The Depot should host more local shows---. Saturday night's City Weekly Music Awards wrapped up with a closing party at the Gateway-bound venue with performances by Bird Eater, The Naked Eyes and Paul Jacobsen & Madison Arm. Though vastly different in scope, each act sounded superb piped through The Depot's pristine system. From Bird Eater's Jon Parkin summoning animalistic guttarals to the Madison Arm's Scott Wiley banging out sweet roots-rock solos on his cherry red guitar, every note came across pitch perfect. That extra attention to detail (one that you'd think more live music venues would be concerned with) goes a long way toward making a good evening an excellent, memorable one.

Kudos, too, to the CWMA finalists who couldn't have been more polite, nice and appreciative of their time on and off stage. By the time our marketing director handed me the final audience votes in a manila envelope I was convinced any of the three acts could emerge on top. Ultimately, The Naked Eyes earned the title of this year's CWMA winner. Congratulations to every one who made this one of the most pleasurable events of its kind in recent memory. Stay tuned for video clips (live footage and interviews) from the night.

You can catch The Naked Eyes tonight at Burt's Tiki Lounge for a benefit concert and again April 5 with Dead Meadow and Imaad Wasif!!! I'm super pumped about that show.

And don't forget to keep tabs on Bird Eater, performing a benefit for the Humane Society at Club Vegas March 27. Paul Jacobsen & Madison Arm will join headliners Megafaun at Kilby Court April 13.