Ectoplasmic encounter

On to the main stage for a brief encounter with That's The Spirit. Last time I saw Ben and Co. was when he performed with Tom Thompson and Brennan Pilkington as Orienteers at Zaphod's. Small rooms are the usual state of affairs with his projects so seeing him on the main stage at Bluesfest was a bit of a mental dislocation. Good thing he's expanded his lineup from the early solo days to help fill it up.

Here's one, steel player Thompson.



Drummer Brennan.



Trumpeter Nicholas Dyson.



Ben sings!



The whole lot, and The Flaming Lips' mysterious backdrop.



Tom rocks the Crestwood.



Bass action with Polytone George Jennings!



Spirited action!



Ben rocks the Telecaster!



Brennan shakes it.



Then I toodled off to watch Michael Jerome Brown.

• Show reminder: It's a wonderful night to be in the earplug business, with Against Me!, The Flatliners, Young Livers at the Bronson Centre Theatre and Nachtmystium, Zoroaster, Dark Castle and The Atlas Moth at Mavericks; Kevin Bartman is at the Rainbow.