Michael Myhra of St. Peter, Minn.:
1 Kermit's Treme Mother in Law Lounge, New Orleans. Kermit Ruffins and friends offered jazzed-up Christmas classics. Irvin Mayfield DJ'ed and blew some trumpet. What a night!
2 Louisiana Music Factory, New Orleans. This great record store is stocked with mainly regional music.
3 Gary Numan, New Orleans. The new-wave veteran rocked the House of Blues with his synth sound.
Contribute: popmusic@startribune.com.
Jon Bream of the Star Tribune:
1 Buddy Guy, Mystic Lake Casino. His sterling voice, guitar work and humor made for a delightful evening.
2 Darlene Love, Ordway. What a treat to hear "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" in person, days before Christmas.
3 The Steeles, the Fitzgerald. The a cappella carols were the highlights of a lively show of mostly original yule tunes by these siblings and their talented children.
