In Pictures: Axis Mundi’s Harvest Festival — Day Three

By Jason Portras
Due to electrical and safety concerns over the rain and the mud bog in front of the main stage, Sunday’s show was moved into Revelation Lodge, a tightly-packed venue that allowed an up-and-close personal experience with the bands on the card. In order of appearance, they were Little Hurricane, Sticky Fingers, Ashley MacIsaac, and The Floozies.
Unfortunately, I missed Little Hurricane’s performance, but from what I heard they put on a great show. When we strolled in, we were greeted to a threatening clash of guitars and drums, like a freight train bearing down on our senses. Sticky Fingers hails from Oz and instantly reminded me of an old 80’s metal band (minus the cheese) intent on blasting the doors of the joint off their hinges and making those occupants of the female persuasion mad with desire. I’ll venture a guess that the band is named after a Rolling Stones album of the same name, with the same suggestive innuendo. These guys are on top of their game and the world certainly is their moist oyster to open.
When Ashley MacIsaac tore onto the stage, he quickly began thrashing his violin, shredding it to the delight of the hungry crowd, who were almost blood-thirsty in their desire for the sacrifice of the bow’s fibres. At times, the bass pounded the floor almost to splinters in time with the crowd and Ashley’s stomp, hard driven by the beat offered over by his talented percussionist. A seasoned veteran performer, Ashley knew exactly what his audience wanted, and he gave it to them good.
The Floozies were the final band, a duo of American brothers from Lawrence, Kansas, and they brought the house down, then razed it again, only to drop it harder again and again. Their Facebook page sums up their performance perfectly and succinctly: ‘their combination of cutting edge electronic production and party rocking funk energizes crowds and turns venues into epic dance parties’. And here’s something you may not be aware of: all of their music can be downloaded for free on their website www.floozieduo.com.
It was another amazing night of music thanks to the Axis Mundi Festival organizers. If you missed it, the Solstice festival will be happening next summer from June 17-19, same beautiful venue. Stay tuned for the line up of performers. If it was anything like this year’s festival, you won’t be disappointed.

Sunday's 100 Mile Market brought out shoppers and just folks enjoying the walk downtown. David F. Rooney photo
Sunday’s 100 Mile Market brought out shoppers and just folks enjoying the walk downtown. David F. Rooney photo

Mountaineer Greg Hill talked about what it takes to achieve your dreams. Greg should know. Skier, climber and all-around outdoors adventurer Greg has so far had an eventful life that might not have unfolded the way he wanted it to if he did not believe he could reach sometimes daunting goals. David F. Rooney photo.
Mountaineer Greg Hill talked about what it takes to achieve your dreams. Greg should know. Skier, climber and all-around outdoors adventurer Greg has so far had an eventful life that might not have unfolded the way he wanted it to if he did not believe he could reach sometimes daunting goals. David F. Rooney photo.

Revelstoke's Laura Stovel introduced Severn Culis-Suzuki to the audience at the Performing Arts Centre. David F. Rooney photo
Revelstoke’s Laura Stovel introduced Severn Culis-Suzuki to the audience at the Performing Arts Centre. David F. Rooney photo

Severn Culls-Suzuki talks about the way the world is changing. That image on the screen shows her when, as a young girl, she was invited to speak to the UN about the environment. David F. Rooney photo
Severn Culls-Suzuki talks about the way the world is changing. That image on the screen shows her when, as a young girl, she was invited to speak to the UN about the environment. David F. Rooney photo

Ashley MacIsaac warmed up the crowd at The Last Drop on Sunday afternoon. David F. Rooney photo
Ashley MacIsaac, playing here with the Swedish group Baskery, warmed up the crowd at The Last Drop on Sunday afternoon. David F. Rooney photo

Sticky Fingers … if the Clash, Pink Floyd, and Arctic Monkeys are three beads of sweat meeting on their way down your back, this band is there licking it up (as described on their website www.stickyfingerstheband.com). Jason Portras photo
Sticky Fingers … if the Clash, Pink Floyd, and Arctic Monkeys are three beads of sweat meeting on their way down your back, this band is there licking it up (as described on their website www.stickyfingerstheband.com). Jason Portras photo

Growlin'. Jason Portras photo
Growlin’. Jason Portras photo

After hypnotizing you into a melodic swaying trance, no sooner will the beat punch you in the face for dancing like a hippy. Jason Portras photo
After hypnotizing you into a melodic swaying trance, no sooner will the beat punch you in the face for dancing like a hippy. Jason Portras photo

Btw, they also like to be called STIFI. Jason Portras photo
Btw, they also like to be called STIFI. Jason Portras photo

Ashley shredding. Jason Portras photo
Ashley shredding. Jason Portras photo

Fibres flying. Jason Portras photo
Fibres flying. Jason Portras photo

Drum beat thumping. Jason Portras photo
Drum beat thumping. Jason Portras photo

An enthusiastic, playful crowd. Jason Portras photo
An enthusiastic, playful crowd. Jason Portras photo

The stage was a rainbow of colours on Sunday night. Jason Portras photo
The stage was a rainbow of colours on Sunday night. Jason Portras photo

Fires were started, body and soul. Jason Portras photo
Fires were started, body and soul. Jason Portras photo

Cooling it off a tad. If you’re ever in Chéticamp, Nova Scotia, be sure to stop in at The Doryman (check out Ashley’s shirt). Jason Portrsas photo
Cooling it off a tad. If you’re ever in Chéticamp, Nova Scotia, be sure to stop in at The Doryman (check out Ashley’s shirt). Jason Portrsas photo

Wrappin’ it up. Jason Portras photo
Wrappin’ it up. Jason Portras photo

The Floozies. Jason Portras photo
The Floozies. Jason Portras photo

Mark Hill. Jason Portras photo
Mark Hill. Jason Portras photo

Jason Portras photo
Jason Portras photo

Grooving along. Jason Portras photo
Grooving along. Jason Portras photo

No shame in shakin’ yer thang. Jason Portras photo
No shame in shakin’ yer thang. Jason Portras photo

Everyone was in the spotlight this night. Jason Portras photo
Everyone was in the spotlight this night. Jason Portras photo

A very interesting sound. Jason Portras photo
A very interesting sound. Jason Portras photo

Under a solid beat, peppered like shooting stars. Jason Portras photo
Under a solid beat, peppered like shooting stars. Jason Portras photo

Raise your hands. Jason Portras photo
Raise your hands. Jason Portras photo

Raise your glass. Or can. Jason Portras photo
Raise your glass. Or can. Jason Portras photo

Some even prayed it would seem. Jason Portras photo
Some even prayed it would seem. Jason Portras photo

What’s in that can? Jason Portras photo
What’s in that can? Jason Portras photo

Liquid artistry and flair perhaps. Jason Portras photo
Liquid artistry and flair perhaps. Jason Portras photo

Thunderous beats stacked high. Jason Portras photo
Thunderous beats stacked high. Jason Portras photo