The lady in red

Neko Case has been having a pretty good year; her latest album Middle Cyclone debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts and judging by the size of the crowd who braved the wetness to see her at this year's Bluesfest she's got more than a toe in mainstream acclaim. As an unabashed Neko-worshipper I'm glad to see her getting some of the fame she deserves, and even gladder to hear her give a knockout live show. She's a great singer, and since she eschews studio trickery what you hear on her albums is just as melodious live.

The lady herself.



Bassist Tom V. Ray ... for some reason I though he was in the V-Roys ... which would be sort of appropriate.



Guitarist Paul Rigby has worked with a bunch of folks, including The Band's Garth Hudson. He kept his hat tilted like that for the entire show.



Drummer Barry Mirochnick is artfully concealed by a bunch of tenor guitars.



Then there's Jon Rauhouse, needs no introduction, etc.



I'm not sure if you'd call this an overgrown ukulele or a slimmed down parlour guitar.



A wider view of the proceedings.



Neko sings.



Normally Kelly Hogan plays the hole-punch doodad. She was away dealing with family matters, so Neko gave it a go. It broke.



Jon rocks the steel.



Neko rocks the SG.



Banjo action!



A final shot of shadowy Paul.



And a final shot off a luminescent Neko.



A great performance.

• Show reminder: Arctic, We Were Lovers, Saskatchewan roots rockers The Sheepdogs and The Swingers grace Zaphod's free showcase.