It was the epitome of summer at Toronto’s renowned Sunnyside Pavilion, Saturday, September 1st for Dubfire, Kenny Glasgow and friends - beautiful weather, friends chatting, dancing, drinks, sun, that perfect glow through the trees, all surrounded by music. As I walked in, both courtyards were bumping with energetic, house-driven sets from local veterans Jonathan Rosa and Amália Leandro. Tie-dyed fabric draped from above, along with hanging spheres and lanterns, added ambience to the venue and softened the historical cobblestone grounds. As night fell, the venue morphed into a luminescent experience with trees caked in coloured light on a dark backdrop, lasers clipping the air and colour enveloping the crowd.
Over six years, Electric Island has grown into an expanded experience for house music and techno lovers. It increasingly offers something for everyone with two dynamic stages, a variety of food trucks, vendors, scenic moments, gorgeous lighting and memorable backdrops, underground soul and finally, perhaps most importantly, an evolving sense of community.
It had that hint of magic - off the beaten path, far from the club circuit, but right on point for lovers of house music, techno and the ineffable in between. It felt almost poetic to have a cab drop me off in front of one of Toronto’s most historic performance venues, The Opera House, with its ornate marquee and unique charm. Tonight, the Toronto staple, with its distinct arch above the stage and architecture reminiscent of early 1900s theatre, would house lauded Danish DJ and producer, Kölsch.
Immersed in the natural beauty of Hanlan’s Point, thousands of revellers came through to celebrate Canada’s birthday at this season’s second installment of Electric Island. The Island did not disappoint. Exceptional production, blazing sun, full crowd and superb acts made the day memorable. The new and notably resplendent circular main stage, with its distinct lighting, took the event to another level. That theme resonated as I walked through the grounds - Electric Island is continually evolving and elevating, year after year.
