::Special Note From Noah Bick::

I've come back from Hillside feeling refreshed, as well as inspired. While the 27th edition of the festival in Guelph Ontario showcased some Canadian acts that were fun to watch(Pat Jordache, BRAIDS, Gobble Gobble etc,) the real treat at hillside was the vibe.

Since I started at pop four years ago, I've heard countless stories about the magic of "Happy Hillside," and now I get it. So f@#$&?% green. So many friendly volunteers and coordinators. Interesting programming. I think too many organizations are fronting when they claim to be "green." Hillside is different, free of obnoxious banners and bottles of plastic water, it instead turns its focus to fostering a real feeling of community as it promotes a healthy and happy festival environment.

Highlight: Right before their set on the Pop Montreal stage, Pat Jordache invited the guitarist from Etran Finatawa, a Nigerien band [that's from Niger not Nigeria], to join them on stage. Jeeeeezzzzzz... Video below...