Bill Brennan with Banda Brazil at The Majestic | Photo: Colin Peddle

A late start for me, but better late then never. And what a great way to start things off then with Bill Brennan and Banda Brazil at the Majestic. Not quite the capacity crowds reported by Darcy and Melissa at the Fat Cat, but those who did attend were subjects to a fantastic show.

Here’s a secret: I’ve always had a fondness for Brazillian music and I know all of the “words” — sadly I don’t speak Portuguese — to Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66′s song Mas Que Nada. Frankly, I’d argue it’s one of the best songs ever, which is why it pleased me to no end when Bill Brennan and Banda Brazil sang it… and I sang along with them.

Jeff Dyer | Photo: Colin Peddle

Dana Parsons | Photo: Colin Peddle

Bill Brennan and Banda Brazil were so good some (attractive) girls showed up to dance. How nice!

Dancers at Banda Brazil | Photo: Colin Peddle

Kelly-Ann Evans w/ Bill Brennan on Percussion | Photo: Colin Peddle

Next up, I was lucky enough to gain access to the Fat Cat. By this time, it was at capacity and I had to use my best smile to be allow in, if just for a few moments.

Treasa Levasseur at the Fat Cat | Photo: Colin Peddle

Now, the word “amazing” gets tossed around a lot these days, very unjustly in most cases.

Tresa Levasseur is amazing. I’m just going to say that right now. You need to visit her website, buy her CD, give it to your significant other and enjoy it – if you get my drift.

Treasa Levasseur at the Fat Cat | Photo: Colin Peddle

James Robertson on the Electric w/ Treasa Levasseur at the Fat Cat | Photo: Colin Peddle

Downtown St. John’s was humid and warm, with a subtle hint of Bourbon Street. I expect and hope Friday night will be sticky and sweaty with 10 times the people, making the atmosphere all the more New Orleans-esque — I don’t think they could pick a better week to do a Jazz and Blues festival in St. John’s.

The Scene | Photo: Colin Peddle

If you’re not getting down to see anything from the Wreckhouse Festival you’re doing yourself a serious injustice. Some of the greatest talent in blues and jazz are in town this week and even if you’re not one to actually listen to blues and jazz on a regular basis, like myself, seeing it live is a whole other story.