Review: Field Trip 2016 (June 4 & 5, 2016) Toronto, ON at Historic Fort York & Garrison Common

For the past 4 years Arts & Crafts ‘Field Trip’ has being giving us warm sonic vibes to launch us into the summer. If you live in Toronto, you know the winter was extra-long for us this year and there has been an ache to have ‘Field Trip’ 2016 to come to Fort York already!

This year’s music lineup featured headliners The National and Robyn, as well as local favourites July Talk, Basia Bulat and Jazz Cartier.

We love Fort York. It’s a perfectly accessible Toronto location for a festival; it’s on the TTC line and has enough room to watch bands at each stage.  Now come 5 p.m., its gets a tad congested.  The throngs of people navigating between the Garrison Stage (the larger one) to the TD Fort York Stage (the smaller one) always ends in a bottle neck on the path connecting both stages.  Close to the TD Fort York Stage was a drinking lounge, a massive food truck station and a Field Trip Marketplace.  Even though there were line ups for food, washrooms and drink – everything ran smoothly.

There were a number of upgrades from last year’s ‘Field Trip’. The family friendly ‘TD Day Camp’ area for kids and their peeps was immense.  Think a bouncy castle, hula hoops and paper lantern crafting for kids and their families.

One of many things ‘Field Trip’ does well is their nod to local cuisine vs. food trucks. Tucking into the likes of Buster’s Sea Cove, Food Dudes, Thunderin’ Thelma, Fidel Gastro, Portobello, Summertime Lemonade, Rancho Relaxo, The Poutine Supreme, Steel Cut Coffee, Ultimate Concession, Heirloom. Tokyo Smoke, Uncle Smoke, The Flying Chestnut, Curbalicious, Chimney Stax and JP’s BBQ were brimming with hot meals of beauty after long days in the sun.

The Mess Hall with Ivy Knight catered a Watermelon Eating Contest, a Cupcake Decorating Contest and a Create a Casear project. Think delicious, fun and most importantly family friendly.  Field Trip has cornered the market in making sure events on both days are inclusive for everyone no matter what your family looks like.

We had a great chuckle at the Laugh Barracks as the day wound down. Getting out of the sun with your hot drink or a cold one to sit on a chair whilst sharing a chuckle or two was perfect! We loved the snaps from the Analogue Gallery Sound Image Exhibition – it certainly added a different texture to Field Trip 2016.

Fort York is a wonderful home for ‘Field Trip’ and we hope it continues to be. The rustic Canadiana vibe, locals meeting out of towers and familiar soothing tunes as it christens us into the summer’s arms is a big hit!  The detail, love and camaraderie that go into putting on ‘Field Trip’ from the Arts & Crafts crew makes us look forward to 2017.

http://www.fieldtriplife.com/

Field Trip Artist Spotlight: Jason Collett (June 4th and 5th 2016 at Fort York & Garrison Common)

“Song And Dance Man”, the title track from Jason Collett’s sixth full-length album, finds the iconic singer-songwriter back at centre stage, with three-minutes-and-change and a story to sing. Featuring the bright production touch of Bahamas’ Afie Jurvanen, “Song And Dance Man” covers the trials and triumphs of the modern musician with poignant poetry:

If you can tweet something brilliant, you got a marketing plan Song And Dance Man’s thirteen songs bear the wit and melody of classic Jason Collett: contemplative reflections on getting older, backed with an affinity for freewheeling 70s dance music. The album’s conspiring themes of love & loneliness, sun & shadows, are buoyed by its soaring sound. Each song rises into an easy, spacious groove, lead by Jason’s languid melodies and Afie’s sun-drunk bass.

“There’s a cool economy to Afie’s approach that lets the record breathe and allows it to say more with less, something I worked hard at hardly working at in writing strolling the songs,” says Collett. “Keeping a light touch, keeping it short.”

Having spent the years since 2012’s Reckon finding himself further engaged in the growing success of his Basement Revue concert series – a cross-pollinating musical & literary mash-up of Canada’s premiere contemporary artists – the Toronto indie-troubadour describes this record as a liberating process distilled in long stretch of domestic reverie.

“I like writing songs and for the first time in my life I felt no rush to hustle them or myself out the door,” says Collett. “I let some dust settle, some weeds grow, puttered about at home…”

The result is a dynamic addition to a strong body of work. Song And Dance Man may be Jason Collett’s finest effort yet – back in the spotlight, more comfortable than ever in the guise of entertainer:

You got to do what you can when you’re a Song And Dance Man.

