait, who performed in January at the Tacoma Dome. The Texas-bred Country Music Hall of Famer crammed nearly 30 songs into a show that featured "Amarillo by Morning," "Check Yes or No," "The Fireman" and "A Better Rain." Straight also performed a countrified version of the Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Woman," making it sound like one of his own.