The University of Lethbridge Audio Engineers Society had a full house on a Thursday night at the Owl Acoustic Lounge, Nov. 30.

 I caught a couple of the acts performing including transplanted  Medicine Hat folk/ rock duo, Sydeshow, who played an array of pop punk covers utilizing vocalist Nate Thomas on acoustic guitar and a cajon box drum played by Carter Potts who also played keyboards on a cover of Linkin Park’s “Numb.”

 The duo had an enthusiastic audience applauding each song and singing along with popular covers from the likes of Simple Plan.
 they also played a few originals, showcasing Thomas’s plaintive vocals including “Puzzle Pieces” and a brand new original called “Skydiving” which drew great response.
“She’s a Volcano” was a highlight and a crowd favourite.

 The other act I caught was Fei Fei Du, who I haven’t seen play in a long time.

 As usual he played a beautiful set of intricately picked acoustic guitar drawing on influences as diverse as classical music and  Chet Atkins style finger picking. He played a bass line with one finger, added percussion by slapping his guitar‘s body and played pretty melodies with his other fingers.

 The crowd chattered over a quick set of acoustic Christmas Carols included “Jingle Bells” and “ Santa Claus in Coming To Town,” but they applauded for each song he played.