Song And Dance Man was recorded in spring 2015 with long-time collaborators drummer/engineer Don Kerr (at his Rooster Studio), Christine Bougie on guitar & lap steel, Zeus’ Neil Quinn on backing vocals, and Afie holding it down on the bass, sometimes two.

Catch Jason Collett at Field Trip on June 4th and 5th 2016 at Fort York & Garrison Common.

http://www.fieldtriplife.com/

 

Field Trip Artist Spotlight: The National (June 4th and 5th 2016 at Fort York & Garrison Common)

The National is an American indie rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio, formed in 1999. Currently based in Brooklyn, the band consists of Matt Berninger (vocals), Aaron Dessner (guitar, keyboards), Bryce Dessner (guitar), Scott Devendorf (bass) and Bryan Devendorf (drums).

Founded by Berninger, Scott and Bryan Devendorf, and Aaron Dessner, the National released their self-titled debut album, The National (2001), on Brassland Records, an independent record label founded by Dessner and his twin brother, Bryce. Bryce Dessner, who had assisted in recording the album, soon joined as a full member, participating in the recording of its follow-up, Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers (2003).

Leaving behind their day jobs, the National signed with Beggars Banquet Records and released their third studio album, Alligator (2005), to widespread critical acclaim. The band’s fourth and fifth studio albums, Boxer (2007) and High Violet (2010), increased their exposure significantly. In 2013, the band released its sixth studio album, Trouble Will Find Me. It was nominated in the 2014 Grammys for Best Alternative Album.

Four of the band’s albums were included on NME’s 2013 list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

Catch The National at Field Trip on June 4th and 5th 2016 at Fort York & Garrison Common.

http://www.fieldtriplife.com/

 

Field Trip Artist Spotlight: Robyn (June 4th and 5th 2016 at Fort York & Garrison Common)

Robin Miriam Carlsson, known as Robyn, is a Swedish soprano vocalist. Robyn became known in 1997 for the worldwide dance-pop hit “Do You Know” from her debut album, Robyn Is Here. The popularity of her UK number-one “With Every Heartbeat” and her 2005 album, Robyn, brought her international success. Australian Dance Albums Chart, Belgian Albums Chart, Canadian Albums Chart, European Top 100 Albums, Irish Albums Chart, Swiss Albums Chart, UK Albums Chart, US Billboard 200, In June 2010 Robyn released the first album of a trilogy, Body Talk Pt. 1, which reached number one. Its lead single, “Dancing on My Own”, was released several weeks before the album and was nominated for Best Dance Recording at the 2010 Grammy Awards. Body Talk Pt. 2 was released on 6 September and debuted at number one on the Swedish chart. The trilogy’s final album, Body Talk, was released on 22 November with “Indestructible” its lead single; “Call Your Girlfriend” was the album’s second single. In May 2015 Robyn announced a new music project, La Bagatelle Magique.

Catch Robyn at Field Trip on June 4th and 5th 2016 at Fort York & Garrison Common.

http://www.fieldtriplife.com/

Field Trip Artist Spotlight: July Talk (June 4th and 5th 2016 at Fort York & Garrison Common)

July Talk is a Canadian blues/alternative rock band formed in 2012 in Toronto. The band consists of singers Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay, guitarist Ian Docherty, bassist Josh Warburton and drummer Danny Miles. The band released their self-titled debut on Sleepless Records on 16 October 2012.

Catch July Talk at Field Trip on June 4th and 5th 2016 at Fort York & Garrison Common.

http://www.fieldtriplife.com/

Field Trip Artist Spotlight: Of Montreal (June 4th and 5th 2016 at Fort York & Garrison Common)

Of Montreal is an American rock band from Athens, Georgia. It was founded by frontman Kevin Barnes in 1996, named after a failed romance between Barnes and a woman “of Montreal.” The band is identified as part of the Elephant 6 collective. Throughout its existence, of Montreal’s musical style has evolved considerably and drawn inspiration from numerous 1960s psychedelic pop acts.

Catch Of Montreal at Field Trip on June 4th and 5th 2016 at Fort York & Garrison Common.

