By Adam Windram and Rachel Slajda

Singer/songwriter Syd opened up this year’s New England Music Organization (NEMO) showcase Friday night at Harper’s Ferry in Allston with a powerful, energetic performance that left fans screaming for an encore.

They did not get one. With nearly 250 groups and artists performing over the weekend at 28 venues throughout the city, time was tightly scheduled. Syd’s set ended at 9:30 p.m. and four more bands were set to play before closing time.

Although it wasn’t the “blood and vomit and flying people” that Boston-based Syd said to expect at his live show, it was a strong beginning to the eighth annual NEMO showcase.

“I’m drenched,” the 22 year-old said afterwards, wiping the sweat from his face with the sleeve of his T-shirt as he greeted fans and old friends.

NEMO brings Boston bands home for a weekend, many of whom went to school and played together.

“It’s like a big ol’ family reunion,” Syd said.

NEMO’s mission is to reach out to up-and-coming bands, said Vito Salm, one of the festival’s directors. The showcase provides great exposure to artists and allows them to network with other musicians they have not worked with before, he said.

“[We want] to try