Sound Fest

“It’s so early, it’s weird isn’t it?”

One of many references by Neko Case of “morning” as she led off Bumbershoot’s shows on the main stage this afternoon.

The time of that musing above? 1:13 p.m. Such is the life of a rock star.

Understandable that her sense of time and space could be skewed with her busy schedule cavorting with The New Pornographers, and the ~2 years on tour for her most recent solo release, “Fox Confessor Brings the Flood.”

Some bands fall to shreds after touring so long, but these guys were tight, tight, tight. Natch, the set was heavy on stuff from “Fox Confessor”, and that’s cool by me. It was definitely one of my favorite albums from 2006.

Plenty of that mix of twang, folk and rock that makes everything all right. And her voice…It’ll change your perspective so much that when you die and hear the angels at the Pearly Gates, you’ll probably think, “Eh, that was pretty good.”

By the way, the fiery haired Ms. Case, who hails from Tacoma, played four tracks on the upcoming album, “maybe” titled “Metal Cyclone.” Due out in March.

But for all the musical wonderment, I was a little disappointed someone else didn’t make a surprise appearance. I’ll keep holding my breath. And I promise I’ll explain later.

Now, I’m off to shoot some pics.

- Derek Sheppard

Cougar fans filled both the Bainbridge and Bremerton boats, but there were a few young early festival goers among the crowd. Folks are definitely filling the place in time for the first big act of the day, Neko Case (the alt country diva). Lines snaked along Denny and around the fountain lawn.

You’ll hear more about that show from one Derek Sheppard. I’m off to catch the last half of indie pop band Throw Me the Statue and get a little crowd flavor.

- Angela