Field Trip Artist Spotlight: Santigold (June 4th and 5th 2016 at Fort York & Garrison Common)

Santigold is Santi White: an artist whose perseverance relies on invention, a champion who survives off her own skill and faith. She is a major muse watched by the inspired world, an in categorical performer who collapses time and genre with one hand guided by tradition, while the other hand carves out a shining future. Santigold is neither calm nor mayhem, but from her lungs burst every color in between.

After four years of hide and seek in which blogs blew up at the sudden release of any track with her name attached to it, Santigold returns in a moment of global aggression and vulnerability. Honing in on the hyper-media cult of personality, in her unmistakable voice she asks the listener: Into what fantasy do you hurl yourself as you gaze into the glow of your machine? The answer to this question is central to what drives Master of My Make-Believe, her latest work to be released this spring on Atlantic Records.

As an antidote against self-celebratory status updates in a climate where the focus on fame outweighs a day’s emotions, Master of My Make-Believe summons pop culture zombies back to life. This is sound proof of an artist on a diligent journey, measuring the power of individual mood against social clamor. Sifting through a wondrous wreckage of airplay, upload, and anguish, Santigold’s talent lies in filtering reality through freakdom, to find in desire a timeless spark of raw magic.

Anyone caught referring to Master of My Make-Believe as a sophomore effort is only half right. Though relatively fresh as Santigold, Santi White’s history of writing, production, and performance stretch beyond the century’s flip. Her collaboration with the industry’s most recognized and respected talent is something continuous and wide reaching, making her musical lineage all the much richer. Declared Best Breakthrough Artist by NME in 2008 and Pop Music Vanguard by ASCAP in 2009, the voice that defines Santigold is as complex as the faces that pack a subway car, as intimate and honest as conversation on a weathered stoop.

Through chopped pianos, the clink of glass bottles, and the peaking blast of motorcycle engines, Master of My Make-Believe accounts for 21st century details of life from the heart’s center to the mind’s periphery. In her pen and in her voice, the breadth of substance presented in Santigold’s newest songs is immediate and complex. There are valleys here wherein the drudge of daily living is met with caution and confronted by mortality, but underneath it all there is the celebration of each person’s power and vision to fight toward what they believe. Consider this your invitation.

Catch Santigold at Field Trip on June 4th and 5th 2016 at Fort York & Garrison Common.

http://www.fieldtriplife.com/

Full 2015 Field Trip Programming Revealed‏

FULL 2015 FIELD TRIP PROGRAMMING REVEALED
FUN, FOOD, FAMILY, DESIGN, DISCOVERIES & MORE
TORONTO’S COMMUNITY MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL RETURNS
SATURDAY JUNE 6 & SUNDAY JUNE 7
FORT YORK & GARRISON COMMON
TICKETS ON SALE

“As close to perfect as festivals get.” – Toronto Star
“Toronto’s coolest music festival.” – Flare
“It’s a family affair, and the audience and Toronto in general is a part of it.” – Exclaim!
“The closest thing Toronto has to Coachella.” – Toronto Life
“What is celebrated is the city’s thriving music scene and the city itself.” – Globe & Mail

We’ve already unveiled a 2015 lineup packed with surefire amazing performances from world class artists including Alabama Shakes, My Morning Jacket, The War On Drugs, Arkells, Father John Misty, De La Soul, Purity Ring and so many more. Sure, those alone are worth the price of admission, but anyone who’s attended Field Trip knows the event is an extension of the artistic community at large, with a family vibe that’s solidified it as Toronto’s essential downtown community music and arts event.

Our annual love letter to Toronto recognizes music as the great passion play, but we aim to celebrate artistry, creativity and community in many forms. Here are a few of the ways Field Trip 2015 will create a unique, lasting impression for all music lovers and families that take part. Take a look at the insane amount of fun we’re going to have below or over on our site. And get your tickets here, now.

Oh, and check out this amazing video from our friends at Indie 88 which features Sharon & Br am joining Kevin Drew and Arkells’ Max Kerman in a rendition of Sharon, Lois & Bram classic “Peanut Butter.” Yeah, that happened.

THE FOOD

Few things are better than great food… and Toronto’s thriving culinary community will seriously shine at Field Trip 2015.

