Music

The Four Essential Canadian Music Festivals

by Anne T. Donahue

Although the UK boasts festivals that evoke the words “legendary”, “epic” and “amazing”, it’s important to remember that while Canada may not offer BBC-endorsed events or acres of muddy land peppered with the who’s who of musical royalty, we still hold our own when it comes to the festival circuit.  So while yesterday was spent pining for people and places deemed unattainable, here are four upcoming festivals that are uniquely Canadian, offering bankable acts and amazing art against the beautiful backdrop of the Great White North.

Hillside

Since 1984, lovers of music, art and nature have flocked to Guelph Lake to celebrate Hillside – the three day event that’s renowned for its Canadian-oriented lineup, its Aboriginal influence and its overwhelming sense of community.  With five stages and over 50 performers, the island is transformed from a relatively quiet conservation area to a Mecca of positivity and talent, successfully combining environmental awareness with the joy evoked from days of musical celebration.

Previously, the likes of Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene have headlined the event, while last year saw Xavier Rudd, Buffy Sainte-Marie and Tokyo Police Club appear – as well as Owen Pallett who memorably refused to end his set in the midst of a particularly intimidating summer storm.  While this year’s lineup has yet to be released, if Hillside Inside is any inclination, it should promise to properly reflect the current trends of independent music as well as showcase the talent many Canadian musicians have to offer. Photo above: The Guelph Mercury/Nick Iwanyshyn

NXNE

Though labelled a conference, Toronto’s NXNE maintains the vibe of most festival-oriented music events, featuring 650 bands across 50 venues within the city.  Currently celebrating its 16^th year, various bands and films are showcased throughout the seven days and nights, drawing upwards of 250 000 fans and artists to the area who are eager to bask in the enthusiasm and culture spawned by exciting event.

While only a partial lineup has been released for this year’s celebration, the buzz surrounding NXNE is gaining momentum, as performers include Iggy and the Stooges, De La Soul, The Raveonettes and SXSW favourites The Japandroids.  And with alumni having included the likes of King Khan and the Shrines, The Black Lips and Feist, 2010’s instalment promises to be just as exciting and unforgettable.

Calgary Folk Music Festival

For 31 years, the Calgary Folk Music Festival has come to encompass the beauty and simplicity of folk artists and their offerings, featuring 62 acts throughout four days at Prince’s Island Park.  Branded as the city’s largest and most iconic festival, the event is renowned for its incredibly cool and relaxed atmosphere, as well as its history of showcasing the pioneers of folk music and its various subgenres.

Last year saw performances by Iron & Wine, The Decemberists and Akron/Family, and this year already promises appearances by St. Vincent, Ohbijou and Timber Timbre.  Staying true to its effortless cool, festival co-ordinators are slowly releasing the lineup throughout January to May, thus allowing attendees both to familiarize themselves with up-and-coming artists and to bask in the anticipation of yet another memorable event.

Osheaga

Likely the most highly-anticipated Canadian musical festival, Montreal’s Osheaga successfully draws the crème de la crème of current underground music, offering two days of performances by current showstoppers and emerging artists of various backgrounds and nationalities.  Inaugurated in 2006, the event takes place in the city’s Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène at the end of July, while Osheaga in the City stretches across four days in Montreal, showcasing up-and-coming artists at various nightclubs and concert venues.

An event that manages to successfully combine the beauty of Canada’s aesthetic with esteemed international musical offerings, Osheaga has previously featured the Arctic Monkeys, Damien Rice, Girl Talk and Lykke Li, while its 2010 lineup includes the Arcade Fire, Pavement and Devo.  Working to perfectly encompass the feeling of most European music festivals, this year’s celebration rivals the dream lineups of the UK, helping to further cement Canada as the ultimate host to unique musical parties.