Countdown in photos: Day 29

Seattlest will be counting down to 2011 with a series of posts on our highlights of this year and what we're looking forward to in the next. Got a list to suggest? Send it our way. See the entire series here.

One of the shining stars this year in Seattle music is the Moondoggies. They're the musical version of soul mates to the Maldives, another amazing local mainstay, and will most likely make quite a mark as their "other half" has done. They recently played an amazing set with the Maldives at the Showbox with Drew Grow and the Pastor's Wives opening. Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it, but I imagine the only other local lineup that could rival this show was the Head and the Heart/Damien Jurado/David Bazan set that appeared at the Showbox last month. What a way to end the year!

Another set that wasn't to be missed was the Moondoggies KEXP music lounge performance at Bumbershoot. Today's shot was captured during this show and despite my already growing weariness at running around shooting every band I could manage I sat back and enjoyed this show. An up close and personal set is the best possible way to see this band. You can really feel the emotion that flows through the lyrics and music as they play. It looks like they're on tour right now, but when they head back to town you should check them out. It'll be worth your while.

Check out my previous countdown photo here.