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When it comes to the arts in Western North Carolina, the sheer number of options is staggering. Still, our brave readers were up to the challenge, ferreting out favorites from both tried-and-true offerings and lesser-known acts.

A few surprises this year: Long-running old-time music event Shindig on the Green finally edged out competitors Bele Chere and Downtown After Five to take top outdoor concert honors. Newcomers the Trainwreks claimed favorite alt-country band status, and Stephanie's Id got lots of love both in the rock and indie music categories.

But what's most revealing about the year's A&E section is the crop of new talent that's emerging. Just-added category "best local dance teacher" brought votes for spicy salsa instructor Maria Voisin, ballet aficionados Ann Dunn and Heather Malloy, hip-hop instructor Jodi Taylor and West African dancer Kelly Davis. The point? Xpress readers love all manner of booty shaking.

You also told us who to check out in the visual arts: Photographer Jen Lepkowski and anime painter Taiyo la Paix are new names in this section. And you clued us in on what bands have been flying under our radar. While funk quartet Ol' Hoopty garnered enough of a following to place among the best local rock groups, neo-soul act the Secret B-Sides, indie rockers the Broomstars and folk-punk artists Sirius B are, according to Xpress readers, the ones to watch.

Local Art Gallery

Local Visual Artist

Local Band (blues/jazz)

Local Band (alt/country)

Local Band (folk/old-time/bluegrass)

Local Band (hip-hop)

Local Band (rock)

Local Band (indie/noise)

Local Band Nobody's Heard of

Local Singer/Songwriter

Local Club DJ/Turntablist

Local Outdoor Concert

Recording Studio

Local Dance Teacher

Local Poet/Author

Locally Produced Play

Local Stage Company

Locally Produced Film

Local Video Store

Local Movie Theater

Place to Hear Live Music

Place to Dance

Show of 2007: Dance

Show of 2007: Music

Show of 2007: Theater

Congratulations Orbit!	moontime Oct 17, 2007 at 08:51 AM

where’s the “Best Rock Band to perform on National TV” category, I nominate Stephanie’s ID…	lance Oct 17, 2007 at 12:02 PM

What about “Best Local Band (Cuban/Squelch)”?  I vote ID. And how in the crap can someone vote for a band they’ve never heard of?  That’s a self-nullifying award!  Ol’ Hoopty, you are deceptively not obscure! My congratulations go out to the Smashing Pumpkins!  Somebody should email the Corg right now.	Joshua Oct 17, 2007 at 02:41 PM

yay!!! adam strange 2nd best DJ!!!!!!!!!  yay!!!  GFE best hip-hop act	lea McQueen Oct 17, 2007 at 03:58 PM

how about the category “best local band who has fans in europe and asia”. i vote descolada and ahleuchatistas.	tonyfromthecrypt Oct 18, 2007 at 02:06 PM

What about Wooden Tit?  They’re on an Italian record label.  Or the Hellsayers?  They toured Europe with Band of Horses over the summer. Speaking of Band of Horses, they’re going to be on Letterman tonight, and two Asheville dudes are in the band now.  COOL!	Joshua Oct 18, 2007 at 02:19 PM

HA! 2nd best DJ. anyone want me to play at their wedding?	adam strange Oct 20, 2007 at 04:33 PM

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