Music fans feel the vibe at Fredericton Harvest festival

Ain't no one singing the blues about the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in Fredericton.

Last year's event drew more than 80,000 people to the city's downtown, and organizers say this year feels the same.

Three young men got their toes tapping and little girls wildly swung each other around, just feeling the vibe.

• Drive-By Truckers bringing firestorm to Fredericton

Just a half block away on the closed off street, the Fredericton Firespinners lit their torches and began to perform.

"I am a very big fan of using the contact fire," said Sven Sexgore. "It's always great for the crowds, so running the flames along the arms, the bodies."

'Vintage' blues

Across the street on one of the main stages, Laurent Couturier & The Rusty Mikes from Worcester, Mass., sang "vintage" blues, warming up the stage for Mike Zito & the Wheel and the headliner, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings.

The festival is in its 26th year, with some returningyear after year.

"I love Harvest," said Lynn Gulliver as she hugged her friend. "In fact, when we were living in Saint John we would come here every year."

Bernie Holland, sporting the "ultimate" pass, had his week all planned out.

"I have five nights of music, and four babysitters," he said.

Every year since 1991

Victor Paul-Elias said he has been coming every year since it started in 1991.

"It was $5 to get a button, and that got you into everything for $5," he said.

Some of the festival headliners for Saturday night include Robert Cray, The Drive-by Truckers, and the Revivalists.

The festival wraps up Sunday with a free afternoon concert.