“The Flaming Lips, because their show is crazy. They have all these balls falling from the sky, and the singer runs on top of the audience in a giant hamster ball.”

— Ellie Thormahlen, University of Nevada junior, Reno, Nev.

“Sound Tribe Sector Nine. They're just musically and otherwise on a higher level.”

— Ross DuCharme, service industry, Nashua, N.H.

“I'd say Perpetual Groove, because they're kind of light. They make you feel free and want to dance.”

— Carolyn Kraus, bartender, Nashua, N.H.

“The Flaming Lips. Just because they put on the most ridiculous live show I've ever seen. I'm not really into the jam scene, so I'm looking forward to a band that offers more; like bouncing stuffed animals.”

— Tom Kimmel, resale clothing, Lawrence