The rain and thunder that shuttered Day One of the Virgin Festival at Deer Lake Park in Burnaby this weekend -- just as The Roots were about to hit the stage -- showed no signs of another appearance on Day Two. I can't decide whether that was a good thing or bad thing, considering it was mad hot on Sunday and a rain sprinkle here or there might've been welcome (thanks to the person at Virgin who thought of the idea of giving out free mini Freezies all day).
Though I wasn't around for Day One, the main stage line-up on Day Two was pretty awesome: De La Soul, Metric, Ben Harper and the Relentless and...Sonic Youth!! Yep, I'm talking the awesome alt-rock band from New York -- it was energizing to see Kim Gordon rock out on B.C. stage. I was kind of hoping they'd do their cover of The Carpenters' "Superstar" (and I'll admit I'm a huge Carpenters fan) or their cover of Madonna's "Into The Groove" (straight off their Ciccone Youth Whitey Album side project from '88), but I was totally happy with hearing some old SY classics and newer stuff.
As usual, Emily Haines and her Metric mates killed it. Haines should seriously bottle her energy, because she'd make a millions. Not that she really needs it, but anyway! And a jamming Ben Harper made the crowd pretty happy his set, too.
For those who had Day One tickets and got rained out, stay tuned to V.I.A. for more details on The Roots doing a make-up show at a later date.
By the way, Deer Lake Park is a great outdoor show venue -- only a 25 minute drive from downtown, not a bad seat in the house, plus the lake peeks through the trees behind the stage. Nice. Till next year, Virgin Fest!
