WORDS & VISUALS BY: JOANNA GLEZAKOS
ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY: TRISTAN KEDDY
On Sunday, July 2nd, thousands flocked to Niagara-On-The-Lake to celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday with some truly amazing Canadian musicians, City and Colour, Blue Rodeo, Strumbellas, Stars and Dear Rouge and hosted by Canadian comedy duo Letter Kenny. Doors were at 2pm and when we arrived at 3, there were already hundreds of people that arrived early for a good spot, laying on blankets and drinking Canadians. The show began at 4 with a quick introduction from the guys of Letter Kenny. They came out and introduced themselves to roaring cheers from the crowd. After a few jokes and asking the crowd how they’re doing , everyone replied in as truly polite Canadian fashion, “Good n’ you?”. It seemed some people were even here to see Letter Kenny, wearing Letter Kenny merch, including a “Pitter, Patter, Let’s Get Atter” tank top.
Kicking off the show was Vancouver-based, Dear Rouge and they hit the stage with great energy. Danielle’s voice is incredible live! She was jumping from one end of the stage to the other, interacting with band members and even head banging so hard her sunglasses flew off during the 3rd song, all without missing a beat. They definitely acquired some new fans that day.
Next up were Indie pop Montreal-based, Stars. They also put on a great performanceead singer Torquil Campbell is so expressive and has great chemistry with Amy Millan on stage.
Toronto Natives, The Strumbellas were up next. Keyboardist, David Ritter was piggy backing a shoe-less Vox Simon Ward onto the stage. They kicked off their set with ‘Young and Wild’ and got the crowd to their feet.
The sun had started to set, dark clouds looming over, and it was time for the first headliners. No band on this bill more Canadian than veteran Country Rock band Blue Rodeo. The crowd erupted when they took the stage and were singing along to every song.
By this point the crowd had multiplied substantially and you could barely make your way to the front. Food truck lines were hundreds of people in line for some truly Canadian treats; including Poutine and Beaver Tails.
Last, but certainly not least, City and Colour took the stage just after 9pm. Just a hop-skip-and-a-jump away from his hometown, Dallas Green seemed at ease. Adjusting his hat before coming on stage. He greets the crowd with a wave and a sheepish smile. With the sun down, the trees surrounding the park lit up with blue and red uplighting while Dallas sang the night away.
It was a great festival with amazing music and the people were happy they came, including that random Chewbacca floating around. Major thanks to the fabulous team at Listen Harder and of course Dine Alone Records, for throwing this extremely Canadian music festival at Niagara-on-the-lake's famous The Commons at Butler's Barracks. If this party goes down again next year, we will be there and so should you!