Brasstronaut

With families meandering through, curious commuters cutting corners and other random passersby, a NXNE Yonge-Dundas afternoon slot can be pretty thankless. It's wise to spice it up by booking a real live Swiss convict. Vancouver's Brasstronaut -- featuring aforementioned wanted man, singer/keyboardist Edo Van Breemen -- did their best to draw in the mixed-bag crowd. Big tracks fared best, especially when they doled out Ray Manzarek-style kaleidoscope keys, doomsday drums, or a big horn -- all of which happened intermittently. Laid-back and likable, the mini-orchestra judiciously brought out big breakdowns and clap-along fare that managed to lure at least a few midday shoppers. Oh, and they may have started a woodwind trend.