FLIPfest opened on Friday night, Aug. 24 at the Owl Acoustic lounge.
I caught the first show of the weekend in the middle of a set break but hung around for local alternative rock trio MomBod, who formed for last year’s Flipfest.
Guitarist / vocalist Fox Mandy, bassist vocalist Sil Campus and drummer Amberlea Parker played their usual set of ’90s style grunge and post grunge music along the lines of L7 and Hole. Sil Campus sang the first few more melodic songs including one about “What’s Going on in Lethbridge.” Mandy Fox took over lead vocals for the more screamo/ heavier part of their set.
The second annual female and non binary artist focused multi-venue downtown festival featured a variety of different styles of music including rap, pop, electronica, folk, country and metal and punk. It was in full force by Saturday, Aug. 25.
I arrived at the Owl Acoustic Lounge in the middle of a set of synth pop from Janette King, Aug. 25. She sang appealing soulful R and B and pop music with the music playing on her laptop. While it wasn’t really my bag, I could appreciate her beautiful voice. I was there to hear some folk and country music from the always amazing Bobby Dove, who was joined by Skinny Dyck on steel guitar.
She sang plaintive, heartfelt folk and heartbreaking country ballads. Most of her music was original but she sang a credible version of George Jones‘ “She Still Thinks I Care.”
Things got loud at the Slice, Saturday, Aug. 25 for a decent sized audience.
I only got to hear abrasive Vancouver drum and guitar duo Hedks, who played an energetic set of loud, sweaty, riff heavy punk and metal. They were reminiscent of the Pack A.D.and a touch of Hole era grunge.