Supercrawl 2016 preview
Hamilton's premier arts festival kicks off on Sept. 9, and we've got a breakdown of the best eats and beats.
WHO TO SEE
- Junior Boys
Hamilton’s very own Junior Boys (Jeremy Greenspan and Matt Didemus) made a big return to the music scene this year with Big Black Coat, their first album in nearly five years. At heart an electro-pop duo who boasts techno influences and soul pop roots, their set will feature fantastic tracks both old and new and is definitely not one to miss. (At some point, be sure to go grab a drink at The Brain where you might be able to spot Jeremy behind the bar.)
Catch Junior Boys on September 11, 2016 at 5:45 PM at the Exclaim!/K-Lite FM Stage (James St. N. & Murray St.)
- Emay
Supercrawl has really upped their game this year by booking a more diverse group of artists to play at the festival, one of which is Montreal-born music producer and hip-hop emcee Mubarak Adams, a.k.a. Emay. A talented rapper by trade, Emay has also collaborated with many artists both in and outside of his genre. Regardless what project he’s working on, Emay is able to convey potent statements in his music and always has something worthwhile to say to his audiences.
Catch Emay on September 9, 2016 at 4:00 PM at Mulberry Coffeehouse (James St. N. & Mulberry St.) and on September 10, 2016 at 3:00 PM at the Exclaim!/K-Lite FM Stage (James St. N. & Murray St.)
- Four Tet
Kieran Hebden, a.k.a. Four Tet, is one of my personal favourites and is certainly on my list of artists I do not want to miss this Supercrawl. He is one of the most creative talents in the world of electronic music, producing tracks that transports you to another sonic universe that immerse you in the soft-glow of warm rhythms and beats.
Catch Four Tet on September 10, 2016 at 11:00 PM at the Exclaim!/K-Lite FM Stage (James St. N. & Murray St.)
- Born Ruffians
As a long-time fan, Born Ruffians is perhaps one of the most highly anticipated bands this Supercrawl. Comprised of Luke Lalonde, Mitch Derosier, Andy Lloyd and Adam Hindle, this Canadian indie-rock outfit has catapulted to indie stardom since their inception in 2004. Touring all over the world with bands and musicians including Caribou, Tokyo Police Club and Franz Ferdinand. These boys have established a massive fan base who will surely be supporting their show this Saturday. If you want a taste of what this band has to offer, give a listen to Needles or 6-5000.
Catch Born Ruffians on September 10, 2016 at 7:15 PM at the Hamilton International Airport Stage (James St. N. & King)
WHERE TO EAT
- Buster’s Sea Cove
A staple at Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market, Buster’s Sea Cove offers a menu that boasts flavourful seafood dishes prepared with unparalleled expertise and delightful freshness. Simplicity is a core ideal for the chefs at Buster’s Sea Cove, so Toronto’s first seafood food truck will be offering a menu of tacos and rolls at Supercrawl this year. Be sure to check out their Ensenada-style fish tacos and crab rolls.
- Meatventures Meat Wagon
Meat-loving Supercrawl attendees rejoice! Meatventures Meat Wagon is a Hamilton-based food truck that specializes in house-cured, hardwood smoked meat dishes inspired by local and global flavours and cuisines. Expect a ton of flavourful meat treats at this spot including items such as house-cured bacon crème brûlée, parmesan fries and other goods drenched in bacon fat!
- Eva’s Original Chimneys
Remember those donut-looking ice cream cones you’ve been seeing all over Instagram? If you’ve been meaning to try them out, you’re in luck! Eva’s Original Chimney’s offers freshly baked unique, bread-like Hungarian pastries named Chimney Cakes which are named after their hollow, cylindrical shape. With a satisfying crunch on the outside and a delectable, light and fluffy dough on the inside, you can make these pastries even better by filling them with soft-serve ice cream and toppings of your choice. You’ll be seeing me in line.
- Chocochurros
No festival can be complete without churros. Founded in the early 1990’s by Claudia Rodriguez and her husband Leonardo, Chocochurros has since become a sensation on the streets of New York City and beyond. Take a walk through James Street with some churros filled with dulce de leche, drizzled with your choice of topping to enhance your Supercrawl experience.
- FSH & CHP/ HAMBRGR
Having arrived onto the flourishing Hamilton food scene earlier this year, FSH & CHP and HAMBRGR are two restaurants that serve different types of food with the same top-notch quality. Located right beside The Baltimore House, where many events during Supercrawl will be taking place, both restaurants are great options if you decide to comfortably dine-in one night instead of grab-and-go from food trucks.
As the name suggests, FSH & CHP offers fish and chips among a variety of other delicious seafood dishes, including brie and lobster fondue, crispy shrimp po’boy, lobster mac & cheese and a variety of mussel pots. If you want to grab a brew with something hearty, HAMBRGR offers a vast array of gourmet burgers such as the #HAMONT which includes a double patty, grilled onions, American cheese, mustard glazed bacon, “Brgr” sauce and iceberg lettuce.
WHAT NOT TO MISS
- Circus Orange
If you want to catch a spectacle this Supercrawl, Circus Orange will give you one. Circus Orange is a live action performance company that toys with pyrotechnics, special effects and stunts. A group of talented performers will be artfully integrating dance, acting, circus and aerial arts with lots of fire, sparks and special effects. I know – this sounds awesome, so be sure not to miss it.
Catch Circus Orange on September 10, 2016 at 9:30 PM at the Circle Orange Spectacle Zone (York Blvd & James St. N.)
