EYES & EDGE

Photos & Words By: Marina Choy

With Rifflandia’s 11th trip around the sun, this rainy weekend proved to be yet again a fun, family occasion. Headliners ranged from Daniel Caesar to Current Swell to Jessie Reyez and Adventure Club. It was a weekend full of dancing, poutine and, of course, a little rain.

Blitzen Trapper, a Portland band, made a special appearance at Rifflandia on Day 1 of the festival. They brought kids and adults alike over to the Rifftop Tent for a great start to the festival.

SonReal got the audience hyped with oldies but goodies, singing his own classics but with newer twists on the lyrics. The audience was one, waving their hands back and forth and singing along. SonReal also dedicated a song to the late Mac Miller.

Daniel Caesar headlined Rifflandia Day 1 and brought all the feels. He performed a great show with three backup singers and an encore.

Day 2 brought artists such as Andy Shauf, Bishop Briggs, Bülow and Jessie Reyez out.

Andy Shauf serenaded the audience with his calming voice.

Bishop Briggs commanded attention main stage. Even with our previous knowledge of Briggs’ music, we were pleasantly surprised with her performance. We highly recommend seeing her live as her presence, energy and powerful voice exceeded our expectations.

Jessie Reyez’s show started with mysterious, silhouetted light that exponentially grew into a powerful show. Her performance was sassy and full of talent. She talked about her experiences coming up in the industry and gave advice to the audience that had everyone with hands in the air and spirits high.

Finally Day 3 of Rifflandia closed off with talents such as LIGHTS and Current Swell. Current Swell, a Victoria favorite and local band, ended the festival with sing-alongs like ‘Woman in White’ and brought on friends. Jesse Roper was the first guest performer, laying down guitar solos and lots of energy. Many other friends joined, including Dougal McLean, the Monarch Trio, and Jon and Roy.

Overall, this weekend of dancing, bubble chasing and poutine eating was a proper send off to summer and the 11th year of Rifflandia.