Hey out there,
The first annual Lysten Music Festival has come and gone, but I assure you, the memories will remain! A successful first run of the festival was held at the end of September and we saw some incredible talent hit the stage. We kicked it off with Toronto’s Bravestation Saturday morning (with their Mom’s and supporters dancing in the stands, so cute!); a complete rock’n'roll showcase by Die Mannquin Saturday night (which you can view on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKgkMXuVwTY); we were treated to the atmospheric instrumentals of My Dad vs Yours; and a total blow your mind set by The Sadies Sunday night followed by local heros Hollerado to close the festival down. There was such a wide variety of talent. I can honestly say every band was absolutely solid and exciting. To think that Canada has so much homegrown talent, it’s mind boggling.
I was lucky enough to have backstage access to the bands (yes, I know, that’s amazing and this is my chance to brag about it 
), so I had a chance to chill out and chat with many of them. I can say this, these musicians live and breathe the rock’n'roll lifestyle. Literally, bands were rolling out of their vans, in the midst of or concluding tours. It was so amazing to talk to them. No, they don’t make a lot of money at it, but their passion and dedication to the music is admirable. There were also some cool exchanges between up-and-comers and seasoned professionals. I am proud to say I had a hand in delivering a demo by The Woody Allens straight into the hands of The Sadies. I also had the chance to chat with the all-girl band Apocolypstic. The girls recently bought a house together in Ottawa so they can literally live, breathe and write music 24-7. They also said they’re going to start a show on YouTube about their lives, so keep an eye out for that! Local rockers The Weeds were a common fixture on the festival grounds. They opened up the festival Friday night with a launch party at the stadium (in an awesome bar overlooking the stadium!) and played a sweet show Saturday afternoon. They said it was their first time on a huge, professional stage, but it suited them well! The Weeds were right at home and I think they should get used to that feeling. they have a forthcoming album, hopefully in the next 6-8 months, so keep posted on that release through their website http://www.theweeds.ca/fr_intro.cfm.
A lot of hype for the festival was based upon the fact that it was held at a baseball stadium. I am now convinced that there is not a more suitable venue available for an event like this. Every band I talked to was totally digging it. There was shelter inside the stadium when it was rainy, food, stadium seating, suites for the bands overlooking the site, vendors on the field. It was amazing! With the stage and tents set up on the field, it completely transformed the space into party central. Seriously, you need to put a reminder in your calendar for next September to come out and see, hear and experience.
Given my insiders perspective on the whole festival, I will tell you that plans are in the works for Lysten Festival 2011. Be tuned into lysten.ca over the year and keep in touch with us. Let us know if you were in the crowds that weekend, let us know who you would like to hear. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 
Here are a few pictures, with more to come at a later date!
