Best Local Cover Band

Mindrift

Mixing the best alternative sounds of the past decade with blues classics, Mindrift have been a crowd favorite since they formed out of the remains of Rhythm Channel in 1998. They're fronted by vocalist Susanna Fater, who abandoned her classical-singer training to take on Courtney Love's "Cel-ebrity Skin" and Fiona Apple's "Criminal." Her career highlights include a performance for the Pope with the Worcester State College Chorale. Though Mindrift are more apt to harmonize on Beck than Bach these days, they still sing a cappella (with help from guitarist Tony Postale), giving the group their trademark harmonies. Of course, being able to jump from fast-flying punk tunes by Green Day and Blink-182 to blues-tinged songs by George Thorogood, Susan Tedeschi, and by Stevie Ray Vaughan is demanding. But veteran drummer Tom Sidoti is always ready. He played alongside Postale in Mickey Rodent and Grumpy Charlie. Prior to Mindrift, Sean Hendricks played bass with Lickety Split, Phineas Poon, and Burnt Orange. Mindrift's future includes plans to expand their fan base toward the Cape in the summer and to the ski resorts in the winter while continuing to learn their favorite new songs. What a way to spend the weekend!

-- Brian Goslow