As West End’s Boundary Street Markets got underway on Saturday, it wasn’t just food and clothes stalls punters were there for. The evening’s entertainment was provided by local artist INIGO playing a free set supported by Neighbour. Staged inside the open warehouse that is The Motor Room, both sets were exciting and fun, perfect for the family friendly market environment.

The Boundary Street Markets are a regular West End affair that perfectly cater for anyone and everyone who walks through the gates, no matter the food culture or entertainment they’re after. The winding laneways were filled with pop-up stalls, solo buskers and a huge variety of food, providing an excellent backdrop for the gig.

Local boys Neighbour charmed the crowd with their energetic set filled with songs from both of their EP’s Note To Self and the November 2015 release Good Company. The five-piece have been playing quite a few shows around Brisbane lately and it’s great to see them really hone their live performance. There’s plenty of banter going on too, which creates an easier atmosphere for the smaller early crowd. As the set progressed passers-by were attracted inside, just in time to catch front man Ryan Nebauer welcome INIGO front woman Erin Fitzsimon to the stage to play saxophone for the band. The extra instrument added an interesting layer to Neighbour’s sound and the collaboration segued nicely into the main event.

Although there’s a large band behind INIGO, the real star of the show is vocalist Erin Fitzsimon, who brings personality and style in spades. With shocking pink hair and sparkly makeup, she certainly knows how to capture your attention. The first thing she does is insist the crowd move forward to fill that awkward empty space that always seems to appear at any gig and then it’s down to business. With a tight three-piece horn line and rhythm section, the band perfectly balance the many genres that influence their soul-pop driven sound. Constant Beat and Fiction are set standouts, creating enthusiasm both on the stage and amongst the crowd. As well as the songs featured on debut EP Souls, the set includes Arctic Monkeys, Ngaiire and Beyoncé covers, exhibiting the talent and diversity of the band with their interpretations of each song. Fitzsimon’s well-trained voice is unique and powerful, yet she uses it to compliment rather than dominate over the band. She clearly loves the art of entertainment, from her energetic dance moves and witty comments, the casual bantering between songs and even throwing out lolly bags to the appreciative crowd, Fitzsimon really brings the whole performance together.

The family, friendly environment of the Boundary Street Markets is what has made the regular free event such a hit. Having two talented bands such as INIGO and Neighbour perform is the icing on top.

- Isabelle Armstrong