Freedom Festival

So, Saturday I went to the Freedom Festival held here in Toronto. Basically the festival is a gathering of like-minded people coming together to express their rights and freedoms - And to primarily protest the marijuana laws.

Writing a blog on marijuana... the ganja... the green.. reefer... Ol' Mj... or whatever is interesting because I know it's going to spark considerably more interest than most topics. Well, hey! It is a group of around 40,000 people breaking the law together! Hell yeah!

I personally found it interesting based on the pure mass of people that came out to the event. To have that many people come out and openly break a law in such a welcoming, positive manner was really nice to see.

Both the Freedom Festival and the Marijuana March have a long track record of holding arrest free events which, too me, makes the message even stronger. That marijuana doesn't actually make people psychotic lunatics (See Reefer Madness) and that the legalization of marijuana may not be such a bad thing.

With the festival comes a whole party of things to check out. Various stages playing music of many sorts, amazing food, public speakers, and "good vibes". I can say it all makes for a damn good day.

For more information you can check out both websites.

http://www.torontofreedomfestival.com/

http://globalmarijuanamarch.ca/

Okay, now about the photos.

The Marijuana March consisted of thousands of people marching downtown Toronto openly wielding the green and various smoking devices.









A big attraction to the march was having the proclaimed "Prince Of Pot" in attendance. Marc Emery is a popular "Canadian Cannabis Advocate" who is up to be extradited to the United States. In his powerful speech he discussed the various freedoms of smoking Marijuana, the extradition and how everyone needs to help fight it, discussed outlooks on if Marijuana was actually legalized... and well... got a huge group of high people really amped up.

More on Marc Emery...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Emery

His Magazine... http://www.cannabisculture.com/v2/articles/4639.html

Him...



Yep... Look! Various people having fun...













And of coarse a bunch of amazing musicians. You can check them all out at http://www.torontofreedomfestival.com/indexMain.shtml

















Oh... FOOOOD!



Okay, as usual there's more photos from the day over at my flickr page....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dylanleeder/sets/72157623995185316/

Yep. So, thanks for checking it all out. I'd love to hear some of your feedback!

ALL IMAGES © DYLAN LEEDER. Do not use without permission. Contact@dylanleeder.com

Gentleman Husbands/Big John Bates

Not too long ago a friend told me of a band she manages and recommended I check them out at their next show. So, of coarse I did and of coarse brought my camera. They put on a solid southern rock set that I absolutely loved! Solid dudes playing some good rock and roll. I recommend you check them out.


http://www.myspace.com/gentlemenhusbands











After Gentleman Husband came a band called Big John Bates. Let's just say their set was definitely unique and provided a fun/theatrical show to the fast beats of punk/rockabilly. I'll just let the photos explain...

http://www.myspace.com/bigjohnbatesandthevoodoodollz












crazyness.

You can see more photos of these two bands sets at http://www.flickr.com/photos/dylanleeder/sets/72157623775370179/

So yeah, that's that. I'm going to be posting another post soon of more nature/scenic shots. Check it too.

Toronto International Bike Show

A few of my good friends came up to Toronto to participate in a flatland bmx competition at the Toronto Bike Show. I've posted a few photos of them previously but incase you missed it they go by the name of "Pralex", their super chill, and are always having a good time loving life. Check out their blog at pralex-pralex.blogspot.com

Due to work I only managed to be there for about an hour and half total. Lame, I know... but you have to pay the bills. hah

So, photos?

FLATLAND!







there was also a bmx competition on at the same time. Check it.











Yeeeaaahhhh.

Alright, well... that's all for now, I think.

THANKS FOR CHECKING IT OUT!

All images © Dylan Leeder. Images may only be used with permission. contact@dylanleeder.com

Amos/Hollerado/Green,Go/Magneta Lane

Ah! It's been a while since I posted last! I've been busy with working and well... Toronto in general. hah.

It seems every day I'm finding something new about this city. This summer is going to be awesome. No doubt. I'm really excited to further explore the city. I feel like every day i'm scouting for possible photo shoot locations. Now just to do them!

I've been doing a lot of editorial style photos lately and I'm definitely okay with that. I'm loving having the high ISO's that the 5d can handle. Although I'm enjoying the editorial stuff I'm definitely missing my portraits, but, I can definitely see some kind of portrait shoot coming up!

Okay, so most recently I went to a show down at the Horse Shoe in Toronto. My first time being at the venue and I definitely liked it! Although the environment was good I definitely struggled with the lighting at points.

The main reason I actually went to the show was to see one of my favorite bands, Amos The Transparent. If you haven't heard of them I strongly recommend you check them out! Their music is addictive and they've never let me down live... Oh! And their from Ottawa!!

Check 'em out here... www.myspace.com/amosthetransparent









There's more of Amos over at....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dylanleeder/sets/72157623648738716/

One of other bands, Hollerado, played and I was surprised to hear they were from Manotick! A little town just outside of Ottawa. They were a lot of fun to watch. Good genuine feel good rock.

Check them out at... http://www.myspace.com/hollerado







Green, Go also played that night. First time hearing Green, Go and I enjoyed them! Although they were good- I would have preferred to see them at a more suiting venue/crowd. Basically just a lot more dancing. Yeah, they make you want to dance.

http://www.myspace.com/greengomusic









And the first band of the night was a three piece band from Ottawa. I don't remember them too much - which was probably because I was playing with my camera settings while trying to find out how to best get the light.

An all female three piece by the name of Magneta Lane.

http://www.myspace.com/kissingiseasy








So Yeah! Again, you can see more of all four bands at my flickr set here...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dylanleeder/sets/72157623648738716/

Also! Look back in the next few days for images from another show and a Bike competition I went to recently!

THANKS!!!
- Dylan

Oh, and like always... all images © Dylan Leeder. Images may only be used with permission. E-mail contact@dylanleeder.com