This was my first time at Osheaga, and I can not praise the festival enough for all the work they do to make this event a great success. And what a stellar time it was! Beyond the Lennon glasses and flower wreaths Parc Jean-Drapeau was filled with love peace and all things music last weekend. So you can understand how difficult it was for me to leave a place that makes you feel like a child again, where you spend the days drinking, eating delicious Montreal foods and enjoying music everywhere! If you ever pondered on going to Osheaga, stop thinking, and buy your ticket today!

Best of the Best Osheaga 2016!

I am not going to lie, picking out acts to see out of great line-up at Osheaga 2016 was not an easy task. So with a schedule of my faves in hand and a dancing spirit by my side, I swam through the sea of people to see the best of the best. Here is the low down.

Oh Wonder

This terrific duo from across the pond killed the Scéne de la Valèe stage on Friday afternoon. Josephine's effortless voice and an incredible stage comfort level of the entire act were the perfect ingredients for a crisp and fun performance. Oh Wonder played their debut album "Oh Wonder" almost entirely, winning the audience over with fan favorites like "Without you", "Landslide" "All we do" and "Lose it".

Beirut

This baroque pop band was a perfect gem to adorn the main stage on late Friday afternoon. Their upbeat and fun combo of folk motives from around the world added to the vibe of the festival filled with people from all over. Beirut sounds great in a festival setting and had people dancing all around.

Half Moon Run

I can only imagine how amazing Half Moon Run was feeling playing their home town at Osheaga. Actually, I don't have to imagine, as I could see the happiness on their faces permeating through the entire performance, so proud of them! Although their style is much more effective in a small intimate setting rather than a huge festival stage, they delivered a stellar show. I must also mention Connor Molander's harmonica game, which definitely makes “Devil May Care” a staple for their live performances. Half Moon Run played hits from both "Dark Eyes" and "Sun Leads me On" culminating the act with a perfect ending - "Full Circle".

The Lumineers

The Lumineers definitely got the crowd going in the right direction. The instrumental sharpness of their performance was a refreshing break from the digitally saturated day. As, always, this trio delivered a great show in all of their indie-rock glory.

Chili peppers

Of course Chili Peppers were the main treat of Day1 at Osheaga. And I'm happy to announce that they lived up to our expectations. The stage set up alone was the most impressive out of all three days. With a killer stage presence its no surprise that Chilis turned the party up at the end of the night. The song line-up bounced between "The Gateway" and old time favorites, like "Californication", "Cant Stop", "Scar Tissue", "Dani California", "Otherside", "Give it Away". They kept the music going between the songs with solos so we got to see Flea, John and Chad rip it on their instruments. It was also an experience singing along to their songs with an entire field of people. Great show!

July Talk

Right smack in the middle of Saturday afternoon Osheaga unleashed the beast of July Talk. What a performance? Ive seen them twice live and this was the best set up for them. This band is meant to play huge festivals. Their energy and the amazing theatrics of the lead duo were perfect for Osheaga. They played many of the hits from their self titled debut album and teased the audience with a few new tracks from their new album "Touch". I'm stocked to hear new stuff from them coming in 2016!

The Arcs

The Arcs showed up to Osheaga with only one intent, to set the bar of musical performance that much higher for the rest of the weekend! Their unbelievable comfort level on the stage exuded confidence and love of their craft. Dan Auerbach destroyed the stage with his solos and the addition of the mariachi band were a perfect pick. I shall crown this my personal favorite of the weekend!

Daughter

Elena Tonra and her buds brought their A-game to Osheaga. Playing songs from both of their albums they kept the heart beat of the festival going. Offering a more laid back experience Daughter was a refreshing experience on Saturday afternoon.

The Cat Empire

This Australian ska act brought the dance back to the festival. Their Latin, reggae groove got both stages dancing! Amazing instruments add to the vibrancy of their sound. Their set was all about the entertainment vibes and having a good time. So they fit right into the “love and peace” atmosphere of Osheaga.

Leon Bridges

This Texan sure knows how to gather the crowd! His gospel inspired act sounded clean and made for a great grove. His 60’s soul style is perfectly balanced with a modern twist. Plus seeing him perform in authentic vintage clothing is a bonus! The crowd loved his style and stage presence, he rocked it!

The Strumbellas

I don’t even know where to begin when it comes to The Strumbellas. For starters they were so good at the during the day that I had to go see them again at the after-party at night! And both shows were so awesome its difficult to pick the one to talk about. Well, I do happen to have a favorite so that makes it easy. They performed at the Corona Theater for one of he official after-parties. This intimate setting worked just as well for them as a huge festival crowd.

Again and again, The Strumbellas showed unbelievable mastery of their craft. The lucky six performed with ease, comfort and familiarity of old friends! Regular jokes from the lead vocalist Simon Ward, kept the crowd entertained throughout the show. And DAVE is definitely a crowd fave. Overall, fantastic act on both stages at Osheaga and Corona Theater! Awesome stuff guys!

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