PHOTO ESSAY: FIELD TRIP

Photographs by manesy 

Words by savageOM

We locked our bikes up on the bridge off of Strachan and headed down the steep staircase leading into historic Fort York, summer home to Arts & Crafts second annual Music and Arts Festival: Field Trip. After the success of last years maiden celebration of A&C's 10-year anniversary, the festival was expanded to two days this year, capping the weekend off with a flawless show by everyone's favourite band, Broken Social Scene. There were other bands there too - Interpol, the Kills, Hydra (with Feist), Shad, the reunited Constantines, and the lovable Kevin Drew, BSS frontman and co-founder of the A&C label. 

The sign reading "Almost There" echoed my anticipation, which had been brewing for days, and then if by magic, it's here. There are few things better than an outdoor music festival - floating in the ocean being one of them - but, there is something truly unspeakable about the feeling of being surrounded by friends, artists, great food, and music - nothing but sky above you, earth below and music, all around you. 

Dupont's Holy Trinity - Rose & Sons, Big Crow, and Fat Pasha - satisfied our cravings in the VIP section, while The Food Dudes held it down backstage. The rest of the grounds showcased the vast yumminess of some of Toronto's culinary greats. There was little fear of going hungry and no chance of leaving unsatisfied. 

Let me tell you how Field Trip pulled of the multi-stage festival: 

1) You could not hear Fort York Stage from Garrison Stage.

2) There was no stampede to get from one stage to the other. 

3) Same, same - but different. Each stage brought with it it's own unique feel, 

and the bands that took the stage evidently felt it too.

photo: instagram/fieldtrip

Kevin Drew showcased his new solo album , Darlings, on the festival’s first day, bringing former BSS bandmate Feist up on stage for "You in Your Were". 

(the brand new video features Zach Galifianakis and it is a masterpiece) 

Suffice it to say, the two shared some adorable moments on stage.  

Special shoutout to Toronto based artist Jeff Blackburn. Jeff was onsite all weekend painting as a part of the Artist Takeover. It was amazing watching the evolution of his installations over the course of the weekend. Inspired by graffiti and street art, with an unbelievable attention to detail, Jeff is an incredible talent and will surely take over more than just Field Trip.

Festival style has taken on a life of it's own. Our bestie photog stayed away from trying to spot the do's and don'ts in the crowd, instead, capturing the effortless style and cuteness of one of our favourite little festival bunnies.
Simple is always best, in almost all things in life. 

Kid Zone.
Being that many of my 30 something friends are toting toddlers these days,  it's nice that we can all hang out together and act like kids. Something feels so right about hula hooping while listening to Torq Campbell (Stars frontman) play the kazoo.

After a day of rain, the sky literally opened up as BSS took the stage. 

The rest is history.

Thanks for an amazing weekend A&C. 

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About manesy 

mansey is an elusive gypsy

whose primary element is air 

and she is a vata/kapha mix - 

which should tell you just 

about everything you need 

to know about her.