Since the demise of the Virgin Festival in Toronto back in 2009 which last took place at the Molson Ampitheatre for two days (and in previous years at Toronto Islands),Toronto's been sorely lacking a multi-day music festival along the lines of Osheaga in Montreal, the Ottawa Bluesfest or Lollapalooza in Chicago. And while the mysterious announcement of the upcoming Toronto Urban Roots Festival (TURF) only promises 30+ bands over 4 nights, 2 full days, on 2 outdoor stages and two clubs, the initial lineup is tempting - Belle and Sebastian, Neko Case, She & Him, Camera Obscura, Joel Plaskett Emergency, Flogging Molly, The Hold Steady, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Justin Townes Earle, and The Lowest Of The Low. The festival takes place from July 4 to 7 with the main venue to be Fort York Garrison Common. Far from the scope of an Osheaga or Lollapalooza but I will say TURF is definitely something I still can get excited about. Earlybird 4-day/multi-night tickets ($99.50), single day tickets ($39.50 & $49.50), and VIP tickets ($139.50 and $149.50) go on sale in mid-March and the full artist lineup is schedule to be revealed in late March to early April.
