It’s the Badlander’s second year as Missoula’s best venue for live music, and we can’t think of anyplace more deserving of an encore. In less than two years, its become a downtown institution, hosting some of the most memorable concerts in recent memory—last year’s Total Fest VI, two shows by Vampire Weekend and the freaky Volumen-filled Halloween blowout. Like a crowd at the end of a Badlander show, we find ourselves chanting for more. The Badlander: 208 Ryman; 549-0235; myspace.com/thebadlander
2. Union Club: 208 E. Main; 725-7980
3. Top Hat: 134 W. Front; 728-9865