Dirty business

"Dirty reggae" perpetrators The Aggrolites were next on my "to see" list. As the announcement of the Bluesfest lineup approached I started thinking about who might end up on the bill. The folks who choose the acts aren't prone to revealing what's headed Ottawa's way, so so-called "Bluesfest rumours" mostly amount to looking at whose touring nearby and making an educated guess. I figured that Andrew Bird was just the sort of act they'd like (and sure enough there he was). Thanks to their fearsome live reputation I thought The Aggrolites might have a chance as well. The combo formed out of a pair of L.A. ska-reggae acts to back Derrick Morgan of Housewives' Choice fame.

Let's kick things off with singer-guitarist Jesse Wagner and rhythm axeman Brian Dixon.



Roger Rivas rocks the bandanna.



Sweaty denim action with bassist Jeff Roffredo.



Drummer Alex Mackenzie sure looks young.



Brian points!



Jesse conducts the crowd.



Singalong action with Jeff'n'Roger.



Jesse lurches!



I hope there are no laundry mixups with these guys.



And the crowd goes circular!



The whole lot!



More guitar!



Roger works it on out!



More Alex!



Jeff sings!



They're currently touring (they may always be touring, actually) Arizona and California; then they head to the east coast of the U.S. before a turn southward.

• Show reminder: Deerhoof, Xiu Xiu, Father Murphy make odd sounds at Mavericks (they've moved from Capital Music Hall); Bad Vibes and Mannequin rock the 'za at Nine; Ninety Pounds of Ugly and Liquorbox continue the hoedown at Zaphod's.