So first impressions are always a good indicator. The venue entrance was the same as the Molson Ampitheatre, so I was quite familiar with the security, ticket scanners, etc. I did notice that for a venue of 5,000, they seemed to have a similar amount of security that would be used for the ampitheatre. Maybe overkill? My perception might have been off anyways about it. So let's talk about the dynamics of the venue. Here is a map of the place if you are like me and have not attended this fine place yet.
(Map courtesy of TD Music)
The Layout
Overall, the layout was pretty decent when compared to similar outdoor venues. One of the first things I noticed when entering was the amount of places to view the stage. From the front entrance, to the front of the stage, and everything in between was a visible area. The VIPs were [respectively] on either side of the stage, towards the front. The main area, which is all sand, can easily hold a few thousand people. There was also plenty of room along the sides of the venues where picnic tables were set up, as well as a hill for fans to sit and enjoy the show.
The Stage
The stage was set up towards the back of the venue, right next to the water. One thing I noticed that was a nice bonus was the see through mesh for the stage, and for the sound booth. While the stage isn't as large as its sister site (Molson Amp), but it still boasted enough room for a five piece group to easily maneuver around. Going back to the mesh, it really made a difference for fans who were caught behind the sound booth for viewing, as well as a beautiful skyline of Toronto in the background.
The Food
The food was pretty decent. While both the food and drink still cost an arm and a leg, at least there were a few more choices besides the usual pizza and french fries. Various food trucks with a variety of cuisine (such as gourmet hot dogs, seafood, salads, etc) made for a better (and more fresh) selection for concert go-ers. The trucks were all lined up towards the back of the venue so you could actually hear the orders and not have to shout over the music.
The Drink
Well, despite the usual problem with venue beer (aka Coors, Molson, MGD, etc), it was your average drink selection. While there was about 5+ different spots to purchase alcohol from (and a few beer vendors in the crowd) I was fortunate enough to find [what seemed to be] the only area serving imported beer; and by that, I mean either Stiegl, or Junction Craft Brewery. For the extra $1.50, it was well worth the price. Now all they need to fix is the $11.50 for the beer overall!
Bonus points to Echo Beach for having an ADVERTISED water refill station. Not sure if it was due to a large heatwave affecting Toronto, but security allowed for fans to bring one plastic bottle of water into the venue for refill. I must say this was a nice touch to promote free water, unlike many other venues I have been to in the past.
(Photo courtesy of TD Music)
Portable washrooms can be hit and miss. On the plus side, they are mobile, can be replaced, and cleaned rather easy. You can add and remove washrooms based on demand of venue, and might be cheaper in the short/long run for venues. While I have had my fair share of shitty washrooms (all puns intended), the washrooms at Echo Beach were (for the most part) clean. The nauseous fumes were not present, the necessary amenities were filled on the regular basis, there was actually hand sanitizer, and even some hand washing stations. In a place where 5,000+ people are sharing germs and sicknesses, it's reassuring that they kept on top of the washroom cleanliness.
The Sound
Outdoor venues are hit and miss. And even by that notion, the sound techs are hit and miss as well. So you have two variables such as weather conditions, and the reliance of the sound tech to ensure the show sound goes as planned. The evening that we attended Echo Beach (Killswitch Engage/Rise Against), the sound was rather enjoyable. Both bands performed great, and really capped off a great first experience of Echo Beach.
Overall
I would have to put this as a top venue in Toronto (weather pending). While it did not necessarily make my all -time lost for sound quality, I felt the different aspects of the beach that I mentioned in this article made for a great experience. No the question is...when will I get to be there again?!
Sounds like a nice outdoor venue, however having the usual over-the-top security and high priced drinks (and food) bring it down to just another over-controlled Toronto/Ontario venue that has a nice lake breeze. It was very nice of security to allow you to bring in one water bottle though!
ReplyDeleteTrue that. I believe the security stems from a bigger provincial problem here. I am under the impression that a certain amount of security has to be in the venue for insurance purposes. But then again, one could argue that Live Nation venues have perceived higher security than other Toronto venues.
ReplyDeleteAs for the booze, that's a major cash crop that companies are not willing to budge on. Some venues and festival use it as a cash flow for follow up dates, but a company such as Live Nation doesn't necessarily require that cash flow. I remember in Rockfest a sign that read "for every beer your purchase at Rockfest, those funds go directly towards next year's festival". Keep in mind that beer was only $5 but still worth mentioning.
perhaps I digress but you hit a nerve with your comment.
ReplyDeleteunfortunately, in my opinion, phrases like ‘insurance reasons’ or ‘safety reasons’ have simply become the ‘catch-phrase of the day’ due to their seemingly generalized use to justify the agenda of the person/group/organization/government etc. using it.
being employed in a corporate environment, I hear those types of phrase all the time, often to justify some management decision to control something else or for someone to hit their performance objectives…“I encouraged a safety culture here at head office, now give me my bonus”
next time someone says ‘safety reasons’ to you, ask them to state exactly what those reasons are and then decide for yourself (based on your risk tolerance and evidence) if that in fact is the case or just another example of do as you are told. my guess is that more often than not, it’s the latter.
and I’m done…thanks for the sounding board.