Some ideal ‘field trips’

Field Trip returns to Fort York this weekend for the sixth year in a row, riding high after its most successful outing yet in 2017 with a boffo lineup that includes Metric, Bahamas, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Partner on the Saturday, and the reformed Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Alvvays, Japandroids and Allan Rayman on the Sunday.

The kid-friendly fest overseen by local indie label Arts & Crafts has evolved into a nicely chilledout hang, something of an unofficial start to summer for downtown Toronto music fans and, yes, an entirely likable little field trip in itself.

In that spirit, we asked a few of the performers what their ideal Toronto “field trip” would be.

Allie X

(Expat-Torontonian pop auteur in Los Angeles) “My ideal Toronto Field Trip: brunch at Saving Grace followed by a walk through Trinity Bellwoods Park. I would want to sit at the top of the bowl, where all the dogs run.

“Then I go shopping on Queen St. and go to the Lightbox for a movie. Then I catch a ferry at dusk to Toronto Island for a concert where I sing covers with my old band.”

Tyler Bersche

(Guitarist for Hamilton’s Ellevator) “We all grew up outside the city, so trips to Toronto were always exciting. We’ve been passing Medieval Times on our way into town lately and it’s made me realize I’ve never been.

“Considering I was obsessed with knights as a kid, I can’t believe I’ve missed out for so long. Going there seems power- fully nostalgic…

“After that we’d mosey up to the Burdock on Bloor West and catch a show.”

Reuben Bullock

(Frontman for Calgary folkpopsters Reuben and the Dark) “My ideal ‘field trip’ in Toronto would probably just involve a lot of eating. I love how many amazing little restaurants Toronto has. My favourite part of the city is Parkdale, so I would start there.

“A coffee from Capitol, then probably just a long walk down Queen St.

“After that it would be off to Trinity Bellwoods Park to hang in the sunshine.”

Haerts

(Coed German indie-pop duo now living in Brooklyn) “Toronto is a great walking city. We love to take walks in Little Portugal and around Queen St. W. Our favourite restaurant is Imanishi Japanese Kitchen.”

Partner

(Loud and proud New Brunswick stoners now living in Windsor) “Our ideal Toronto ‘field trip’ already happened. It happened in 2017 when we got to meet Melissa Etheridge.

“Although we only had a few precious moments together they were perfect and we can’t imagine a better time.”

Liza Anne

(Georgia-born folk-popster) “I think it would truly just be a lot of walking and vegan food. Ideally having the sweet potato dragon fries at Fresh, like, three times in a day and then cinnamon rolls from Bunners.

“I also just like people watching in the Kensington area, so I’d probably sit for a while and inevitably buy some vintage.”