On Wednesday, the first set I checked out at the Wreckhouse Jazz & Blues Festival really wasn’t jazz or blues at all. Local folk group, The Once, were impressive as always though. Their laid back performance style and tight harmonies were a great fit for the atmospheric Yellow Belly Brewery.

During the break between sets I stopped by Dusk to see The Idlers. The dance floor started off pretty empty but these guys got people up on their feet before too long. Their set was the usual high energy “reggae circus” people have come to expect from the band.

Then it was back to the Yellow Belly to see Cadence, a Juno-nominated four piece a capella group from Ontario. I’ve loved vocal jazz groups ever since my high school days so I was excited about this one and they didn’t disappoint. Their great vocals, instrumental imitations, beat-boxing and incredible stage presence really won over the crowd.