On Monday night at the Fringe bar, the VanFringe Music Series opened up for an open mic fest for Fringers. The stage in the yard across from the bar is the single greatest addition to this year's Fringe, and we have been making the most of the mostly dry evenings and sharing-style seating of the banquet tables.

The performers from Truth or Roses started off with a few folky tunes, and there were more than a few voices joining in on that song I've already forgotten; Fringe Box Office Manager Veronica demonstrated her hidden talent and expertise of playing the saw; and Barry Smith of Every Job I've Ever Had sang the blues, with a 'lil help from his rhyming dictionary. Some brave and maybe sober souls were then inspired to get up and sing some of their own songs, on borrowed instruments from the earlier performers (although no one tried the saw), and the evening was another success of camaraderie and creativity. Tip your hat when you next see Hospitality Manager, Wade, or any of his amazing work crew, around the bar--Wade's the one in a hat and moustache.

Broadway West and Relephant Theatre were taking a big risk of trying to emulate this popular web series. Amazingly, Jon Lachlan Stewart practically channels NPH at times, and although Shane Show isn't Nathan Fillion *sigh* he more than holds his own in song and presence. The direction maintains the fun and self-referential sensibility of the original, illustrating that these guys are not just a one-trick Bad Horse.

Firehall Arts Centre: Friday, Sept. 17@9:00 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 18@2:00 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 19@9:00 p.m.

*sigh*