The most devout Denver music fan could never hope to hear all the bands and artists this city has to offer. Each year, hundreds of talented musicians find new ways to make us forget our problems, reconsider the world around us or simply feel connected to them.

As we have in each of the past nineteen years, we've compiled a list of the acts that do those things best, drawing on our own experience as well as those of more than fifty experts ranging from venue owners to fellow media members to people we just see at every show. They have all been asked to submit a list of the Colorado musicians who moved them most in the past year, and our joint efforts resulted in the ballot you see here. Vote for your favorites, and take a little time to find some new ones. We’ll help you with that process on June 21, when more than 150 of the bands and artists named below will play the many stages of the Westword Music Showcase. See you there!

RULES: Select one band per category, or write in your own choice. Only one ballot per voter. Entries must be received no later than Monday, June 23 at noon.