Mike Yoder/Journal-World Photo.Strobing spotlights and large balloons drift over a full house at Liberty Hall Friday night as the The Flaming Lips kicked off a Liberty Hall 100-year anniversary celebration concert..

Best Place for Live Music:

Liberty Hall

Liberty Hall turned 100 this year, celebrating with style in the form of a two-day, sold-out extravaganza performance (and street party!) from the Flaming Lips and proving it’s not too old to rock. Read more of our write up on Liberty Hall.

Best Local Band

Cowboy Indian Bear

Cowboy Indian Bear is an indie band of the 21st century — deep local ties and solid support, but also a keen eye to digital self-promotion and a willingness to experiment. Why did our readers choose Cowboy Indian Bear? Read on...

Best Blog

Larryville Chronicles

If you like your local commentary seasoned with wit, sex and booze, look no further than the Larryville Chronicles, happily residing on Blogspot after all these years. Chip and Richard chime in being named best blog.

Best Place to Watch a Game

Johnny’s Tavern

If you can’t catch the Jayhawks at Memorial Stadium or Allen Fieldhouse, our readers say Johnny’s Tavern is the best place take in a game. With its big TVs, legendary burgers, specialty pizzas and long list of libations, Johnny’s caters to fans of all tastes. Why is Johnny’s No. 1 in our readers’ hearts? Read on to find out.

Best Place for a Date:

715

715 Mass.

www.715mass.com

Runners-up:

Pachamama’s Restaurant and Star Bar, 800 N.H.

Liberty Hall, 644 Mass.

Best Place to Dance:

Replay Lounge

946 Mass.

www.replaylounge.com

Runners-up:

Eighth Street Tap Room, 801 N.H.

Tonic, 728 Mass.

Love Garden Sounds, 822 Mass., was voted Best Music Store in the 2012 Best of Lawrence contest.

Best Music Store

Love Garden Sounds

822 Mass.

lovegardensounds.com

Runners-up:

Mass Street Music, 1347 Mass.

Hastings Books Music Video, 1900 W. 23rd St.

Best Twitter Account:

@FakeJoeDooley

Runners-up:

@larryvillelife

@FakeJeffWithey