Summer arrived a month early in Toronto as Electric Island’s first of five concert and picnic series launched into full throttle this Victoria Day. While the sun was not able to fully recover Woodbine Park from a rain-filled weekend, the muddy grounds were taken care of with thick straw and wooden boards keeping shoes clean and slippery areas safe. It was evident that the organizers were prepared and experienced in handling unexpected circumstances. Particularly, the seamless re-location of the event from the flooded Toronto Island to the East end of the city was lauded by many attendees.
We spoke to some Electric Island veterans about a perceived disconnect from the essence of the event, given that it was now being held not on an island but on the mainland. While there were divergent opinions, there was a consensus of relief that it was not cancelled.
The excitement of the crowd seemed to coincide with the occasional appearances of a generous sun. Attendees were still sweating from hours of dancing and enjoying the company of their fellow house-heads. There is a potent social aspect to Electric Island, where only cordial and warm-hearted behaviour is welcome. Celebrating their fifth year, the Electric Island events have garnered a large and intimate following where new friendships and relationships are being made. For many, EI is much more than a break from their 9 to 5 – it is an ambrosial reunion between house and techno-loving families.
Local talent such as DJ/producer Andrew Choe, Alberto Jossue, Night Vision, and Gera opened the stages with an exciting familiarity that paved the way for Toronto’s electronic and house music scene to feel at home. By 3 p.m., Bedouin took over Stage 1 and cranked up the groove. We managed to capture the contagious “shuffling” dance moves that are iconic to the big room house genre. Highly anticipated artists such as Eats Everything, Joris Voorn, and Ben Klock filled the rest of the evening with transitions between big basslines, down-tempo melodies, and all things good about the sound of Detroit and Berlin.
Meanwhile at the second stage, Israeli duo Red Axes was hardly intimidated by taking on the arduous task of filling-in the time slot of headliner, Leon Vynehall, who was unable to make it. The Garden Grove was occupied by an alternative techno scene, where BPM’s (Beats Per Minute) are low and melodies are sexy. Four hours of Red Axes’ funky set of guitars and synths left the crowd buzzing and wanting more. Luckily, Ben Klock was closing the night over on the main stage. The majestic show of fireworks that marked the apex of the long-weekend, might have confirmed premature fears of the night ending too soon. More accurately, it implies the beginning of Electric Island’s summer series, where fireworks and house music will meet again next long-weekend to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.
Check out these videos from Electric Island Victoria Day 2017 below:
Electric Island – May Long Weekend from CJRU1280 on Vimeo.
Electric Island – Andrew Choe Interview from CJRU1280 on Vimeo.
To see photos from the event, take a look at the gallery to the right →
