Despite the less-than-perfect weather to kick off the festival yesterday, those willing to brave the occasional rain were treated to exceptional sets from great Canadian artists. Fingers crossed that the weather improves today, and we can enjoy what should be an epic night.
RBC STAGE
- 6:00 pm – Jaclyn Kenyon
- 7:30 pm – Warren Zeiders
- 9:30 pm – Nickelback
The main stage tonight will see a gradual shift, starting off with country newcomer Jaclyn Kenyon. The Burlington native has been in the music industry for years, and has been crafting her debut EP of modern country, with initial singles showcasing her pop sensibilities.
Moving along the country-rock spectrum, Warren Zeiders adds grittiness to his rootsy country songs, which has earned him a rapidly growing fan base, and Platinum certifications and chart-topping accolades. His explosion onto the country scene in 2022 has already established him as a star, and likely future festival headliner.
Finally, cranking the knob all the way into rock is Canada’s own Nickelback. The most successful rock band in the country’s history, they have not only weathered the criticisms over the years, but have thrived with it, releasing a documentary this year called “Hate To Love”. Ever since “How You Remind Me” dominated the airwaves in the early 2000s, they have been a mainstay on the charts, and continue to this day to rack up millions of streams and a whole new generation of fans. Given their scarce Ottawa tour stops (their last appearance at Bluesfest being over a decade ago), and reputation for putting on epic live rock shows with tons of pyro, this will be one not to be missed. Make sure that you snap a picture, so Someday, you can look at that Photograph of these Rockstars and think How You Remind Me of Those Days.
RIVER STAGE
- 6:30 pm – The Artichoke Hearts
- 8:00 pm – Mia Kelly
- 9:30 pm – Noah Cyrus
While the main bowl might get loud, the River stage just over the hill will offer festival goers a nice little reprieve with softer singer-songwriter vibes, starting with local trio The Artichoke Hearts. With an album expected to drop this fall, fans can hope to catch some new music during their set.
Continuing the local singer-songwriter trend, Mia Kelly takes over, armed with material from her award-winning Garden Through the War album, as well as newest singles “Meaning Well” released last month. The reigning Canadian Folk Music Awards’ Emerging Artist of the Year, her catalogue continues to grow with emotive pieces showcasing her powerful vocals.
Closing the night, Noah Cyrus brings her own take on the singer-songwriter genre, veering into a variety of genres from song to song. Raised in a household with Billy Ray and Miley, it’s no surprise that her influences are wide-ranging, and her collaborations with artists from XXXTENTACION to Leon Bridges, and festival performers this year Orville Peck and Shaboozey, her captivating vocals shine through no matter the genre.
SIRIUSXM STAGE
- 5:45 pm – May Davis
- 6:45 pm – Bywater Call
- 8:00 pm – Ziggy Alberts
Given the amount of sound bleed we can expect from the main stage when Nickelback blows the proverbial roof off the place, organizers have smartly moved up the start times in the tent tonight.
Much like the River Stage, the lineup features an eclectic mix with their own twists, starting with May Davis and her Americana infused singer-songwriter vibe, a mix of throwback instruments with a fresh voice. She’s followed up 2021’s One Way Ticket with a few new singles which has expanded with touches of blues.
Next up, Bywater Call takes things even further into the blues genre, with a southern rock twist adding some funk to the recipe. Megan Parnell’s powerful voice requires a strong backing band, and with six members adding a rhythm section, keyboards, and a few horns, the sum is even greater than its great parts.
Making a triumphant return to Bluesfest to close out the tent is Ziggy Alberts. The Aussie was last here in 2019 performing a memorable set, which will get augmented this time with selections from his excellent albums released during the pandemic – at least one per year, as well as instrumental versions, and a deluxe version of his debut album Made of Water for its tenth anniversary.
BARNEY DANSON THEATRE
- 6:30 pm – Aleksi Campagne
- 8:00 pm – Danielle Allard
- 9:30 pm – Bywater Call
If rain is putting a damper on your outdoor festival festivities, by all means, making your way inside to enjoy a few up and coming artists is well worth your time.
First up is Aleksi Campagne, the violin virtuoso who is putting his own contemporary spin on fiddle-backed folk music. With a highly anticipated album in the near future, the theatre will be an excellent setting to get a sneak peek to some of those songs.
Next is 2023 Capital Music Awards Solo Artist of the Year Danielle Allard. The singer continually reinvents herself, and has already moved from 2015’s singer-songwriter style Chameleon to the more atmospheric Invader in 2022, and her latest single, “7 Years” finds a balance between the two, while hinting at yet another evolution in the works.
Closing out the theatre tonight is Bywater Call’s second set of the night.
DJs tonight:
- ACCORA VILLAGE SPIN STAGE (6:00 pm): MELO-T
- THE CRAZY HORSE SALOON (7:00 pm): DJMC
RBC Ottawa Bluesfest runs from July 4-14 at Lebreton Flats, with passes and tickets available here.
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