Sept. 15 – Last weekend, Jojo and I had the pleasure of attending Gussapolooza 2024, up in Cookstown. It was a weekend packed with fantastic, varied, and talented bands, who each brought their A-game to the stage. As I prepare our review of the festival, I want to reflect on what was a life-changing experience for me and a transformative weekend for Blast Toronto.

At the start of the summer, Jojo brought up Gussapolooza. He’d been in contact with the organizers and asked if I’d join him for the weekend to cover it for Blast, and help table a booth at their “creator convention.”

Despite being passionate about music since middle school, I’d never actually been to a festival before. There was always something in the way—usually the cost, or my apprehension about the camping aspect. I have chronic sleep issues, and even though I knew the experience would be incredible, I feared an inability to adapt to a tent would get in the way.

With no excuse about the cost, I decided now was finally the time. I wouldn’t have to buy a tent or sleeping bag, nor my ticket. It would be my first time camping in a tent since I was a toddler, and I had no idea what to expect. But what I found was a weekend of discovery. Our neighbours had a service dog named Harley, who became a uniquely special part of my weekend. Interacting with him was a grounding experience that helped me through some of the festival’s more stressful moments.

My experience taught me that Gussapolooza, and perhaps the spirit (or if you’re cynical, “the point”) of music festivals, is about more than just music; it’s about the people and the creation of a community, if only for an ephemeral few days, once a year. We made so many connections with fellow music lovers and musicians, and it felt rewarding to meet so many people who share our goal of building up the music scene in the GTA and Southern Ontario.

I met so many folks from all walks of life, each with their own story and connection to music. From fellow festival-goers to the artists themselves, there was an incredible sense of support for the arts and the creativity of musicians. The impact will be lasting, too. I’d long been wanting to make my Spotify algorithm more unique and supportive of a more personal, local, community. Luckily, I discovered several new bands and musicians whose music has already found homes on my various playlists.

Weren’t able to make it yourself? Or do you just want to relive the weekend? Check out our highlight reel on Instagram, and keep an eye out for my upcoming review of the festival. I’ll dive into the performances, vibe, and all the details that made Gussapolooza 2024 an unforgettable experience.

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