BajaProg 2013 - Intro and day 1

[progdirjim(Admin)]

This edition of Bajaprog was 16 bands, Wed-Sat. Each day had two afternoon bands, outdoors, in a large grassy space behind the "host" hotel. Sun and heat were an issue - but they have a nice vending section with many good local craft beers and wines, local food, souvenirs, etc. Two evening bands in the "Teatro Estado" (State Theater) maybe a quarter mile down the road, definitely walking distance - or a $2 cab ride. Nice theater, with the biggest seats I've ever seen in a theater - handy for a big guy like me

The first thing about Bajaprog is that due to the fact that it is in Mexico, a poor country, it is by far the most inexpensive festival you can attend. The second is that the geek factor is significantly reduced. More attractive women at Bajaprog than at any 5 other fests combined. I've been to fests in the US, Mexico, and Europe, and Bajaprog just has the best "feel" to it of all of them - a subjective opinion, of course.

here's a link to the schedule: http://www.bajaprogofficial.com/#!ca...-schedule/c7d2

Introvision - heavy prog from Costa Rica. Sounded pretty good when they came on, but about 30 minutes in we all thought the 75 minute set must be almost over - just not enough dynamic variety or compositional creativity to maintain interest.

Panzerballett - they kicked ass and took names! incredibly complex and difficult jazz/heavy rock mix. fun musically, and the leader (who spoke excellent english) had a great humorous stage presence. the rhythm section was top notch, and the tenor sax had a great sound.

Locanda Della Fate - one of the lesser known, but excellent Italian prog bands from the 70's. Nice pastoral sound, live I liked them better than Banco, as they don't have the (IMO) over dramatic vocals. Not as good as PFM, but very few bands from anywhere are.

Steve Hackett - one of the best shows I've ever seen. This was the 5th time I've seen Steve, and all of them were great, this one blew them all away. Nad Sylvan is a great vocalist, and does a credible Gabriel AND Collins vocal - yet has his own stage presence, so that it doesn't feel like a cover band. They did only Genesis songs, and they did them well. It was magical to hear certain songs that I've never seen live, or haven't seen live since the W&W tour, done so well. Steve was obviously the happiest he's ever been at a performance of his that I've attended - he was in danger of swallowing his ears, his smile was so big.

the beer meter for day 1 was pretty high