Another link in the chain

Ball and Chain and The Wreckers are probably the most "pure country" of Ottawa's numerous folk and western loving outfits. In addition to their own originals they played a bunch of tunes either written or made famous by folks like Hank Williams and Georges Jones. That isn't to say they're stuck on imitation; they throw an Acadian twist into their music (Ball and Benjamin are appearing as part of the Grouyon Gumbo at the Ottawa Folk Fest, dont'cha know). It would take too darn long to mention all the bands thee folks have passed through or are still in, so here are some pictures. (Incidentally, I meant to post this yesterday, but slapped up Son Volt by accident, so post wise pictures from Bluesfest's fifth day will start at the end and finish in the middle).

Michael Ball sings one of his own compositions. I believe the lyrics went "Beer, beer, beer, beer ..."



Jody Benjamin models the floral print.



Danny Artuso on steel and guitar.



Drummer Wayne Ford-Robicheau is Ottawa's best dressed. He may also be able to sell you some ice cream.



Jennifer Noxon has her own fab music career; here she plays the cajun triangle.



Bassist Don Evans at right.



Country and western and cajun and so on and so on action!







Unfortunately the band was playing with the sun in their faces. It did strange things to Ball's violins and made everyone look a bit like they were getting ready for a Clint Eastwood film festival. Speaking of Hank Williams fandom, the band was slated to play their third annual Hank Williams Birthday Bash show at the Bayou Sept. 16, but with the abrupt shuttering of that club they'll have to find another place.