North Texas Daily

Kyle Martin | Staff Writer

@Kyle_Martin35

Poppy Xander, a steampunk/Baroque-pop artist alongside her self-named band took the stage first Saturday night at Harvest House. Despite going on almost an hour late, the group was theatrical and told a story with every song.

Poppy Xander

Sipping local brews and playing pool, the crowd was likely suspecting a different kind of act to take the stage, but Poppy Xander put on a show, nonetheless.

People danced, clapped and sang along to songs they didn’t know – most in the crowd seeming to have a good time. There was clearly thought and poetry behind the lyrics and style of the group (“This is a song about being immortal,” was the intro to one of their songs) and Denton, known for quirky and different performances, was welcoming and supportive of the group.

Poppy Xander sings onstage at Harvest House Saturday night, promising a “theatrical” performance. Erica Wieting | Features Editor

Friday’s Foolery

Up next was Friday’s Foolery, and after about an hour between sets (sound check seems to take ages at Harvest House), the band brought energy back to the stage. A little bit of hip-hip, some soul, a taste of R&B—this band was killing the scene, and the people were vibing with it.

The drummer had gospel chops, the bass player showed great feel, the singer harnessed her spirit and the whole band grabbed the crowd’s attention. Their original songs were funky and had groove.

During a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do,” the band had people up dancing and partying around the stage. Overall, these guys had energy and soul, making for a great time.

Friday’s Foolery bassist Kevin Gray Jr. grins as he performs onstage Saturday night for Thin Line Film Fest. Erica Wieting | Features Editor

The Sunsets

At the end of the night, it was time to boogie. The Sunsets closed out the show, animating the Harvest House atmosphere. With a cover of Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk,” the band moved and energized the crowd.

The Sunsets were jamming, and Denton was feeling it. The group wouldn’t make Miles Davis turn over in his grave, nor would the Grammy Awards Academy jump out of their seats to give them a trophy, but none of that mattered. Most of their songs were covers, but the band was having fun and so were the people.

The Sunsets lead vocalist and guitarist Alex Rogers performs onstage Saturday night as part of Thin Line. Erica Wieting | Features Editor

They even played a mash-up cover of “Under the Sea” and “Hakuna Matata” while throwing in their own anecdotes and jokes.

Saturday night at Harvest House was a time for beer, pool, darts, friends and music. All three bands delivered, and Thin Line should be proud to have put up such a bill.

If you haven’t made it out to the fest yet, get off the couch and get out there—you’re missing out on a lot of talent and excitement.

Featured Image: Violinist Sharla Franklin, center, and drummer Chelsey Danielle, right look to lead singer and keyboardist Poppy Xander for direction during a set. Erica Wieting | Features Editor