Last night's Squeak and Squawk Music Festival didn't disappoint.

Solo, or singing with buddies, J. Martin, he of Oh Dear! fame, kicked off the festival, christening the all-ages stage at the Library at Sanford and Son Antiques. His latest release, Awake of a Dream, was front and center, emotionally bare songwriting, and down-home charm. His folk-rock held the audience, in between chuckles aimed at Mr. Swimsuit on bass.

The Fame Riot's set may not have felt as blisteringly loud as their show at Art of the Ave this summer, but the band didn't exactly skimp on the volume either this time out. Between the sweeping dynamics, the tones, the swelling volume and the wild jumps on the stage, this show felt like a roller coaster ride. Not sure how the books remained on the shelves.

My apologies to the Xylophones. I had to spring across downtown for a haircut.

Freshly shampooed, I made my way to The New Frontier Lounge for the 21+ Squeak. Dressed as if they might jump off stage and heal folks, the white-clad Week of Wonders hit the stage like a great, long lost band from a remote Caribbean island. With its catchy melodies, and calypso rhythms, the band recalled the Talking Heads by way of the Cocteau Twins at the Sandals resort.

I Like Science followed, with one giant song. I jest, but damn these guys can go forever. More a throbbing ball of hypnotic electricity than a collection of songs, I Like Science answered the eternal question, Why did the chicken cross the road? Answer: Because art is alive. Peter Tietjen can freakin' play drums.

I caught People Under the Sun's show at last year's Squeak and Squawk, and I was so looking forward to seeing the talented neo-psychedelic band on a larger stage. However, the wife texted that she had popped a bowl of corn at the new Star Trek movie hit the tube, so I grabbed that A-Train to Awesome.

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Friday, Sept. 13 Squeak and Squawk shows