I gave a pre-NXNE warning on AUX TV as to what to do to prepare for the weeklong festival but now that it’s all said and done, here are some after-the-fact lessons learned from this year’s festivities.
Taste of Italy: A friend and foe of NXNE
If the Mod Club, Sneaky Dee’s, or Whippersnapper Gallery were on your to-do list last week you would’ve noticed a little street closing action on College Street, otherwise known as the annual Taste of Italy street festival. First reaction: FUCK. Second reaction: What is that I smell? Sure, it made traveling along College a bit of a pain, especially if you were on bike, car or public transportation (walking didn’t defer NXNE-ers as much) but think about it: you probably forgot to grab dinner. Well there was your chance! In between sets, it was a perfect on-the-go snack. So Taste of Italy – fuck you and thank you very much. I look forward to seeing you again next year, kind of.
MMVAs: definitely a foe. A very young, Bieber-obsessed foe.
I was on my way home on Sunday when my friend suggested we walk along Queen Street – headquarters of the MuchMusic Video Awards – so I said yes (because I am clearly stupid). As a result, I was called a bitch by crazy Miley Cyrus/Justin Bieber fans as I pushed my way through the crowd of screaming fans with my gazillion bags. Of course I’m a bitch but at least I’m a sane one that doesn’t have Bieber painted across my face, holding up a glittery sign that says “HAVE MY BABIES”. Also, fuck you for making transportation such a pain in the ass on Saturday.
Heatstrokes and sunburns aren’t so cute when trying to attract the indie boys and girls.
Yonge-Dundas Square was undoubtedly one of the hot spots this year at NXNE…literally. Having spent my entire day there on Saturday, ten minutes into the Soft Pack’s set I began to sweat uncontrollably. For fear of sunburns, heatstrokes or god forbid, a cute boy I liked seeing me drenched in not-so-sexy sweat, ducking into the Eaton Centre or Toronto Life Centre became an hourly pit stop for cooling off, smoothies and a general escape from the madness. Oh, and that cute boy – don’t think he noticed the sweat…
Bring a flashlight?
You never know when an act of God will cause a sudden power outage at the Horseshoe and Rivoli and you’ll randomly need to take out your flashlight to see your way out of the dark dingy corners of the bar (or steal a beer or two on your way out? I do not condone theft…at least not here on this blog).
Bring your phone charger with you.
Waiting to hear from ‘sources’ about the secret guest at the El Mocambo or Bovine Sex Club? Oh, don’t worry he/she will text me the guests in a few min…NO, MY PHONE! THE BATTERY’S DEAD! AH! Bring your charger. It’s an extra item to pack but it’s probably going to be one of the most valuable. Find an outlet to charge even if it’s a couple of minutes during a coffee break or quick dinner with friends. You need your phone for everything from checking Twitter and Facebook to finding friends in crowds, or even in my case offering up free fries in the middle of the night to hungry NXNE-ers. (Someone actually did run over immediately after receiving that text so yes, that actually works)
Zero dollars, handfuls of beer and burgers.
Although I missed out on all the daytime BBQ action this year, many others I knew fully took advantage of these sunny get-togethers at various rooftops and other locations for some free music and more importantly free food. I am staring at my paid food in disgust right now and every time I take out a bill for a beer, a little part of me dies.
Comfortable shoes.
A given. But also, sandals aren’t smart. Unless you like your feet covered in beer or being stomped over countless times. In which case, why didn’t you just go barefoot?
Travel in groups.
Saves you on the cab fare. And they’re especially a great ally if you suck with directions and/or are not from Toronto.
Travel alone.
You don’t have to constantly worry about another person and how slow they walk. You need to get to that show, damnit – stop window shopping! No, we don’t have time for street meat! No, that’s not a little lost puppy about to get hit by a car! Let’s go!! That puppy will survive!!!
Keep an open mind.
Some of my favourite shows this year ended up being ones I didn’t expect to like/care about. This just teaches you to approach festivals with an open mind. You never know when you’ll see your new favourite band!
