Despite a couple of technical stumbles setting up, Halifax's Rich Aucoin did what he does best and transformed the Island Stage into a gigantic party to close out the Saturday night of Hillside. Things kicked off in pitch darkness, as opening credits that included viral video clips and shout-outs to the likes of Zeus and Badbadnotgood rolled, but it didn't take long for Aucoin to jump down into the crowd and join the fun. Whether it was directing the audience-sung backing vocals during "Brian Wilson Is A.L.I.V.E.," setting up lyrics onscreen or commanding the entire tent to kneel down and jump up in sync, Aucoin played ringleader throughout the entire show. Of course, the signature parachute was thrown over top of the masses, making for one of the most memorable (and sweatiest) moments of this year's festival. But the musical circus only ended after Aucoin climbed up one of the lighting posts and delivered perfectly anthemic closer "It" from above the crowd, leaving a sea of happy Hillsiders heading into the night covered in confetti.
To see Exclaim!'s Hillside photo gallery, head here.
To see Exclaim!'s Hillside photo gallery, head here.
