NXNE 2007... R.I.P. (for this year!)

Well folks... it's time to cut off the wrist band and put it in the jar with the previous ones in your collection (at least that's what I do).

The anticipation, the reality, and the finale... then the waiting for NXNE 2008.

All that's left is the fatigue, if you were one of the die-hard attendees like me.


I've already posted my Thursday night agenda.

On Friday I was mostly in the Comfort Zone in more ways than one... The Hot Springs, The Nymphets and Handsome Furs were all great.

The Nymphets at Comfort Zone

Handsome Furs at Comfort Zone

Then it was over to the Horseshoe for White Cowbell Oklahoma. There's always a lot of theatrics at their gigs (I can still smell the exhaust from the chain saw) and the customary "wardrobe malfunctions" with the dancing girls.

White Cowbell Oklahoma at The Horseshoe

On Saturday I had to take in the 2nd Annual Six Shooter BBQ from 2-6pm as a warm-up for the evening. Nine outstanding performances by Six Shooter artists as well special guests. That combined with free burgers and hot dogs to be washed down with beer or sangria. Perfect weather and an outstanding afternoon.

Valery Gore at the Six Shooter Records BBQ

I ended up with a major case of sunburn, but didn't really notice until someone asked me that night why my face was glowing in the dark!

As is often the case for me, by the time Saturday night rolls around, I opt for a later start and an earlier finish. I was hoping to see Ford Pier do material from his new EP, Organ Farming, at the Cameron House at 10pm, but due to overcapacity was forced to listen as well as I could from the lineup outside.

I got in between acts afterwards and decided to stay put through Wendy McNeill and Shane Alexander's respective sets. It was terrific laid-back music to finish off the festival.

I could have stayed on your the final gig by Chris Staig, but noticed Ford Pier and Greg Smith chatting just outside the back room, and decided to go talk to them for a bit instead. Greg had played bass for Ford and you may remember him from the Weakerthans, Fembots and other bands that exploit his fine talents.

Ford Pier and a sun-burned yours truly in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

You're just seeing a quickie cross section of photos here. Over the next few days I'll be putting together a special NXNE 2007 Showcase page with lots more photos, commentary and video clips. Stand by.