FLIPfest opened Friday, Aug. 18 at the Owl Acoustic Lounge with a special show, of which I only caught parts of.

 Saskatoon based alternative rock band Bunwitch played an impressive first gig.

 They featured jangling 12 string guitar and shared lead vocal duties.

 The band I really wanted to hear and see was Calgary’s Shiverettes, touring in support of their new CD “ Dead Men Don’t Catcall.” They wound up an energetic set of alternative rock, punk and Riot Grrl ’90s rock with the title track to their new CD as well as other highlights from it like “Missing Step.”

 Haley Muir was an affable lead singer, though guitarist Kaely Cormack sang lead vocals on a song and sang harmonies on a few others.
 They played a loud, intense, politically charged set of music  featuring feminist issues and decrying rape culture, but also with a  touch of humour as they added a Ramones’ cover, which I didn’t recognize.