Sled Island Day 4: Climax.
No, no, I’m not actually posting a Jaunty Jezebel blog here.
Saturday was scheduled to be the longest day of the festival and so it is bound to be climatic.
(BTW, no photos in this post – because I was going back and forth between venues and Olympic Plaza I decided not to bring my SLR with me).
It took a thorough cleansing and two Advils to feel well enough to leave the room and a coffee and cigarette to feel slightly more human but it wasn’t until after a late lunch that things picked up.
Having missed The Black Lips earlier in the week, it made sense to go see them first thing as they kicked off the day’s lineup at the Plaza. Unfortunately, I was too wrecked to care. At least the sun played nice, promising a cloudy sunny day and no rain.
We left before The Bronx took the stage. Having seen them the night before and on Thursday, I thought it would be okay to miss their last show. I wish I didn’t though, talking to drummer Jorma Vik later in the day it was confirmed that it was their last show for awhile as they headed home to record and write. But alas, Jenny Lane and I were hungry and we figured burgers before seeing Hollerado again at Broken City seemed like a good idea.
I expected the Ontario boys to do well as they have been busy touring non-stop, have good stage banter and a dedicated dude throwing confetti, balloons and streamers sporadically throughout the show. It’s easy enough to sing along, dance and rock out to Hollerado and they’re very appreciative of the audience, fans and the other bands they are lucky enough to play with.
A highlight of the day was meeting David.
David is from Vancouver Island, he moves to Calgary in the summer time and rides a pedi-cab/bicycle cab. He pulled up to Broken City as we were debating the merits of walking in uncomfortable shoes versus taking a cab. It was such a gorgeous time of day that a pedi-cab is just effin’ perfect. While the cab fare between Olympic Plaza and BC is small, I couldn’t help but give David $20 as he works just for tips, whatever people want to pay. Unfortunately he didn’t have a card or a phone to call him later if we wanted a ride which was too bad. Next year I just may hire him to take me around Sled Island. If biking is the best way to get around to venues then having someone else to bike you around Sled is just perfect.
I have to say, my plans to take in bands that I’ve never heard of, meet up with Calgary bands and shoot the shit, all fell apart on Saturday. The rest of the day was spent drinking in the beer gardens, socializing with friends and just really enjoying summer for the first time. I kept running into the guys from Minstrel Cycle and I’m sure I’ll run into them again around the city. I forgot to mention Foon Yap texted me on Friday and wasn’t feeling well but was keen to hang out at another time, so I hope that will happen soon.
After the Melvin’s I decided to take a break to blog about the night before as best as I could remember. A break was good as the night was still early. Because of the crazy line up at the Legion, we decided to go there early, which proved to be smart as the place filled up quickly. I left briefly to see Dinosaur Jr., but didn’t stay long as the beer gardens were closed. Back to the Legion to catch the end of Hunter-Gatherer, the night ended up being one of running into old friends and acquaintances. BTW, the Legion is seriously one of the best venues ever. And it really has everything to do with what it is and the people that work there.
While catching up with a girlfriend, a woman who could easily be my grandmother came by to clear the table of empty beer bottles. I thought I was doing pretty well partying four days straight but I have nothing on this little old lady. After working until the wee hours of the morning cleaning up after hipster kids, a few hours sleep later, this wonder is working a nursing shift. No joke. I know I couldn’t do it.
Around the wee hours of the morning, some friends and I decided to check out the BeatRoute after party taking place at their offices. We began walking down Stephen Avenue knowing full well that a cab was nearly impossible. But lo and behold, after two minutes of walking, we end up running into David! I of course couldn’t remember his name but thankfully he remembered mine. There was four of us, me and three guy friends, none of whom were particularly small, so it seemed a stretch to ask David, a cute lean guy, to drag the four of us a couple of blocks. He was game however, so I sat on one friend’s lap while the fourth friend sat on the edge of two seater cab. It was hilarious riding down Stephen Ave past all the drunks emptying out from the bars. The 5th street dip under the train tracks proved to be difficult so two of my friends jumped off and helped a little by pushing. I hope I run into David again.
The BeatRoute after party was in full swing with bands already playing and $5 beers available. It was ridiculously hot in the basement but a nice way to wind down from the night’s festivities. I couldn’t tell you who the bands were but nevertheless it was great.
Always a good night when you head home as the sun begins to rise.
