The first-ever Toronto Urban Roots Festival kicks off today and runs until July 7. Featuring a stellar lineup of major roots, folk, pop and rock bands at both outdoor stages and clubs, the festival pretty much guarantees to have something that tickles your fancy. Herewith, our top reasons why you should trek to Fort York this weekend to catch the concert.
You’ll be making history. Because this is the inaugural year for TURF, you’ll be a part of this momentous occasion.
And it’s probably the best lineup ever. Yes, that includes didgeridoos. Xavier Rudd, Dawes, She & Him, Neko Case, The Cat Empire, Yo La Tengo, Fitz & The Tantrums — the list goes on. It’s pretty rare that the opening year for any music festival could have such a stellar roster of artists, and the lineup for TURF is not only confined to traditional roots bands. According to their website, “it’s not just your grandma’s — or father’s — roots music festival. We’re hoping it’s 2013 specific.” That means that we get killer local bands, such as Skydiggers, The Sadies, Whitehorse and The Wooden Sky, but also some pleasantly surprising international players too.
These days, mother nature is playing it hot and cold à la Katy Perry. If this never-ending bout of rain and humidity is enough to keep you indoors and away from Fort York this weekend, not to worry, the TURF folks are offering an alternative. In addition to the outdoor festival shows, there will also be night events as part of the late night club bonus series every night at The Horseshoe Tavern and Lee’s Palace. Performers include The Barr Brothers, Hannah Georgas, Royal Canoe, Frank Turner and JD McPherson, to name a few.
Comparatively, it’s rather cheap. There are five options for general admission and VIP passes, but the best bargain seems to be the four-day pass (because how could we possibly choose between She & Him and Kurt Vile?). The regular four-day ticket can save you about $90 compared to buying four individual tickets, and essentially works out to be a two-for-one deal. Tickets can be purchased at Rotate This, Soundscapes, The Horseshoe Tavern, or at the Fort York entrance.
Oh, and Joel Plaskett (probably the best thing to come out of the east coast since the McLobster) will be there, and will hopefully be telling jokes.