First off I have to say this has been the rainiest summer I can ever remember. It has been tough on outdoor events but thank goodness for some luck on Saturday.On Thursday at lunch I caught Los Straitjackets at lunch along with a performance by the Pontani Sisters in cute navy blue polka dot mini dresses. Down the street there was also a host of odds and end including free slushies but this was just the beginning. Plus, the parade to kick off the annual exposition (read travelling rides, etc).
Friday it rained like the ocean was coming to overwhelm us via worlds most boring rain. Aside here: this is a dry prairie province we get storms with wind to tear your shingles off but drenching rain all day is not usually a summer feature. So the bands had to pack it in on the street but when I got home I check to see about the show I was planning to attend and what do you know they were starting early because all the bands that didn't get to play in the street were going to play the show that night that originally was intended to only be Hillbilly Casino.
So I headed down early and saw Los Fabulocos, Lee Rocker, and Hillbilly Casino. The place was filled with the bands and from my impression friends of friends because no one had any idea that the rain would work bring this. It was amazing and I couldn't quite get over the talent in the room.
Saturday brought cloudy but decent weather and I headed out late on foot to hit the Farmer's Market and see more bands. So, I wandered down and got myself a Liege Waffle from the waffle van. They are so good I can't begin to explain. I missed Eve Hell but caught more of Los Fabulocos and then lucked out and was one of a few people to catch the Du-Rite Aces from Calgary. They sounded great and look at the back drop for all that awesomeness.Next was Paul Pigat/Cousin Harley from Vancouver. They covered some great songs and played some awesome songs from the new CD but the highlight from me was getting to hear them cover Ray Condo's Whatcha Gonna do When there ain't no Swing?
Then I couldn't resist hearing Hillbilly Casino on the outside stage and they did not disappoint. Very cool. Los Straitjackets and Lee Rocker were the next acts but I was tired by that point and got a snack at the restaurant festival set up in the Square
and headed home.
I can't say enough good things about Cars and Guitars it is great fit with Indy and I am really hoping they will continue it next year. The street party was free and allowed everyone to see some amazing performances. My wishlist for next year might be a beer garden on the street or at least a few tables and spreading the acts around downtown to places like New City that has the capacity for a bigger show or some cool restaurants that can put up a corner stage. The Yellowhead Brewery was fantastic but because they are not usually open to the public there was no drop in people or patrons who saw the event was upcoming to the place. The other option could be to sell some advance passes that could get you in to various locations.
