Toronto Urban Roots Festival (TURF) 2013

After our introduction to the epic lineup at the premier Toronto Urban Roots Festival, or TURF, we knew this was a festival we couldn't miss. TURF happened over four days (July 4-7, 2013) and, in its first year, despite the rain, we saw packed grass down at Garrison Common, and busy late night shows at Horseshoe Tavern and Lee's Palace over the weekend.  Featuring acts from all over Canada and the world like east-coaster (and Canadian) Joel Plaskett  Emergency to Hamilton natives Arkells to Neko Case, hailing from Virginia, USA but best known as part of Canadian band The New Pornographers, to the Irish-American Flogging Molly - only naming a few - this grandiose yet locally low-key multi-day music fest in downtown Toronto is hoping to make itself a summer staple in the years to come... And we hope it sticks around too!

Whitehorse (photo by Brian Cauley)

What better way is there to spend your weekend than being outdoors, fairly close to home (city livin'!), with a lemonade, coffee, or cold beer in hand, soaking in the sun and some powerful live performances?

One of the best installations (besides the music, of course)? Environmental Defence Canada's free water bottle filling station... Or the giant Jenga game that could be played... Or the local food stations that were set up... So what if we can't decide! Founder Jeff Cohen took to the mic mid-day Sunday and made it clear that TURF is a locally run and organized festival so you won't see Pizza Pizza at this one - and that's awesome.

Want to hear something new? We had a quick chat with Kanga, a new start-up by two local Torontonians who lived in Australia where meat pies are equivalent to our street meat hot dogs.  Bringing it back home to Canada and to the people at TURF, they're making their way around the city with their assortment of puffy pastries. Check back for our coverage on them a little later.  Local businesses like Caplansky's, Big Fat Burrito, and Manual Labour Coffee (in their adorable little kitchen wagon) were also set up, among others.  You had to plan your meals wisely or bring a snack, though, as four days of the same festival food could wear on you.

With torrential downpours on Sunday, it didn't seem to bog down the crowd. While the VIP attendees huddled together under the semi-small tent provided for their use, the rest of the crowd danced their hearts out during The Cat Empire and sang along bouyantly to Neko Case.

Check out our photos of the day from TSR contributor Brian Cauley:
(In order of musical appearances we've got Kurt Vile and the Violators, Xavier Rudd, The Cat Empire (in the rain!), Whitehorse, Yo La Tengo, Neko Case, and the wonderful Belle and Sebastian.)



Article brought to you by Andrea Wrobel