“Sentimental music has this great way of taking you back somewhere at the same time that it takes you forward, so you feel nostagic and hopeful all at the same time.”
― Nick Hornby, High Fidelity
I've been lucky this summer. In the span of just a few weeks, I've seen Belle and Sebastian, Yo La Tango, Animal Collective, Neko Case, My Morning Jacket, Wilco, Bob Dylan, and most recently, a handful of new discoveries and old favourites at the Hillside festival in Guelph. There have been downpours and blistering heat and yet each of these shows has reminded me that there's no feeling more powerful than standing outside, in an open field, hearing a musician belt out a favourite song.
Clad in ponchos, with greasy hair, and the smell of campfire clinging to our clothing, we leave Hillside every year feeling a little calmer. A little happier. There's something about gathering, thousands of us, to listen to good music, to eat good food, to meet new people, and to leave our cell phones uncharged and work emails unanswered, for just a few days. Despite the leaky tents, the outhouses, and the line ups for beer, there's something therapeutic in the simplicity of it all.
Looks like everyone had a fun time and plenty of music. I miss events such as that.
ReplyDeleteThe bubble picture is great.
Very good line-up of musicians too.