In Pictures: Axis Mundi's Harvest Festival — Day One
By Jason Portras Axis Mundi’s Harvest Festival celebration of music and culture kicked off Friday night at 6 pm in Grizzly Plaza. Despite off-and-on rainy weather, the Grizzly Plaza performances were very well attended. The show started with bluesman Sherman ‘Tank’ Doucette and his band, who played a rocking collection of songs from such legends as BB King and Howlin’ Wolf. He blew the crowd into a dancing frenzy at times with his collection of mouth harps and a band that could really pound. Although the crowd was sparse at first, once the music began wafting down the city streets, pulling up the pavement, it drew in a large crowd. ’Tank’ made his way into the audience a few times to get up close and personal, like many a bluesman likes to do. Next to be introduced to the stage by EZ Rock radio host Shaun Aquiline were the Nyundo School Road Show, a collection of young kids, many only 17, who had just arrived from Rwanda the night before. At one point one of the young men came to the mic and announced he would perform a song he’d written. It was an amazing song, one that literally stilled the night at times, bringing a mystic air to the plaza. From the heart, from the soul, he sang it like a pro and mesmerized his audience. Most of the other songs they played weren’t as heavy, but light and shaking to the delight of a dance-thirsty crowd. For the last song, the young man leading it requested that everyone get off their feet and join his dance of joy. Most of the crowd was eager to dance and sway with them. The final performance, for the plaza, was Buckman Coe and his band from Vancouver, who played a collection of reggae-inspired powerful soul music, some with a psychedelic-rock twinge, the kind that beats a person’s heart and drives their legs to dance. Some slow songs were played as well off their new album with great reception from the crowd, a slight drizzle from the skies adding to the relaxed atmosphere. The comparisons to such musical talents as Jeff Buckley, Bob Marley, and John Lennon were certainly not hard to miss. The festivities continued well into the evening at various venues about town. We hope you enjoy these photos from Friday night’s performances: Sherman Doucette sets up on Friday afternoon as a few people start to arrive. Jason Portras photo ‘Tank’ is a bluesman in his prime. Jason Portras photo Sherman’s guitarist just celebrated his birthday the night before. Happy Birthday from Revelstoke young man! Jason Portras photo ‘Tank’ really got into it with his harmonica. Jason Portras photo With the music going flukily swing it wasn’t long before a crowd began to form. Jason Portras photo Blow that house down Mr. Wolf! Jason Portras photo ‘Tank’ gettin’ up close and personal on the streets of Revy. Jason Portras photo The crowd begins to grow. Jason Portras photo A little girl dances the blues away. Jason Portras photo A train passes by while the blues play, couldn’t be more appropriate to the blues and to Revy. Jason Portras photo The night drew dark quickly and the clouds crowded in. Jason Portras photo This is such a Revelstoke scene. Jason Portras photo Even ‘Tank’s drummer had his psychedelia going with the stage lights blazing. Jason Portras photo Getting in on the groove. Jason Portras photo Two members of the Nyundo School Road Show tune up their guitars. Jason Portras photo One of two lovely young ladies from Rwanda. Jason Portras photo The Nyundo School Road Show was a crowd favourite. Jason Portras photo The joy exhibited by the Road Show was infectious. Jason Portras photo Such a lovely voice. One day, she could be a star. Jason Portrsas photo The Road Show band members appear to be etched in light. Jason Portras photo These young kids were born with soul. Jason Portras photo Jason Portras photoWorking the drums. Jason Portras photo The crowd was hugely attentive — a sure sign of respect for these musicians from Rwanda. Jason Portras photo Fearless. Jason Portras photo Keeping the beat tight. Jason Portras photo Keeping an eye out. Jason Portras photo Keeping the beat. Jason Portras photo Belting it out, leaving nothing behind. Jason Portras photo In the limelight at centre stage. Jason Portras photo Soulful. Jason Portras photo Whispering to the mic. Jason Portras photo The guy’s got swagger too. Jason Portras photo A happy crowd stays late. And they stayed to the very end. Jason Portras photo The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra played the Regent Pub. When we ventured in, the place had an otherworldly feel, black lights bearing down, and an almost Middle Eastern vibe to the music. It was very surreal, reminded me of a tent I visited during Burning Man ’99. This little acoustic ensemble really knows how to transform a room into something magical. Jason Portras photo We didn’t stay long for Rachell Van Zanten’s set at the Village Idiot last night since the place was at full capacity when we got there, but she did have a lovely soulful voice that lingered over the crowd nicely. Jason Portras photo