Victoria Day, “May 24”, for Canadians is a celebration of the Queen mother’s birthday and every Canuck’s perfect excuse to defrost from an abrasively cold winter. For this crazy Canuck, it was time to experience Electric Island in “the 6”, (our city’s nickname, coined by Drake) for the very first time. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for the fourth annual Electric Island taking place on Hanlan’s Point (one of the three beautiful Toronto Islands).
As per usual, I took to my musical adventures, solo, but I knew that would not be the way the day and night would play out once I hit the island; actually, once I made it on to the ferry, the party had officially begun! I was looking forward to meeting up with so many amazing people who had so kindly and openly, deepened my awareness to Toronto’s underground electronic/house music scene.
I was all smiles, making my way onto the ferry to Hanlan’s Point. Once I boarded the boat, the excitement and anticipation was insurmountable! From that point on, it was sheer festival nirvana, and all that ran through my mind was, “why had I not ventured into this musical bliss before?” Would have, could have, should have, didn’t, but now I can say I did! And I will definitely do it again! Unlike most music festivals, “EI” is ALL about the music and about experiencing a chill-vibe that creates an atmosphere for friendly exchanges of genuine appreciation of underground local and worldwide electronic music talent.
Things warmed up nicely with local residents, Jonathan Rosa, and the Nature of Music. While most of the crowd seemed to be piqued about listening to the talented Sven Väth and Jamie Jones, I was just as psyched, but even more so, for DJ Tennis!
If there is any DJ I connect with the most it has to be DJ Tennis. Born in 1970 one year before me, Manfredi Romano was raised without any real musical background whatsoever, yet travelled between the U.S. and Europe to hone his creative and artistic prowess. Everything about this amazing soul leaves me captivated and awestruck! He has an uncanny ability to make you want to hear more of what he has to spin! Not to mention we share the same cultural roots, which I biasedly must admit, makes his work all the more enjoyable!
Overall, I believe that this year, Electric Island, seemed to have perfected all elements of a well run music festival. Lineups were minimal, stage artistic presentation was creatively choreographed, the crowd and music were on point, and the food!!! All I can say is, “hooray for food trucks”!
Electric Island is an eclectic and electric experience, Sven Väth, Jamie Jones, DJ Tennis (the highlight for me!) and Job Jobse! WOW, sunshine, good vibes, a hippie soul’s musical playground! Kudos to Embrace, Platform and the guys at Coda, Stefan and Joel, for a perfect ending to an amazing first, summer long weekend of music magic!
Next up, Canada Day July 1st celebrations with Tale of Us, Ben Klock, Marcel Dettmann, Apollonia, and Honey Dijon.
Event photos by Saud Alfayez
