New year means new things....LIST TIME! I've always been a bit of a sucker for lists and countdowns. So here is my top three musicians/bands I want to do a show with before I retire. Or die.

1. Ash Grunwald

Straight out of Australia, this guy is awesome. Mostly just rockin out with a guitar, stomp box, and some backing tracks that he recorded. Sometimes he'll play with other friends/musicians. And he's an avid surfer. Just had to mention that. I feel like I'm the female version of this guy. Only he's way cooler. He knows how to mesh blues, rock, soul with a bit of technology to make your ears want more. His Trouble's Door album is in my car at all times. It's a must. It's that good. He'll be playing some shows in Canada next month. I want to go sooo bad. Don't have the gas money or plane/train/bus fare cash to pull it off. I might be able to make it by bicycle if I start now. Got to dream.

2. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

From a familiar continent to me these guys rock. I first saw them on television, glad I did. I would have never seen them in concert. That was an amazing show. I had been sick for a few days, didn't feel like going. Had to take a major detour due to an accident on the freeway. Almost didn't make it to the restroom before getting to the front row. What started off as a disaster turned into one of the best nights ever. They spiked my energy level so much that I forgot I was ill. I think they cured me. It was awesome! And to top it off, my mom caught Benny's guitar pick, which is now in my guitar case. I don't use a pick so it's useless to be playing with it. Although I did use it on a track for one of my songs on my album. Thanks Benny. And thank you Grace and the Nocturnals for putting on such kick ass shows!

3. Rodrigo y Gabriela

Guitar playing the way it should be. These two fine musicians are from Mexico, lived in Dublin for a bit and now rock out playing shows all over the world. Saw them live in concert as well. Amazing! It was perfection through the entire show. We parked right across the street from the main entrance. Waited in a just forming line while breathing in some amazing April air. Took our seats and witnessed an amazing show. It was one of those vibe things that can't be really described. I still get chills thinking about it. They played their hearts out and rocked that stage. I'll never forget it. I even remember what I was wearing that day. Weird. For some reason all their fans in the Northern Kentucky region are really tall. There's no way I could have seen the stage if I were standing on the floor. Good thing we had seats up higher.

So there you have it, the top three bands I hope to share the stage with at some point in my life. Honestly, if I even get a gig with one of them I would probably go into an excitement coma and not be able to perform. Probably nothing that extreme, but it would be crazy emotions for sure. In the words of that kid from Angels In the Outfield, "It could happen."

Cheers, Tajlyn

Click on a photo to go to each musician's website