Saturday afternoon is singer-songwriter time. This year we had
Kete Bowers: one man and his acoustic guitar;
Kezia Gill: one woman with her acoustic guitar plus a harmonica player and
Alan Fullard: who brought a full band including a couple of 'honk-ettes' backing singers, the only ones of the weekend.
Then we had our introduction to
Ward Thomas, the new next-big-thing.

Much has been written about Catherine and Lizzy already in the country press, indeed there was a two page feature on them in the latest Maverick. Which I deliberately didn't read beforehand because I wanted to form my own opinion. I can now say that with a three piece band behind them they are quite capable of filling a one hour festival spot. They can sing; they can write and they have youth on their side; I do hope they do better than previous next-big-things, Rachel Harrington and Tim McKay. (I am aware McKay are still around and occasionally score a support gig to a visiting american but, to me, it looks like the career is just treading water.) And from two girls at the start of their career to a veteran of the scene with a long and glittering career behind her.
Toni Willé, ex of Pussycat, backed today by veteran British band
Lazy Dog.

Miss Willé valiantly performed the songs associated with her continental career, finishing with her world-wide No1, Mississippi, but she probably left feeling underappreciated, not even getting an encore. It wasn't you Toni, it was the scorching midafternoon heat. I can see why mediterranean folks have siestas. We might have to adopt them here if this weather becomes the norm every summer.
I had wondered what a Portuguese country band would be like. Turned out that
The Dixie Boys were a Rockabilly outfit.

Very good they were too but there was nothing to distinguish them the other Rockabilly bands appearing. Not something that can be said of the other overseas artists of the day, the
Country Sisters. These girls are fairly and squarely aimed at the cabaret country market. Elsewhere Moshe asked if they were just known for wearing skimpy clothes. Well yes they do wear mini skirts but not micro skirts. Be assured, we're not talking Rihanna levels of exposure here. Are mid-thigh hemlines considered immodest these days? I don't think so but I'll post some pics and let you decide for yourselves.

What is beyond doubt is that the Sisters are good singers, dancers and musicians. Before we leave the subject of immodesty I should note that of this year the organisers have added some attractions to the program, namely Burlesque dancers, a fashion show and a Miss Americana contest. I know at least some of you will be interested to hear what they were like. Actually I cannot help with the latter two. I was listening to the music at the time although I do know that the fashion show was featuring clothes from companies that cater to the retro lifestyle. All 1950's Rock n Roll style clothing. If you google the Booboo kitty website in the above picture you'll get a good idea of what was there. As for the burlesque: not being the sort of chap to frequent strip clubs I must admit to being a little intrigued. The girls came on inbetween bands in the big-top, two on Saturday; two on Sunday and did a little strip-tease using props like feather fans or hula hoops, to old pop song backing tracks. Given that this was not an over 18 venue it was quite mild really; the knickers stayed on and the nipples were covered up. Anyone hoping for a fleshfest would be better off staying at home watching the telly. Not much more sexier than this fellow.

Sunday to follow
Country is a state of mind, not a state of America.