It's been a little while since my review of the first day of FoxFest this year, and as I began to write this, I really wondered if I'd be able to remember it in any detail. But looking down the list of acts who played the second day of FoxFest 2010 a few short weeks ago on a rainy Sunday in south east London, it all came back to me without a problem.

Last year should have taught me to turn up in time for the first act, but much to my regret, I managed to miss out on what I learnt later to have been some fine acts before I managed to extract myself out of bed and get my arse over to Lewisham. They were Danny Banks, Ten City Nation and JD Smith. I saw Ten City Nation at FoxFest last year and was so blown away by them, I went to see them at the Dublin Castle. I reviewed that gig on this blog, and have to say I was disappointed at the time. But I'm pleased to say that from speaking to people who did see them this year, they were once again at their very best. Shame I missed them.

But thankfully I didn't miss the beautiful Angela Luzi. There are some moments in life that you know that you will remember for a long time, those sort of memories that you hold dear to you and tell those around you about the day something quite unexpected and out of the ordinary happened in your life. And so it was at just before 4 o'clock, I walked in to the darkness of the Fox and down to the main stage, not having put much thought into who might be playing next. As my eyes became more accustomed to the stage lights, I saw before me something quite special. The band members were wearing masks (in the masque style), with Angela herself wearing a magnificent three headed example. They looked special. Artistic and impressive. For those lucky to have been there at the time, there was quite a sense of anticipation as the performance started. The band were a five piece made up of drums, piano, bass and cello, with Angela singing. If the sight of the band transported us to the past, the music she writes took the audience off on a journey through her life, as she finds inpiration from her travels. She's an Italian living in London, and I got a sense from her music that she's not yet found her home. Expansive, yet intimate, her music is sometimes tinged with a touch of sadness that one might perhaps be reminded of the emotions of Fado, but offset with the sure footed playfulness of Ella Fitzgerald. It was such a pleasure to see her, and I hope to see her many times more in the future. In the meantime, I'll more than make do listening to her music on MySpace.

Dan German was up next on the acoustic stage, followed by Sunset Cinema Club and Elliot Mason. I think the previous day was catching up on me, as I seemed much more interested in my Fox standard issue pizza for breakfast than the music, but I do remember having a bit of a chuckle to Elliot Mason's song "The Day they turned Jif to Cif", which had the crowd in stitches.

Having convinced the cat in the garden that she was not getting any of my pizza largely on the grounds I'd eaten all of it, I decided it was time to head back in to see the next band arcs a four piece from London. They were loud. They were fast. They were good. I thought they were that good, I spent most of the time working out whether I'd seen them before, for I'm sure I recognised Mike the bass player. Not sure why really. But there you go. They're playing the Good Ship in Kilburn on the 19th June. The guy who runs it is a QPR fan. What more reason do you need to go?

And then we're back to what FoxFest does best. From the sounds of arcs to Adam Ainger & The Jazz Daddy. Now, I'm sure someone will point out my mistake if I'm wrong, but Adam Ainger is in Breton who were simply unbelievable last year. This wasn't anything like Breton though. The Jazz Daddy (who also played last year) plays the sax and Adam provided the accompaniment on drums. Thats all, but it was enough and it worked. My pal didn't quite get it, but for me to be entranced by a man playing a sax takes quite a performance. The Jazz Daddy did it again. Now, when can I see Breton again? Madame JoJo's on July 6th anyone?

I was back in the swing of FoxFest once more, so it was with real excitement that I turned round to see the quite superb Display Team. If you've never had the chance to see them (and this was my first, but by no means last time), they are a visual and aural smorgasbord. A bit of ska. A bit of punk. A bit of rock. Something else I can't even describe. I was moved to write at the time on the live blog that it surely couldn't work. But it does. It really does. They have an album out now. Buy it. And then if you like it, thats great - but it really doesn't give you a real idea as to what they're like live. Just go see them if you ever get the chance.

I needed a rest after that performance, so unfortunately missed Sycamore's set. But I came in to see Nocturnal Dance perform a dance set, which was fantastically well received by the now growing crowd at the fox. Can't say I was a big fan, but I think there was a general enthusiasm for alternative performance art at the fox this year. I didn't catch much of Dexy again this year, but I was able to catch the last couple of songs of his set which I enjoyed.

But I have to admit, I was looking forward to Special Benny. Their opener "Hungry", was entertaining and refreshing. Sax infused vibes made me think of a hot summers day in New York City in the 70s. Not that I ever went to New York City in the 70s. Or in summer for that matter. But noone wants to know about my experience of New York, so I'll leave the subject. It's a great tune. And it set up the set beautifully. And what a set it was. This was a band I fell in love with instantly. With all the endearing charm as the delightful Their Hearts Were Full of Spring but with greater musical breadth, Special Benny managed to jump quite effortlessly from playful melodic pop to folk all the way through to prog. Dan I think summed them up well "You just have to hear it. It's very pretty, and understated.". Couldn't agree more.

By this time, some other friends had arrived, and there were "welcome to FoxFest" drinks to be shared in the garden. So I missed out on Damien Renouf. And I almost missed Android Angel. That would have really annoyed me if I had. Last year on the acoustic stage, his solo performance was one of the stand out sets. This time he returned with the band. And what a band. This was nothing like last year's set. Oh no, this was a full on indie rock performance. And it was very, very good. Steve Matthews on the drums was battling in my attentions with Franck from King of Conspiracy for the best drumming performance of FoxFest. It was, without a doubt once again one of the highlights of my FoxFest. And, just as last year, percussion instruments were handed out to the audience for the finale of "Music of the Android Angel". I only wish I could get to see the Android Angel more.

And the next act for me to miss was Space Heroes of the People. Now I'm writing this up whilst listening to their music on MySpace, I'm regretting missing them. I like their music. Quite a lot as it happens. I did find the time to catch Milk Kan who were fun. They describe their music as "Hip Hop/Bluegrass/Punk" on their MySpace page. Right. But, listen to their music and it's not a bad description. Kind of. Although it's not nearly broad enough. You name it, they've been inspired by it. They've received a lot of attention recently - and rightly so. Have a listen to their music and you'll see what I mean. Huw Stephens likes them. Steve Lamacq likes them. And now, I like them.

My phone managed to rename Jarmean? to Parmesan as I rather drunkenly wrote up their performance. Were they in anyway related to cheese? Nope. Were they playing Eukeles? Yep. And tubas? Oh yes. And do they dress up a bit? Sure do. Any good? You bet. And did they sneakily play another cheeky rag time number at the end of the allotted time on the acoustic stage? Yes. You cheeky young scallywags you...

The last act. The finale. It fell to The Scaredy Cats do the honours. They played last year, and I remember how much fun they were. They enjoyed themselves again with another enthusiastic ska set. The crowd took the opportunity to jump around and squeeze the last bit of fun out of the night. There was some crazy dancing. I'm not confirming or denying if I participated.

And that was that for another year. The most fun you can have for a tenner. Prove me wrong.

Until next year. Is it that long?