Sky and sea

After watching Eppiphane and Japandroids I headed slowly over to the Black Sheep Stage to watch K'naan, pausing briefly to watch the Skydiggers. The crowd seemed keen on the Somalia-born rapper and poet ... he wasn't really my cup of tea, though, and I felt more inclined to go hone to dry off (it was a slightly wet day) then stick about. So here's a few evening leftovers ... first The Skydiggers. I dug them back in the day, but to be honest I prefer their associated crew, The Cash Brothers, somewhat more now.

Andy Maize sings, Michael Johnston on keyboard and Ron Macey on bass.



A shadowy Josh Finlayson. It was darn dark on the Hard Rock Stage. The pinkish blur at right is drummer Noel Webb.



Singalong action!



They've got a couple of dates November 6 and 7 up at the Black Sheep Inn. After listening to a song and a bit, it was time for a quick jaunt over the hill to see K'naan.



Get up!



Singalong action!



Pointing action!



The crowd goes wild!



He's currently on tour with Lenny Kravitz - then he's taking a spin with Maroon 5.

• Show reminder: Modernboys Moderngirls, Sadie Hell and The John Punch Band play Zaphod's; J.P. Ranger and Jason Sultan-Khan perform at the Elmdale House.

Make it quick

It's becoming clear that any weather forecast calling for no rain is not to be trusted. Good thing I brought my umbrella for yesterday's Bluesfest outing, because despite predictions that any showers would be coming overnight, it dribbled down on us starting at about 8 p.m. When I got to LeBreton Flats it was about 6:40 p.m. and The Duhks were rounding things off at the Fast Food Chain Stage.

The Folk Festival frequent flyers were playing an extended cover of Led Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love. Things sounded pretty good. I bumped into a former coworker, international travel-blogger Louise Brown, who said she'd seen them do better shows.


The Dukhs, Subway Stage, Bluesfest, July 15, 2009

I only had plans to see two bands on this particular evening, starting with local rockers Good2Go at the Music-Themed Eatery Stage, where they were introduced as "The only band featuring an Ontario teacher of the year!" (True.) Singer Miss Maureen got into the bead-tossing act.


Good2Go, Hard Rock Stage, Bluesfest, July 15, 2009

My next choice was between The National and Japandroids. I decided to go see Japandroids (a bit silly in hindsight, since they'll undoubtedly be through Ottawa again before The National). Eppiphane was finishing their set as we arrived at the Fast Food Chain Stage.


Eppiphane, Subway Stage, Bluesfest, July 15, 2009

As for Japandroids, I was mightily entertained by their fuzzy two-man garage rock. They came with their own miniature stair case so guitarist Brian King can loom over drummer David Prowse. They're now my second-favourite duo with Japan in the name.


Japandroids, Subway Stage, Bluesfest, July 15, 2009

After that Louise and I headed over to the Music-Themed Eatery Stage to see what the Skydiggers were up to these days. There was something vaguely unappealing about their opening tune about making love.


Skydiggers, Hard Rock Stage, Bluesfest, July 15, 2009

After that, we went over the hill to see rapper K'naan. The substantial crowd was definitely wild about the show.


K'naan, Black Sheep Stage, Bluesfest, July 15, 2009

However, he didn't hold my interest or Louise's, so we left and went out separate ways.

• Show reminder: Harvey Cartel and Bandier Lake play The Elmdale House Tavern.