Our selection of vendors includes an amazing cross section of the city’s food pioneers, showcasing original creations that range from artisanal sausages to maple beef-bacon donuts. There will truly be something for every taste – we’ll feature select kid-focused stations and numerous vegetarian and vegan options. We’ll have some kitchen celebs in the mix too, like Anthony Rose dishing out the finest in the VIP and Zane Caplansky’s Thunderin’ Thelma rolling on site. Bottom line: if the list here (and below) doesn’t get you salivating, something is wrong.

ART & DESIGN

In the warmth of early June, Historic Fort York & Garrison Common will come alive, transformed into a diverse and colourful retreat in the heart of the city thanks to installations from Heather Goodchild, Young Offenders, Golden Age Botanicals and several other emergent Toronto visual creators. Fans and families can explore the amazing green space and be immersed within Fort York like never before. We’ve also got a few surprises, it’s going to be amazing.

DAY CAMP

2015 means a bigger and better ‘Day Camp’, where we’ll present kids (who can come to the fest for free if they’re under 12) with an embarrassment of activity riches. We’re doubling down with intimate mini sets from Sharon & Bram, Girls Rock Camp as well as some other Field Trip performers, all within ear shot of our the popular bouncy castle, hula hoops, temporary tattoo stations, kids haircuts, ping pong tables and more. Day Camp is a huge element of what sets Field Trip apart… the only problem might be pulling the kids away to go and hear some music.

OCULUS RIFT VIRTUAL REALITY

This is a big one! Soar high above Fort York and defy your very reality inside this mind-blowing virtual experience. We’re thrilled to be able to offer Field Trippers a custom festival experience created just for our weekend and never before presented to the Canadian public.

LAUGH BARRACKS PRESENTED BY MAILCHIMP

Step inside this hilarious new addition to Field Trip and enjoy daily performances from two of Comedy Bar’s most popular shows, Laugh Sabbath and Chuckle Co. In between be sure to take in an annual favourite, the acclaimed Analogue Gallery Sound Image exhibition, showcasing this year’s best in Canadian music photography.

DISCOVERY ARTISTS 

It’s one of our pillars – sure we love bringing international favourites to TO, but introducing our patrons to new artists is also a huge part of our promise. As we did in 2014, we welcome four discovery artists – new additions to the lineup carefully picked and and ready to be revelations for the open-minded listener. These include Mali guitar mania of Songhoy Blues, the lofty folk of Andy Shauf, Vancouver shimmering pop quartet The Belle Game and Toronto R&B / jazz newcomers The Wayo. We’re also partnering with Manifesto, Red Bull Sound Select and local all ages promoter Johnnyland to make sure the Toronto music community is represented at several levels. Prepare to find a new favourite.

SHOP IN STYLE 

We’re deeply committed to improving the Field Trip experience each year, and we’ve been listening. This year we’ll be opening up the first full Field Trip store on site (with Fort York Stage satellite), working with our artists and designers to create a hub where fans can browse an amazing selection of exclusive and premium Field Trip, A&C and performing artist merchandise as well as rare wares from close friends and collaborators throughout the grounds. There will also probably be a few artists dropping by…

PERRIER GREENHOUSE

Every good festival needs a change of pace and this is ours. Inside the Perrier Greenhouse you can relax and enjoy custom cocktails and a top notch collection of Field Trip-programmed DJs and selectors. Keep it green!

MESS HALL WITH IVY KNIGHT 

Join us as we welcome back Mess Hall with host Ivy Knight! Mess Hall combines the fun of Summer Camp with an interactive culinary food program. Ivy Knight, a kitchen babe, food writer and cookbook author has been mixing up amazing ways for people to play with food for years. This year’s Mess Hall activities include corn on the cob and watermelon eating contests, mixology mischief and cake decorating with celebrity pastry chef David Chow. Bring your imagination and your appetite.

VOLUNTEER!

Our amazing Field Guides play a huge part in creating the special vibe at Field Trip, but it’s a big (and fun) job that needs warrants new recruits each year. Interested? We’d love to hear from you – just apply here.

