Das Contras is an anomaly. There is not much written up about the band. The photos show four members while there are clearly six. And it's described as a "pop, soul, funk, and Latin band" although the members are from Scotland. I really didn't know what to expect, but I didn't expect kilts, although maybe I should have. Or a red plaid suit, which the singer wore, which I'm sure he was sweating in if it was the customary wool, as it was hot in the Big Tent Wednesday night.

After the kilts the first thing I noticed was how balanced the group's stage set-up was; singer/guitarist in center with drums behind, bookended by bass and guitar, bookended by horns. Everything in its place. But I don't feel the Big Tent was the right place for this act. I think I would have much preferred it in a smaller setting. The band was heavy on the reggae groove (another anomaly) and had a party band feel. It was OK, but nothing special, even with all the oddities working in its favor.

I only stayed for about a half dozen songs. I stepped out front, and because it was raining I hung out under the overhang. That's when I saw the wall gardens for the first time. I've been in and out of the tent all week, but because of the backlit red walls never noticed the garden. And because it's plain green, with only a few sprigs of yellow and maroon of what look like daffodils. Boring. The company won Best in Show at GardenScape 2008 and 2009, both of which I attended, and it was much more impressive. Maybe it was the lighting. Maybe it's a "Green" thing.

Before I hit the Big Tent I went to Harro to finally catch Trombone Shorty. I'd heard of him before the Fest and wanted to see him, but just hadn't gotten to him. A lively second line-type band, his ensemble had the audience grooving, even doing the refrain from the Black Eyed Peas' "Let's Get It Started" that turned into stage (and staged) gymnastics. Add some "Let's Get It On" with the Reverend Al Green, some James Brown and his moves, and I was feeling happy. Then the band had to go and ruin it for me by playing something so predictable: "Shout!" I had to leave when that was followed with "When the Saints Come Marching In."

I stopped into the smaller Abilene tent on the way out to catch a few from the second set of the Hackesaw Boys. The Boys had the bluegrass, jug band thang goin' on. They had the place jumping like a square-dance where someone has spiked the punch, possibly with crystal meth. People were drinking it up.

Tomorrow night I'll be checking out Pablo Menendez & Mezcla at Harro.