Every city has a small, storied club that’s hosted a who’s-who of bands before they became famous. Milwaukee’s is the Cactus Club, which has booked early gigs by favorites like The White Stripes, Interpol, Bright Eyes and Death Cab for Cutie, not to mention countless punk bands of varying stature. This year the Cactus Club has hosted packed shows from touring acts like The Ponys, The Paper Chase and Neil Hamburger, and more importantly countless shows from Milwaukee’s best and most exciting indie-rock and punk bands. If you’re looking for great local music, this is the place to start.

The Cactus Club
2496 S. Wentworth Ave.
414-897-0663

http://www.cactusclubmilwaukee.com/

Runners-up: Shank Hall, Mad Planet