Stepping on the Firebird's stage late into the evening, Texas based trio, Ume, plugged in, turned it up, and then just went loose and wailed.

Last weekend was St. Louis' hottest two day indie music festival, Loufest. Loufest 2011 featured TV On The Radio, Deerhunter, Questlove, Cat Power, The Hold Steady, the Low Anthem, Lost in the Trees, Ume, and many more bands.

The second and final day of LouFest was headlined by TV on the Radio and featured performances by Ume, Das Racist, !!! and many more.

St. Louis' own Old Lights opened the second day of LouFest with class and passion. Their set was mostly attended by old fans and friends with a slow trickle of people coming in during the music.

Much like the Japanese apricot of the same name, Ume blossoms with power-trio beauty, nourished on pop, punk and hard rock music.

An awesome sound just might come naturally to Austin's beautifully dissonant Ume -- either that or through hard work and passion.

The first ever Kanrocksas brought a very impressive line-up of musical guests, in addition to performance painting, games, booze, a water slide, dancing, camping, food, and supportive fan bases from all over the country.