by Roy Scopazzi
The Independent stage is wonderful for many different types of acts but I’ve never seen it as a proper place for just one person and a guitar. No matter how the lighting is set up, it always makes the empty space around the performer seem extremely noticeable. I won’t say Greg Mendez completely avoids this, but after a while he ends up pulling you in to where you ignore the rest of the stage and even the people around you. Each of his songs feels like he’s telling you and only you a secret to keep.
I’ve seen Maria B.C. so many times and seeing them weave their ethereal tunes once again was certainly a treat.
Slake was a new act to me but their brand of “Lesbian Doom Folk” (their words not mine) was a perfect match to open for both acts.
