Review and Photography by Cristina Allen

In comparison to Roger’s Picnic in 2007, this years festival was looking like a step back in almost every way. Looking back on last years’ fabulous weather and lineup consisting of legendary acts such as the Roots and Bad Brains, as well as locals Bedouin Soundclash and weighing it against this years’ acts, clouded over and poured down upon, things were looking pretty grim.

Even between the line-up on the main stage and the DJ tent, the latter seemed more promising with Jeremy of the Junior Boys, Team Canada, and a surprise performance, but was kept so low key that it was questionable whether anyone in attendance even gave a shit. Unfortunately for the tent as well, it was poorly placed facing the main stage – acting more as hiding grounds for groups avoiding the rain but with the perfect view to know when the next act was on. I can honestly say that the 20 minute DJ sets during set change were the highlights of the entire day, but also distressing, as there were a total of two people who actually paid any attention to them. That is, until the surprise act came on: Dave 1 of Chromeo.

Having seen Chromeo as well as Dave 1 live previously, even in such a large open venue, neither were a disappointment. Both acts drew the largest crowds of the night as well as had everyone in the audience entertained and dancing. The only disheartening thing the acts were that they were not what the festival closed on.

Instead, the last two acts – although talented, great bands and performers with huge followings – closed off the night on a more solemn, low note. Second to last was Cat Power’s hour long set, with her strangely endearing awkward stage presence and comforting southern, soulful voice which however, would have been incredible if the performance was in a different venue, with sounds more suitable to a small and intimate environment (the opposite of what Fort York had to offer).

Following was City and Color to close off the night. Having not seen Dallas Green perform before outside of his other project Alexisonfire, it was a sharp contrast with a more alt-country/rock sound. Green rolled up his sleeves, made jokes in reference to the Flaming Lips in concert with the release of big inflatable balls partway through the set, the C & C Music Factory concert going on at the same time down at Canada’s Wonderland (which, he was said he was missing), and played a couple great covers. Gren and his band seemed to please the remaining part of the crowd, perhaps also winning over the hearts of the teenage girl majority with his charm.

As for the other acts of the festival, I had arrived in time to catch Dizzie Rascal’s set, which I was pleasantly surprised with, being one of the best shows of the entire day. Unlike a lot of the performances by the nine other acts, the British hip-hop artist had a lot of energy and interacted with the crowd, especially when playing his hit single Dance Wiv Me.

The only other performance that stood out to do the same was Montreal’s 80’s electro-dance duo: Chromeo. The set actually got a response from the entire audience, even getting people in the beer gardens dancing. Which, could hardly be said about any other of the acts.

Other bands on the bill included the Carps, Born Ruffians, Vampire weekend, Animal Collective, and Tokyo Police Club, which kept up the very indie-rock theme of the festival this year.