After a relatively quiet day at the Fest where the main stage didn’t start up until 6 p.m., “Folkies” were at the musical mercy of those who had the foresight to bring their own instruments to the festival. Some of them welcome, others not.

When John Hiatt and the Combo took the stage, the heavy, seductive guitar playing energized the crowd. It was the type of classic sound that made me think I vaguely recognized each song…but not quite.

And dear Levon Helm, Winnipeg still loves you, but didn’t hear nearly enough of you. We know you were here with the Levon Helm Band, and indeed, you came with a very impressive and talented band, but it was your voice that we wanted to hear. I suppose the fact that you’re still rockin’ in your 70s is an impressive feat in itself.

All in all, perhaps this can be considered as average as a day gets when tens of thousands of people gather outside of the city to hear music at the mercy of the elements and their picturesque beauty.