I suppose that title is misleading as this post actually focuses on Sunday but it follows suit of my Friday and Saturday plans. And Hillside IS tomorrow, which is worth highlighting.
Perhaps (perhaps) my most anticipated performer of the entire weekend plays Sunday - that being Final Fantasy who has captivated me each time I've seen him. Perhaps (perhaps) one of my top-3 all-time performers period. For those unfamiliar with Final Fantasy's live show - it is a one-man whirlwind of violin looping, plucking, tapping and bowing and it's incredible. For a show review you can read more though it still doesn't capture it so I encourage checking this out for yourself (and skipping the bizarre "Moonwalking" tribute to MJ).
Guelph represents in the form of Dancehall Free For All's triumphant return (3rd paragraph) to the festival that started it all(okay, maybe it didn't start it all, but definitely gave them a huge boost). Look here for a glimpse of their show (mind you this was before the recently released and highly listenable second album).
Another (ex)Guelphite is.. Gentleman Reg who gets a lot of love in these parts. Solid.
Clues from the Pop Montreal show will hopefully live up to their excellent debut album.
Also looking forward to catching The Rural Alberta Advantage and Patrick Watson for the first time.
I'll see if there's time for Hillside faves - Great Lake Swimmers who are good, if somewhat plain live. Maybe I've just seen them too many times without trying (plus opening for Feist in Kitchener that I apparently didn't review).
Also I'll likely check into Winter Gloves too and see if they can get the island stage jumping.
I'm debating getting up in time to catch what looks to be a pretty funky workshop Sunday morning - Delhi 2 Dublin, Eccodek and Fred - see how late the drumming circle goes in volunteer camping Saturday night I suppose. Thanks to Josh's comments I may be up anyway for the Gospel Hour which apparently shouldn't be missed.
See you all there! Over and out until the reviews start flowing in here next week.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Countdown to Tomorrow
Monday, July 20, 2009
Countdown: In 5..
Saturday will be one heckuva full day of music at the Hillside Festival in Guelph, Ontario.
Before the sun has even reached its peak things will have heated up with a collaboration born on some distant planet with ultra-intelligent lifeforms - that being Bruce Peninsula and The Rural Alberta Advantage. That will also allow me to catch at least part of Julie Doiron a couple hours later as her set is in conflict with Bruce Peninsula's.
Playing to a hometown crowd, Green Go are gonna go off I predict.
As much as I'd like to catch the Final Fantasy/Buffy Sainte-Marie/Notre dame de Grass mash-up... Timber Timbre will be given precedence.
Dala will entertain my girlfriend on the mainstage while I watch Hey Rosetta because I love 'em. (Too bad I'll have to miss C.R. Avery who intrigues me with his lyrics and beatboxing).
Library Voices and Silver Starling is a toss-up. Library Voices I've seen and are great, whereas Silver Starling are up-and-coming and look to have a bright future based on their strong past.
Next is another battle royale for my attention - Tokyo Police Club vs Woodhands. Leaning towards the latter..
Wow, these are going to be tough decisions - that, or a lot of running back and forth between stages - as I decide on who will shut down this epic day of performances for me. Either the rocking Hamiltonians - The Arkells, or the Toronto alt-country trio of The Sunparlour Players. Having just seen SPP recently, and loving the Arkells awhile back, the Hammer may win my attention.
Suffice to say, Saturday will be a whirlwind with nary a moment to rest. Hopefully sleeping in a tent won't hinder my ability to keep the energy levels up. Feng's Dumplings, Lemongrass and Wellington must be my fuel.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Weekend of Wonders
I just (just, literally 10 or so minutes ago) posted a makeshift schedule for Hillside et voila! the official sched is released. No immediate surprises that I can see - no new headliners.
UPDATE!-- There is a surprise at the Women's Tent Workshop "Back-door Fun: Anal Play for Women" which follows "Getting the Sex You Want"--! Also there are a number of blanks in the schedule currently and there haven't been in the past. *Crosses Fingers* for late additions.
Check the schedule for yourself at the top-right corner of the Hillside homepage.
Friday and Sunday tix still available from the festival - while Saturday and weekend passes might be accessible from the "Stuff Swap" section of the official website.
See ya there!In addition to the Hillside official word on schedule, here's the scoop from the internet. Be sure to check set times when the actual schedule is released - probably in the coming week or so.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, Hillside, Sunday
Reggae lovers rejoice! Kae-Sun, the very first performer I leaked this year I believe, has finally been added to the official Hillside website line-up for the first time.
Also, a large scoop of musicians have been settled into dates on either end of the Hillside Festival weekend. According to official Hillside correspondence:
Friday:
Coeur de Pirate
Rock Plaza Central
USS
Xavier Rudd
Loreena McKennitt
Divine Brown
Plus Friday will include a special celebratory opening featuring Buffy Sainte-Marie and local Aboriginal Elders (though Buffy is still listed as performing Saturday.
Sunday:
Final Fantasy
Patrick Watson
Great Lake Swimmers
Gentleman Reg
Zaki Ibrahim
David Francey
Gurpeet (The Tabla Guy)
Jah Youssouf & Woodchoppers Association
Issa
Los Misioneros del Norte
The Skydiggers
They also state that though the volunteer program is now full, tickets are still available for Friday and Sunday ($50, $60 respectively).
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
H-side Dates and More (Updated)
Although many bands come for the entire weekend, and play a show and a workshop, some musicians have been confirmed only for certain days - so if you're planning things out or deciding which tickets to buy (Fri and Sun remain) here's a list.
Friday:Rock Plaza Central, Loreena McKennitt, Xavier Rudd, Update: Divine Brown, Los Misioneros del Norte.
Likely Ben Grossman
Saturday: Hey Rosetta, Buffy Sainte Marie, Grupo Fantasma.
Likely Timber Timbre, Arkells, USS, Green Go
Sunday: Final Fantasy, Great Lake Swimmers, David Francey, Jah Youssouf & Woodchoppers Association, Kevin Hearn & Thin Buckle.
Likely: Gentleman Reg, Ohbijou, Lindi Ortega
More Musicians!
Melissa McClelland Toronto songstress, confirmed via the official site.
Other probable adds:
Ambre McLean Band from Guelph.
Notre Dame de Grass bluegrass from La Belle Province.
Ben Grossman experimental, ambient from Toronto.
