If there were any worries about the viability of Fredericton's young Shivering Songs festival, they were erased before the first notes were played. Wilmot United Church was crowded, with double the audience of last year's debut show at the festival. In just a year, the event has gone from an idea to a buzz-worthy weekend.

The crowd ranged from teens to retirees, with many of the faces you'll see at the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in attendance. It's a good counter-programming move, coming five months after Harvest, and at a time when people are starting to need a break from the winter routine. Even in its smaller scope, there's programming for various ages and fans, and has already expanded to four downtown venues.

Friday's opener was, quite appropriately, Olympic Symphonium, whose members conceived of the festival last year as a means to launch their latest album. As always, the group laid down an enchanted groove on the audience, with a mix of new material and a few older favourites. The group's blend of atmospheric and acoustic textures was perfect in the church setting, and the harmonies have never sounded richer.

Next up were Fredericton heroes Hot Toddy, in a now-rare reunion show, playing the entirety of their fan-favourite Shoe Factory album. Group members Thom Swift, Tom Easley and Joel LeBlanc moved onto other projects over the past five years, but you'd never know it from the delivery of the decade-old tunes. Despite claims they hadn't rehearsed for the show, they came together on intricate solos and arrangements, and obviously loved being on stage together again. Each member brought improvements to their games as well. Swift is singing better, Easley's bass solos are more impressive, LeBlanc's a better harmonica player. Since they were all excellent at these and other skills to begin with, it's simply a matter of hard work and practice, and it was a great reminder of the magic these three always bring out together. The huge ovation that greeting them also did a lot to remind them just how much a part of Fredericton culture the band remains.

Luckily, Wilmot Church is nice and big and could handle the crowd. The next show of the evening barely could, as the late-night event at Wilser's was an exercise in crowd surfing, just to get to the back for a beer. Many who went to the earlier show walked the block-and-a-half only to discover Wilser's was already bustling, with its own crowd, a younger bunch out to see local favourites Owen Steel and Babette Hayward. It was probably too loud and packed to fully appreciate these talented singer-songwriters, but at least the front part of the bar got to enjoy them, and both are growing stronger as writers and performers.

After tonight's shows, the finale is the Bluegrass Brunch, featuring Alan Jeffries & Slim Pickens, along with the High Water String Band, at the Farmer's Market from 11 - 3 PM.