This year's CMW was a thundering success despite the stormy conditions and many feet of snow dumped on us. Every night saw packed houses (at least where I was) and people braving the elements to catch the stars of the future. Here’s a very quick round-up of a few acts that I saw: ++++++++++++++++Lindi Ortega put on a great set at the Rivoli. She has “star” written all over her, and the many industry execs in attendance actually shut-up and listened! (No f'n kidding). I smell a bidding war. http://www.lindiortega.ca/ +++++++++++++++++++++Brad Monk and the Union Band displayed tight musicianship as they layed down a fairly straight-up country rock set. My photographer was into them as evidenced here: http://www.photosig.com/go/photos/view?id=2152975 ++++++++++++++A couple of bands that I found to be fun and fiery are The Tom Fun Orchestra and Foxfire. Tom Fun’s large outfit plays high energy celtic meets Tom Waits in a boozy rollicking style. The crowd was many beers in and sloppy nuts for them. I highly recommend The Tom Fun (sounds like a Chinese restaurant order). http://tomfun.ca/ ++++++++++++++++++Foxfire, too, is high energy, but more in a retro-funk kinda way. Think 80s funky ala Talking Heads and Spandau Ballet, with a little Pig Bag thrown in. What the frontman lacks in vocal ability he makes up for with charisma as he keeps the crowd hyped. Recommended. http://www.myspace.com/foxfireforest