Since I wasn't at Coachella last Saturday, I hopped on the train and headed downtown to spend some time taking in the scene at the third installment of the 2008 Houston International Festival. It was a bit hotter than it was last Saturday and Sunday, but still a gorgeous day, topped off by great music.

Photos and recap after the jump

I arrived just after 4:00 and immediately headed over to the World Music Stage for the Lowrider Band's set. This group, which features four original members of War (best known for songs like "Low Rider" and "Why Can't We Be Friends?"), got the crowd moving with several dance-friendly songs. They invited an old War friend to the stage - she (I think her name was Twee..? Or something that sounded a bit like that) used to perform with them back in the day and now resides in Houston. She seemed really excited to be there, and I don't mean to sound like a complete sentimental sap, but it was a moment, dammit.

The highlight of the set for me occurred just after they began playing "Low Rider" - cries of "Hey! I know that song!" could be heard all around, as people near the back of the crowd ceased chattering and pressed a little closer to the stage.

From there, I strolled over to the Louisiana Stage in anticipation of the Soul Rebels Brass Band performance. Shortly after I arrived, the band took the stage and began ripping into some NOLA-style funk/jazz. I spotted the same guy in a wheelchair that I saw the previous Sunday, demonstrating his appreciation of the music by zipping around rhythmically in front of the stage. After a few songs, the Soul Rebels called out the mostly-seated crowd, reproaching everyone for not dancing. Much of the audience obliged, eagerly moving closer to the stage.

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Soul Rebels Brass Band Live at iFest:



In case you were too busy gorging yourself on tasty treats and missed out on the WaMu Center Stage performances:

Tangential note: Among the abundant culinary offerings was deep fried pizza. Weird.

I opted to head home early to relax after a long week. Eggs and I spent the next day in Austin, so we weren't able to attend Sunday's round of iFestivities. This was the first year that I was able to spend multiple days at iFest, and I loved that while the core of the festival remained relatively unchanged throughout, there were many pieces that brought something new to the table each day.

Every experience I've had at iFest has been great, and if you haven't yet paid a visit to this great Houston event, I recommend that you make it a point to attend the 2009 edition.

Carpe ientaculum.

--Cereal