Not-to-be-missed performances at the annual Phillips Backyard Weekender

From July 7^th to 9^th in Victoria, BC, festival-goers are going to be in their hay-day. With twenty different artists, a myriad of genres, and headliners Common Kings, Cake, and Current Swell, the Phillips Backyard Weekeder is a summer festival that checks all the boxes. Outdoor venue? Check. Perfect weather? Check. Alcohol and food vendors? Double-check. But back to the music:

Common Kings

With reggae and island influences, Common Kings is a band that taps into the heart of what’s locally known as “Canada’s Hawaii”. With their untrained raw talent, belting notes, and culmination of influences like The Who, Michael Jackson, and Bob Marley, Common Kings are the epitome of festival-worthy music—and it shows.

Cake

Country, Mariachi, hip-hop, Iranian folk music—they couldn’t possibly blend together to create a toe-tapping alternative sound, right? Wrong. Fan-favourite Cake rocks the second day of Phillips, their trademark sarcastic lyrics, droll vocals, and prominent trumpet lines all mixing together to create an outrageously fun, unique experience.

Current Swell

Topping off the last day is the Victoria born-and-raised Current Swell. A rock-indie band from the west coast, Current Swell sold out the very first show they performed and show no signs of stopping—with locals who are bound to go crazy to see their own owning the stage, the “surf rock” band is undoubtedly going to be one of the highlights of an already phenomenal festival.