One of the most mega festivals in North America is happening July 6-18 in Ottawa and you absolutely have to go see at least one night of it! BLUESFEST is a mash-up of all that is music - blues, rock, metal, country, alternative, intergalactic pop - and it's even added a comedy stage to the line-up this year. I know musicphiles from Toronto that actually take a week off work, buy a festival pass, and basically spend their vacation sitting in front of music stages, eating poutine, and drinking draft beer. People - can it get any better than that?
So for all of you who know you want to go to Bluesfests for at least one night, but you're not sure what to see because the line-ups are overwhelming (I'll admit, there is a lot to choose from!!), here is a list of what I recommend you see, based on the style of music you like.
Note: times and venues could change so consult the website Bluesfest for the final progam.
Heavy Metal Madness, Tues., July 6th
- Iron Maiden - this doesn't even require an explanation, 9:pm
- Faber Drive - JUNO-nominated, smooth radio-friendly rock, 9:15
- Loudlove - funky, groovy, guitar driven rock, 8:pm
- Lights - JUNO award winning, super cute, super awesome girl-pop, that will give a nice break from the metal, 8:pm (highly recommended)
- Dream Theatre - contemporary heavy metal with great vocals! 6:45 pm
Throw-back to old school Thriday, July 8th
- The B-52s - love shack baby, 9:15
- The Bacon Brothers - six-degrees of separation is the only thing that's keeping you from rockin' with Kevin Bacon and bro, 7:pm (highly recommended)
- Opensouls - a complete throw-back to r&b from the 60s with strong female vocal, 9:pm
- The Moody Blues - a la Nights in White Satin, 8:pm
- Great Lake Swimmers - folk, alt-country Canadian band, super-duper laid back performances, 7:30pm
- Lindsey Ferguson - beautiful, alt-rock/country local singer/songwriter, 6:pm (highly recommended)
Chicks that R-O-C-K, Friday, July 9
(all of these acts are highly recommended - this could be the perfect evening!)
- Joan Jett & The Black Hearts - only the coolest rock chick ever!!! 9:30pm
- Hole - you've got to see the raw Courtney Love in person, it's a once in a lifetime experience, 8:pm
- Lindsey Ferguson - beautiful, alt-rock/country local singer/songwriter, 6:pm (highly recommended)
- Phantogram - electro-pop with nice loops and sweet vocals, 7:15pm
Rock Icons meet New Blood, Sun., July 11
- Levon Helm - rock icon, Levon takes his passion from years as the drummer/singer/songerwriter for The Band and channels it into his new album of country-fied workin' man songs, 9:pm (highly recommended)
- RUSH- go see this show and stand where you can actually hear the lyrics and be amazed at just how nerdy these guys really are (I mean that in the best possible way!!), 8:pm
- Charley Winston - simply put, the guy looks cool, acts cool, and has the whole world in his hands, 7:15pm
One Man Band, Mon, July 12th on York St. Stage in the Market
- City and Colour - one of the most beautiful male vocals I've ever heard...he's such a softy behind all those tattoos and his role in screamo band Alexisonfire, 8:30pm (highly recommended - go just to see him and have a fun evening in the Market)
Dance Party! Thriday, July 15
- Crowded House (Autralia/NZ) - I guarantee you don't even realize how many of their songs that you know - you will love this live show (highly recommended) 9:30pm
- Konono #1 (Africa)- musicians from the Congo and Angola regions, style described as Bazombo trance music - definately worth experiencing, 9:30pm
- Matthew Good Band (Canada) - go to this show and be reminded of their many hits off their 13-albums, like Hello Time Bomb, Everything is Automatic... 8:15 (highly recommended)
- Woodhand - A synth and drum duo with danceable beats and a big sound - a must see if you want to shake your booty, 6:30pm
For the love of Country - Sat., July 17
- Keith Urban - an amazingly talented guitar player and super-polished country singer, who is a fantastic songwriter and Grammy award winner, which gives him serious street cred. If you don't know his songs, you need to learn them. 9:30 (highly recommended)
- Kevin Costner & Modern West - I'm not sure what to say about this...but I'm curious enough that I think I need to see it with my own eyes, 8:pm
- Tye Tribbet - High-energy gospal show that will blow your socks off! 9:pm
- Note: there's live music playing all day so go early and just bounce around from stage to stage.
Where: Lebreton Flats, plus the Pop Art stage on York St. in the Market
Cost: single tickets range from $40-$60 and festival passports range from $140-$255
Rating: medium (tickets can get pricey but it's worth it to see so many acts all at once, and the venue is excellent when rated on food, space, vendors, access to washrooms)
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