Just a few scenes from the Fringe and Blues festivals in the city in which the artists interact with the audience. Friday afternoon at the fringe ( NB the colorful poster in the background ) encountered this accapella group Hoyt of three enthusiastic young guys from Saskatchewan. As all street performers  they earn their fees through donations. There was a banter to see who was the best performer by different donations, including the pink cowboy hat. A rendition of " Pretty Woman " was sung to one of the women in the audience and the teen next to me declared " that's not my mom" and she probably was.

The opening act for the Labatts Blues Festival in Hawrelak Park was Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials. Although short in stature, Ed's flying leaps, his back-bending,
his toe-walking through the audience and his sliding across the stage on his knees, kept the crowd going....ended up sitting on a woman's lap just a few seats from me.

The weather promises to continue warm.

Located in Hawrelak Park the theatre has covered seats and stage,great if there is rain and grassy areas and a beer consession. The flavour of the festival is very much southern Louisiana from the cajun, gumbo offerings at the food concessions to the deep throaty accented singing of the performers.

One of the mainliners is Janiva Magness, very lively, including some slower songs.

Audience on their feet dancing and clapping for all acts.


If interested in the line up check out. http://www.bluesinternationaltd.com/fest_2008