I've had my first two days back in the real world after my magic weekend at the Hillside Festival in Guelph. I have gone back to my Research Assistant work, answered neglected e-mails, and grocery shopped. The real world  is boring. So, let’s get nostalgic for things that happened mere days ago as I experience festival withdrawal and take you through the best three days of the summer.

DAY 1

After stuffing myself with sushi, setting up camp and getting onto the island, my Hillside experience began with the pleasant surprise of Beardyman. This was a UK musician who knew how to work his vocal loops and beats. Within minutes he had a crowd dancing front and center, sweat drip-dropping off of them under the afternoon sun while the rest of the crowd eased themselves into their own festival vibe. Dubbed by the BBC as “king of sound and ruler of beats”, Beardyman was a fantastic start to the weekend. Find downloads and more at: http://www.myspace.com/beardyman

After that exciting start to my first Hillside experience, the Radio Laurier gang – the one and only Ms. Judith Brunton, your favorite UK enthusiast, Ms. Anne T. Donahue, and the never-forgotten tech pal, Mr. Sam Robinson – all wandered over to the lighting of the Sacred Fire. This quiet, tucked away aboriginal ritual was a lovely reminder that festival-going has roots in tradition and spiritual connection with the beautiful scenery surrounding us.

Next up was a performance by Laura Marling, a mysterious songstress I had not heard of until browsing the festival schedule. Thanks to the well-informed Anne Donahue, we caught her enchanting set, which included songs from her newest album I Speak Because I Can as well as 2008’s Alas I Cannot Swim. I was instantly won over by Marling's bright voice and sincere lyrics, not to mention her charming stage presence. ''Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)" was a particularly beautiful moment - the near tears kind. This was a real gem of a performance, one of my favorites of the festival, and I intend on following Ms. Marling’s career as she is sure to burst out of the UK folk scene at any moment. Take a listen to this songbird at: http://www.lauramarling.com/

As Marling let her last songs float over the audience, the crowd began to gather in anticipation for Canadian indie darlings The Hidden Cameras. With their vacillating numbers, I was impressed by the cohesion the mega-group maintained throughout their set of quirky pop-folk tunes. Surprise guest appearances were made by the one and only Gentleman Reg (Reg Vermue), who has appeared on several THC albums, as well as the lovely Basia Bulat. What a treat to see the familial qualities of the Canadian indie scene in action! Get in on the fam jam yourself by paying them a visit on the internet (they've been missing you!): http://www.myspace.com/thehiddencams

Up next was a bit of stage hopping which landed us at Vancouver-based Brasstronaut. A night of pleasant discoveries continued as the band fed the hyped up audience songs like they were jazzy pop rocks. Brasstronaut had the Island Stage jam packed, and their set went down sweet as could be. If you were left foaming at the mouth or need to get your first fix of their tunes, go here:  http://www.myspace.com/brasstronaut

All in all, a radical evening of new music and pals! Thus, Friday night came to a close for the Radio Laurier gang - but not before a midnight dip in the lake!