Starline Rhythm Boys — It’s hard to believe there was ever a time when the Starline Rhythm Boys weren’t rocking Green Mountain honky tonks and juke joints. There’s a timeless quality about the venerated rockabilly trio, which actually formed in 1998. That’s a testament both to the band’s blue-collar work ethic — they still average something like 100 gigs per year — and vintage twang that harks back to the dawn of rock and roll. “Big Al” Lemery’s stinging Telecaster licks are as identifiable as they are slick. And upright bassist Billy Bratcher’s percussive, slaphappy thumping is worth the price of admission on its own. But the key to SRB’s appeal is their ageless front man, Danny Coane, and his smooth Buck Owens-style croon. Put it all together and you get one of Vermont’s most beloved bands, in any genre.

Other Finalists

• Brett Hughes
• Cricket Blue
• The DuPont Brothers
• Waylon Speed