Although moderately downsized from last year’s event, the Sounds of Old Strathcona Music Festival showcased why Edmonton is a festival city. Boasting loyal music fans of all ages and the Old Strathcona’s neighborhood of the eclectic crowds, the one-day music festival triumphed through less than ideal weather.
The afternoon started with rain clouds and a light drizzle but that didn’t stop the Edmonton faithful from coming out and enjoying some local musical talent. The young and extremely talented Luke and Tess Pretty kicked off the 105 street stage with their innocent and sharply executed sound, as fans and families walked up and down Whyte avenue checking out the local merchants and food kiosks that set up shop on the street.
Throughout the day the weather was fickle but the crowds seemed to know exactly what they wanted. People eagerly gathered for a performance by Wool On Wolves in the late afternoon at the 103 street stage. Wool on Wolves whose seven university degrees between the five band members were only out done by their wide range of musical talents, showcased everything from a harmonica, lap slide guitar, violin, trumpet, and banjo They were the perfect fusion of smooth rhythmic melodies and a homegrown Edmonton bluegrass sound.
If Wool on Wolves made us proud to be Edmontonians, then The Dudes made us proud to be Albertans. The Calgary indie rock band lead by the smart and funky vocals of Dan Vacon helped the growing Whyte ave crowd forget about the pending rain clouds. The Dudes, who sounded more like a headliner on the verge of breaking out onto the big stage than a precursor to the main act, presented an attractive array of guitar licks and poignant well-timed lyrics.
The evening was punctuated by the masterfully chaotic Gooble Gooble, and their synthesizing dance beats that had the SOS crowd happy to be on their feet. The local Edmonton product has a strong and loyal following which was evident within minutes of them taking the stage. This was the first time I’ve had the privilege of seeing them play and I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly they were able to whip the crowd into a dancing lather.
It was great to see Edmontonians young and old sharing in good music, and showing solidarity in their community. Festivals like this belong in Edmonton and are driven by well-knit social community. SOS Music Festival was a perfect example of a great Edmonton activity that was made possible by support from sponsors and volunteers. Even with the ominous cloud cover you truly couldn’t beat the streets.
Blog Entry by: Emmanuel Idonije
Follow Emmanuel on Twitter: @eidonije
