Words by Jonathan Briggins (@mixtape_mag), images by Scott Blackburn (www.gingersnapphoto.ca)
Neko Case
Neko Case was in fine form both musically and physically. Case, also known for her work with Vancouver indie giants The New Pornographers showcased a number of songs from her new album The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You coming out in September. She made multiple jokes about being in shape, telling the audience she wanted everybody to see how fast she could run across the stage. "I'm going to show you how ripped I am by playing this tambourine," she declared a few moments later. Case lamented about having to miss the headlining Dixie Chicks later that night because she had to fly to Toronto immediately after for an 8am soundcheck the next morning.
Belle & Sebastian
Stuart Murdoch, lead singer of Belle & Sebastian, enjoyed the hospitality of Ottawa as the band played the nation's capital for the first time. Murdoch told the story of him hopping on a bus to get to the venue and only having a twenty dollar bill. The bus driver let him get away with a free ride but said "Just this one time." The Scottish band had a plethora of musicians including a string quartet, cellist and two guitarists. The best reactions from the crowd came when the band played early hits such as "Judy and the Dream of Horses" and "Dylan In the Movies". The mix of old and new songs were perfect for a city hosting the band for the first time.
Sharon Van Etten
Despite having the same time slot as the re-united Dixie Chicks on the main stage, Sharon Van Etten and her band played to a couple hundred people at the River Stage. The show saw Van Etten show off a few new tricks. "This is the first time I've played this song before and this is the first time I've played bass live," she said. The performance was highlighted by her powerful and haunting voice wrapped around atmospheric guitars, thundering bass and equally haunting backing vocals. It'll only be a matter of time before she headlines the main stage of festivals.
