As they say, where there's smoke, there's fire, and High Sierra 2008 delivered enough hot performances to make everyone happy. The smoke, while it affected some people, was not as bad as many had predicted, and the relatively low temperatures made for a pleasant festival experience. The music, fans, and that unique High Sierra vibe (if you've never been, you need to check it out) made for ear-to-ear smiles all weekend long. Here are a few of my visual highlights.

Izabella plays the Shady Grove stage on Thursday afternoon.Will BernardBela Fleck with Abigail Washburn & The Sparrow QuartetNathan MooreLanghorne SlimEye candyJoe Russo with Bustle In Your HedgerowMarco Benevento with Bustle In Your HedgerowTim Bluhm with the Mother Hips late nightBeautiful art at the main stageChris Chandler delivers some performance poetry at the Radio Stage’Freaky Pete’ Murano shreds guitar for Trombone Shorty’s Orleans AvenueBalancing actsNick Daniels and Tony Hall ‘put it in the Dumpsta!’Marco Benevento’s daughter enjoys the view from the stageWhile Brad Barr thanks Marco for sitting in with Surprise Me Mr. Davis

Akron/Family