Better Than Crabs

The second day of Second Stage didn’t go quite as smoothly as the first. Just as the show was about to get underway at the outdoor site a large gust of wind swept through and destroyed the bandshell that was acting as the canopy for the stage, this gust of wind also blew the canopy covering the sound equipment for the show about thirty feet away. This would have been okay if it didn’t also rain at the same time. For those who don’t know electronics and water don’t mix well, especially expensive electronics.

Seeing as the stage canopy was destroyed and the sound equipment needed looking after the decision was made to move the show to Loplops. Considering we were now in a tighter location and with even less time than before two bands unfortunately backed out of the event to help accomodate the other bands performing. The Economy Studz were booked to play later in the night so they kept that booking and 12 Gauge Ready gracefully backed out to allow the other bands their time to shine.

Up first in the revamped lineup was the Harmony Sisters. They were backed up by Ed Young, Larry Borek and Cliff Alloy and as their name says sang in harmony. At this point of the show I was running around trying to get organized somewhat as Dave and Isabelle from thunderbird six arrived and I started doing the introductions for the interviews to happen later on in the night. From what I heard the Harmony Sisters were impressive.

Following this up was Mark Dunn, I really digged his vibe. You can tell he truly loved his music and he also had Frank Deresti as part of the band playing on the bango (and that other instrument that I can’t think of at the moment as it’s getting late on a long day). It’s always good to see the intermingle of uncommon instruments (in this setting anyway) added to the mix, they just provide that extra umph to the show.

Rounding out the list of scheduled (in the newly created Second Stage lineup) was Startlefish. This version of Startlefish with Craig West switching over to bass and Shane Wigglesworth taking over at lead guitar is still in its infant stages but are definitely bringing a new sound to the Sault music scene. Startlefish is one of the bands I’m usually out watching so I may be biased in this but they are great on stage and have an awesome sound and are definitely worth checking out if you’ve never seen them before. They released their debut CD last summer but over that time their sound has drastically changed with the band lineup reevolving and their next CD due out later this year will reflect this change. I believe they have taken a turn in the right direction.

To cap off the night Big Wheel and the Spokes played their CD Release party. They were originally scheduled to play Second Stage then move over to Loplops for the party but being the good guys they are they had the Second Stage join the party. Big Wheel is just one of those bands you can’t help but move to the groovy basslines too. I describe them as a blues funk band but I’m not even sure if that’s accurate. All three musicians, Jumping Jay Case (guitar, lead vocals), Funky Frank Deresti (bass) and Crazy Cliff Alloy (drums) have a sense for what eachother are doing that it leads into live jam sessions on stage where the original song they are playing turns into a ten minute music mayheim featuring solos for all musicians then it brings it all right back to the original song again for the finish.

Photo Gallery: July 14 2006 - Second Stage Day Two

I was able to get some pictures during the night however the lighting in Loplops seemed dimmer than usual around the bands and I didn’t have the time to play with the camera settings enough so most pictures came out rough, I threw some up in the gallery linked above just to get the feel for the night. All performers were definitely moving with their music so they were harder to capture in this situation.

To just check out the gallery you can use the Photo Gallery link found in the right hand menus under Categories.

Also be sure to keep checking blogelation as well to see what others are saying. thunderbird six was in attendance tonight and I know they conducted some informal interviews that will be included in the podcast very shortly.

Possible Related Posts:

• Blogelation Begins
• Blogelation Is Born
• Blogelation - Thunderbird Six Second Podcast

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