The Liz Larsons took the Hygienic Arts Park stage at 12:25. The opener, a cover of Chinchilla by Betti-Cola, and the following three songs broke away from the traditional Liz Larson sound. These songs were twangy and upbeat, mainly due to Sebastian’s banjo in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th song.

The Larsons consist of their namesake Liz on guitar/vocals, Sebastian on guitar/banjo and Jason on the half kit. Their bassist was MIA, working at a winery. I think they sounded just fine with out him.

Bringing the crowd a rock n roll breakfast with the 6th song, Liz returned to her trademark melancholy sound. Liz’s vocal style is almost that of a metso soprano. She can bring her voice down low and bring it right back up for a high pitched wail.

Just as things were getting warmed up Seb broke a string. Liz and Jay kept it going with an acoustic cover of About You by Brazen Hussy, another band that Liz plays in.

All in all the set was great, especially for an early Sunday show. My favorite songs were Bleakini Song and True Abuse.

Next came a welcomed kick in the head from The Can Kickers. Dan1, Dan2 and Doug brought some music to folk to. And believe it or not, these guys returned 9 1/2 hours prior from a tour of 42 gigs in 43 days!

(photo by M. Killimade)

Dan Spurr rocked the guitar, banjo and vocals. Dan Thompson was on fiddle, harmonica and jaw harp. And New London’s most animated drummer, Doug Schaefer, kept time with a little help from a glass washboard.

That brings to mind a question. Rich Martin, where do you find a glass washboard on a Sunday afternoon? Anyways, I made through 10 songs before I was off to another gig. If you guys missed this show, it sucks to be you. Shaun

The Liz Larsons:
www.myspace.com/thelizlarsons
The Can Kickers:
www.cankickers.com
www.myspace.com/cankickers