Fake drugs, real rock

It's been a while since I've done my list of Top 10 Canadian Bands Who Rock - I may have to make it like the Olympics, every four years. By George, I think I will! Since most of the bands on my old list are still rocking with appreciable force, I'll try to make it an all-new list. And Hollerado, who were my first show of the day on the last Saturday of Bluesfest 2009 will certainly be upon it. I know some people who will insist they take the No. 1 slot.

Main stage action! The crowd was sparser than they deserve (not even as many as they got for their last Bluesfest gig, I'd wage), but then again the weather had been remarkably cruddy.



Menno sings!



Off to the other side of the stage for rollicking drummer Jake.



Guitarist Nixon rocks the Telecaster.



Singalong action with bassist Dean.



Guitar action!



Dipping action!



Rocking action!



Guitar solo action!



The whole lot!



Them sticks is good eating. Lots of fibre.



The Uplift Gospel Choir steps in to step up Fake Drugs.



Crooning action!



Nixon sings!



And here come the fellows.



Nixon rocks the axe, Jake rocks the headband.



More choir!



Clapping action!



Jumping action!



Menno's a bouncy fellow.



Whole lotta' shakin' going on!



Percussion action!



The last hit!



That was a very fun show, as always! And a well-timed one since as it happens, they're back in town tonight at the Capital Music Hall with The Arkells and The Novaks.

• Show reminder: Special Ops and Dirty Beloved rock Cafe Dekcuf; Ohbijou, Silver Starling and Giant Hand perform at Babylon; things get punky at The Dominion with The Rookers, Gunsmoke and Sons of Scotland Pipe Band. Young Galaxy, Politique and Blazer play Zaphod Beeblebrox. The Jesse Greene band are at The Rainbow; B.A> Johnston, Shotgun Jimmy and Ladymilk entertain all and sundry at Irene's; The Hammerheads get funky at the Elmdale House; New Car Smell pop up at the Avant Garde.