Here's the thing: Calexico is the Best Local Performing Artist, because they're actually a lot of artists. A live Calexico show is a group effort, easily a dozen strong, sometimes more. At one show, we counted 17 people onstage, with everyone in synch, creating music infused with flavors local and beyond. Joey Burns and John Convertino have this amazing ability to find musicians who can all work together across the stage, musically communicating through song after song. A live Calexico show is a model for how lots of things should work: harmony across borders, with many people working together to create something unique.

Runners up:

2. TIE

Namoli Brennet

Lisa Otey