It didn't take long for things to roll into action this year. People flooded in and not a single stage was without a formidable audience even for the first shows, though they all decided to start off their day in different ways.

Rockin' Tabby Thomas (pictured below) gave Fest-goers a nice smooth start, and judging by the attendance in the Blues Tent at 11:30 am, it's just what a lot of people were looking for.

Some would rather get started by sitting in the sun. Over at the Congo Square stage, Ladysmith Red Lions of South Africa let folks chill out to some soulful African choral harmonies. Of course, everybody's got their own idea of "chilling out".

And of course, some would rather get straight into the groove. Chief Keke & the Comanche Hunters Mardi Gras Indians seemed to have forgotten that it was still morning and were pumping away at full force. Given the always eye-catching Mardi Gras Indian regalia and the pulsating drums, they were a hard set to ignore.


We were really lucky today. The sun is out but there are a few clouds giving us some shade, and it's not hard to catch the occasional breeze.

Looks like a great start.