It’s all Happening, Part 2: NXNE 2013
(update: This will be the hardest year but it could also be the most glorious. More on that soon.)
I remember when I applied to be a volunteer for North By North East in 2011. I wasn’t sure I was going to be accepted. I had successfully managed the stage at two Canadian Music Festival venues in a row at that point and I was feeling pretty confident but I somehow had the impression that it would be harder to get in. It wasn’t.
My first year, I was assigned to manage the stage at what is now known as The Sister1. It went pretty smoothly. I was still living in the Humewood/Cedarvale area and cycling everywhere. I was in heaven. Last year, I got to manage the Ballroom stage at the Gladstone Hotel. There was something special about the experience that I’m not sure will ever be duplicated.
There was something about the programming, the people I got to work with, the people who came to visit me, the people I didn’t get to see because they fell ill and missed the entire festival… it all worked together somehow. I’m so very excited for this summer as I’m sure it’s going to be just as magical. The Great Hall is one of my favourite venues, and I have no doubt that I’m going to feel right at home.
My memories of NXNE started long before I became a Stage Manager for the festival. I went to my first ever show at the Horseshoe Tavern to meet the quirky and talented Steve Poltz. I went to see him in 1998, then I went back a year later to ask him to sign the photo of us from the previous year. We also hung out and had some laughs in the green room. He’s a doll and we still hang out from time to time when he’s in town. Anywho. I’ll just leave this here so you can see the line-up at The Great Hall this year.
What will you be seeing at NXNE this year?
All photos used in the above collage belong to the bands and their management. Collage credit belongs to me and my photoshop skillz. Sources:
– bengunning.com
- delbelmusic.com
- sloanmusic.com
- brazosbrazos.com
- coeurdepirate.com
- inflightsafety.com
- olenkalovers.com
- ourfounders.com
- armyoftoys.com
- mikeoneillmusic.com
- superfriendz.bandcamp.com
- wearevillagers.com
Footnotes:
- I guess they lost Mitzi
