The 2008 edition of NXNE took over all of the venues of our good T.O. with innumerable bands and artists of evey kind, each vying for the attention of the crowds, and attention is what they got! Notably Montreal’s 'The Besnard Lakes', put out a captivating performance in a very steamy hot Lee’s Palace; also from Montreal, 'Bionic' gave this city an explosive dose at the RAWKS Friday night. 'The Brown Hornets' got to play a longer set at the Bovine when headliners 'L.A.Guns' (Axl Rose’s pre-Guns N’ Roses gig with co-founder Tracii Guns) didn’t show up for their gig. (They lost their singer a week ago and weren’t able to replace him fast enough…) Friday night at Tattoo Rock Parlour, Cuban native and BC resident Alex Cuba charmed everyone with his unique blend of sexy, jazz flavoured funky salsa. The festival also featured a series of conferences & panel discussions on various subjects relating to the music industry. In town promoting his documentary film “Blueprint” The Strangler’s Hugh Cornwell gave us a very funny and informative overview of his eventful music career. We were also graced with a very cool celebrity interview: Hip Hop legendary cultural icon 'Fab 5 Freddy' (Of MTV fame) was interviewed by Canadian rap great Maestro Fresh Wes. .. In all another great edition of the ultra-cool North By Northeast Festival.
