03 May Sister Sparrow, Coheed and Cambria Rock First Day

Apparently Girl Talk won’t be the only act with an entourage on a SunFest stage this week. Yesterday Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, a nine-piece party from Brooklyn, performed for a beefy crowd as the sun began to dip below the skyline.

Led by vocalist Arleigh Kincheloe, aka Sister Sparrow, the talented group swayed the crowd with trombones, trumpets, alto and baritone saxophones, bass, guitars, drums and a harmonica. Their soulful, subdued set was precisely what you’d want to hear next to a beautiful body of water, surrounded by friends and family. It was a delightful appetizer to an exciting night.

Kincheloe’s voice was sweet and soothing one moment, playful and raspy-toned the next. She moved about stage with a slight shimmy, clearly enjoying every moment of the band’s South Florida set.

Shortly after the Birds bid adieu, alternative rock group Coheed and Cambria took to the Tire Kingdom stage. Judging by the enthralled crowd, the concept story-singers still have a strong following. A few tiny girls were hoisted up on their boyfriend’s shoulders, fists in the air, for a better view of the stage. A small but passionate mosh pit formed a few feet in the center of the field.

Founding members Claudio Sanchez and Travis Stever are no strangers to the South Florida scene. They’ve been visiting our sunny patch of real estate since 2004. Last night they put on an impressive show for fans who sang along at every opportunity.

On deck tonight on the Bank of America stage is a trio of hip-hop artists: Young Man Pit, Wiz Khalifa and Snoop Dogg. Looking for a little more soul? Swing by Tire Kingdom to see The Deep Dark Woods and Herbie Hancock.