FOOD FOR EVERYONE
Busters Seacove Ensenada-Style Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Maine Style Lobster Roll, Crab Roll
Food Dudes Captain Crunch Fish tacos, Smoky Rueben Sandwich, Dirty Chili Hash, Nutella balls, Mac & Cheese Balls
Thunderin’ Thelma [Caplansky’s] Smoked Meat Sandwich, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, BBQ Brisket Sliders, Smoked Meat Poutine, Maple Beef-Bacon Donuts
Gourmet Gringos Baja Fish Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas
Fidel Gastro Sandwiches with a variety of ingredients (Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken, BBQ Brisket, Tempura Tilapia), Pad Thai fries
Portobello Portobello Burger, Veggie Ciabatta, Eggplant Marinara, Veggie & Tofu wraps, Kale, Quinoa and Barley salads
Summertime Lemonade Freshly squeezed lemonade
Deava’s Feed Your Soul BBQ Korean Short Ribs, Pork Belly Sandwich, Lemongrass Chicken Salad, Thai Chicken Sandwich (all farm to table)
Blue Donkey Chicken Gyros sliders, Calamari pita, souvlaki pita, lamb tacos, greek goddess (veg)
Pappas Greek Gyros, Chicken Strips, Greek Fries
Rancho Relaxo Fish Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, Kale & Yams, Guac and Chips
Fit To Grill Seared five spice pork belly sandwich, crispy smoked chicken wings
The Poutine Machine Fresh cut fries and poutine
Penny Lou Lou Sweets Bubble cakes with fresh fruit and ice cream
Kung Fu Dawg Hot dogs and corn dogs with all the toppings
Steel Cut Coffee Hot Espresso Beverages
Cold Station Brew Cold Brewed Coffee on tap
Ultimate Concession Fries, Poutine, Burgers, Hotdogs, Polish Sausages, Peameal on a bun, Philly cheese on a bun
Heirloom Artisanal homemade sausages (chorizo, italian) Brazed lamb shank sandwich, Duck confit sandwich
JP’s BBQ Pulled pork, Beef Brisket, ribs, Fries, Poutine, Perch Tacos
The Flying Chestnut Traditional Indian Tacos featuring Grey County Beef & Local Cheddar, Vegetarian Indian Tacos with Veggie and Bean Chili and Local Cheddar

DAY CAMP
Boreal Gelato Hand made, artisanal gelato and sorbet
Bread Heads Wood Fired Pizza- organic dough, vegan options, and child friendly options
Chimney Stax Sweet Stax, Ice Cream Stax, Garlic Cheesy Stax, Cheesy HotDog Stax

VIP RESTAURANT ROW
Anthony Rose Salatim Platter, Fat Pasha Hummus Platter, Shrimp Tacos, Fruit Salad, Watermelon Chunks
416 Snack Bar General Tso-Fu (vegetarian), Korean Fried Chicken, Spicy Tuna Handroll
Rodney’s Oyster House Oysters on the half shell

FIELD TRIP 2015 LINEUP

SATURDAY JUNE 6
ALABAMA SHAKES
ARKELLS
THE WAR ON DRUGS
PURITY RING
DE LA SOUL
JACQUES GREENE LIVE
YOUNG EMPIRES
SHARON & BRAM
FROM JAMAICA TO TORONTO
APOSTLE OF HUSTLE plays Folkloric Feel
CALVIN LOVE
ANDY SHAUF
THE BELLE GAME
THE WAYO

SUNDAY JUNE 7
MY MORNING JACKET
MARINA & THE DIAMONDS
FATHER JOHN MISTY
DAN MANGAN + BLACKSMITH
RHYE
LEE FIELDS & THE EXPRESSIONS
KEVIN DREW & ANDY KIM
HAYDEN
TEMPLES
ABSOLUTELY FREE
SONGHOY BLUES
KEITA JUMA & BRENDAN PHILIP presented by Manifesto and Red Bull Sound Select

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

* Regular Price Weekend (2 Day) passes are $120. VIP Weekend (2 Day) passes are $200.
* Regular Price Single Day passes are $70. VIP Single Day passes are $125.
* All tickets are subject to a $5.00 facility fee and vendor service charges.
* Children 12 years old and under are admitted for free with any adult ticket holder to a maximum of two children per adult.
* All Regular Price passes are available now at FieldTripLife.com & Ticketmaster.ca as well as through Toronto independent retailers Rotate This (801 Queen W) and Soundscapes (572 College).
* VIP tickets available online only.

FIELD TRIP 2015
Toronto’s Downtown Community Music & Arts Festival
Saturday June 6 / Sunday June 7
Fort York & Garrison Common
Families Welcome! Kids Under 12 Get In Free!
Multi Stage / Rain or Shine

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