I dont often start threads but just felt, sitting here during a quiet moment of a (rare) quiet time at work, that I would list, in no particular order of preference, bands or performers who have brought me musical joy in live performance in the last couple of years. I'd be interested to hear of other peoples' lists as I'm always on the lookout for recommendations for must-see performers.

Here goes:

Musikas (Hungary): Pure excellence and obvious enjoyment of playing!
Milladoiro (Galicia): As above!
The Gangbe Brass Band (Benin): Complete musical exhuberance!
Bebel Gilberto (Brazil): Oh yessssss!
Ani DiFranco (USA): Great performer, either solo or with band
Youssou N'Dour (Senegal): What a singer and great band!
La Bottine Souriante (Quebec, Canada): Sheer brilliance!
The Blind Boys of Alabama (USA): "Glad you could come and see us! We might not be around next time you come!"
Brendy (N. Ireland, Norway and Mudcat): The guy is brilliant! Made me give up the guitar as well which has raised a fair bit of cash!
Sam Pirt (UK): A genius! Almost made me like the piano accordion

Peace,

moo (of eclectic taste and living in Belgium)