Given the size of the city and the number of suburban/university dwellers that weep at the sight of a food truck, you’d think Toronto would be a sprawling hub for major music festivals. It’s not quite there but the 416 is making progress, especially with Arts & Crafts Field Trip leaving its one-off position to become an eclectic staple – one that pushes diversity (galleries, local shops, Etsy tents) and taps into every square inch of “indie rock”. Their kick-off at Historic Fort York on Saturday (June 6th) amplified both areas but their bill stole the show with The Darcys, Lord Huron, Shad, Kevin Drew, and Austra rifling through heart-caving performances. The Kills managed to sneak theirs in before nightfall – and a gloom-and-croon Interpol set – and their fierce barrage of blues proved a) they can still shred your skin off, and b) the A&C crew know how to pick ’em. For proof, check out Jeff Filman’s stills below.
AUSTRA at GARRISON STAGE
SHAD at FORT YORK STAGE
HALF MOON RUN at GARRISON STAGE
LORD HURON at GARRISON STAGE
KEVIN DREW at FORT YORK STAGE
A TRIBE CALLED RED at FORT YORK STAGE
INTERPOL at GARRISON STAGE
THE KILLS at GARRISON STAGE
