Lindsay Barr and the Bullies

Halifax’s Lindsay Barr took the stage to open her set with a handful of spry acoustic numbers, mining Ani Difranco territory, but with far less angst or lyrical potency. Barr’s enthusiastic jazzy funk folkabilly was refreshing and her beaming personality infectious. Her soulful throaty vocals were spiced with the occasional Latin tongue roll, recalling, at times, Tegan and Sara’s early work. For the rest of the set, the highly dexterous guitarist and singer was joined by a backing band of wizened studio veterans that brought a whole new layer of groove polish to the music. The bassist was so deep in the pocket that his concentration face made it look like he was giving birth to a beautiful little funk baby for the whole performance.