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For those who enjoy a heavier, screamier Nickelback, Downstroke was all up one. For
some, however, the best part of their performance was the lead singer’s between-song
vocal antics. Comments such as “fuckin’ move out there! Let’s make shit happen!” and
“T haven't seen a moshpit yet. Let’s get funky, c’mon!” drew applause and laughter from
the crowd. Throw in a couple of jokes about how PG has seen more Stanley Cups than
Vancouver, and you've pretty much summed up Downstroke’s set. Though utterly for-
gettable, Downstroke did get the crowd stirred up, and a good time was had by all.

>> Rascalz:

Third up to bat was hip-hop group Rascalz. Not all of the band is new to the Backyard
BBQ; DJ Kemo provided the turntables for Maestro’s performance two years ago. This
year they put together a performance that pleased Some, and disappointed others. Their
brand of hip-hop magic involved the crowd, as members of the band got right down in
front of the security gate and mingled with the crowd on the other side. Also, later in
the act, Rascalz invited a slew of girls to the stage, and had them dance for the rest of the
set. Apart from the atmosphere Rascalz created, the music garnered a mixed reaction
from the crowd. Some people enjoyed the set, getting right into the spirit of things by
dancing, singing along, or just screaming like nut jobs. Others, however, were mildly
disappointed, claiming that they didn’t get the kind of show they were expecting from a
name like Rascalz. Still, the crowd remained excited, and people seemed to be having a
great time.

>> Bif Naked:

At last, headliner and all-around superhero Bif Naked took the stage! This was Bif’s
third time performing in Prince George, and was the second consecutive PG concert in
which all of her teeth were intact by the end of the show. Right from the start, Bif
launched into her particular brand of pop charged punk music, and didn’t miss a beat
from there until the end. From songs about her period to songs about the evils of the
filthy rich, Bif never let up on a crowd that couldn’t get enough of her energetic show-
manship. The audience even began to sing along to many of Bif’s more popular songs,
of which there are indeed many. The crowd was thoroughly charmed by the end of the
set, especially when Bif put forward an open invitation before launching into “I Love
Myself Today”: “If you're free tomorrow, you know, Saturday and everything, you're
welcome to join us in Winnipeg.” Believe me, a lot of people in that stadium probably
considered it. Bif performed a seamless set, and provided an excellent ending for the
year’s Backyard Barbecue.