Don Fleming

Too bad i missed the very opening of the night. Minq Vaadka opened the show with a powerful set and while I only saw the last half, completely OWNED it. Looking like a young Iggy Pop, Minq's style is much more accessible while still remaining true to some obvious punk roots. This boy can sing. Mixing up styles and tight vocal harmonies he was aided by his 2 cohorts who both did an outstanding job. Next was Gladshot. A power pop quartet from Debbie Andrews and Mike Blaxill they played tightly written material in a nicely relaxed manner and also sounded great. The musical muscle behind 'Bar Code', they wrapped the set with several tunes from the show including the anthemic 'Corporate, Safe and Secure'. On next was Brute Force. While the name might conjure up some heavy metal visions, this was anything but. A decidedly light and comedic romp thru various time zones and genres Brute can only be described as a 'force' of nature. The droll nature of the introductions and deadpan delivery of some of the funniest lyrics I've heard in a while, kept everyone fully entertained and amused. For a gentleman of his experience he remains remarkably in touch with modern sensibilities. Aided by his daughter on vocals and a willing rhythm section he played a mean piano and kept the energy up till the end of the set with an inspired sing along to top it all off. All hail the Fuh King! Closing the show were crowd favorites Don Fleming and The Folding Men.