I can’t believe we’re already in the middle of festival season. That means that the biggest festival of them all is knocking at our door: Bluesfest. In spite of last year’s electro success with the young’uns, Bluesfest bosses have decided to tone down the electro-vibe and give us a more balanced line-up for 2013. What does this mean? Well, there’s still lots to get excited about in my opinion, although I’m a bit more excited about mid-level bands than the big headliners. (Also, this must be the first year ever there’s no Metric at Bluesfest! In spite of that, Emily Haynes and co. found themselves in Ottawa, celebrating Canada Day with three hundred thousand of her closest friends.)
Big acts not to miss:
The Black Keys – Are they now bigger than the White Stripes ever were? It just seems like these guys can’t make a bad album and their lives shows are equally strong. (Thursday, July 4, 9:30pm)
Why is Wu-Tang playing at 6pm? (Sunday, July 7, 6pm)
The one-two punch of Animal Collective and Weezer will make any late 90s/early 2000s alternative kid rejoice. Only if Weezer plays old stuff, of course. (Wednesday, July 10 7pm; 9:30pm) Those that don’t think Weezer can rock anymore can go check out Passion Pit, which should also be a fun show. (9:30pm)
Well, Björk…obvs. I’m sure it will be a great show no matter what, but I’m curious to see if the stage at Bluesfest will allow her to recreate in any way what the Hollywood Reporter called an avant-guard theatre production.
My personal picks:
Femi Kuti – Saw the son of Fela a few years back in the Festival d’été in Québec City. The energy emanating out of this man is contagious. Even my friend Trevor will be dancing to this one. (Thursday, July 4, 6pm) The party should continue with Australia’s The Cat Empire later that night…
I have a secret (well, not so secret) crush on Zoey Deschanel. Just for the chance to be close to her, I’m going to see She & Him. (Friday, July 5 9:30pm)
I’ve always said that Cold Specks is Canada’s Adele. Well, that’s not exactly correct – she’s a bit darker in her music than Adele – but she has one heck of a voice. I’m curious to hear how ‘I Predict A Graceful Expulsion’ sounds live. (Saturday, July 6 at 4pm)
There must be a good reason why they put Dan Deacon inside at the Barney Danson on Wednesday night… I’m curious to find out. This may end up being the weirdest show of the festival (Yep, weirder than Björk). (Wednesday, July 10 at 9 pm)
A Tribe Called Red has grown so much in the past year since they’ve last played Bluesfest. They’ve travelled the world and collaborated with many artists, made a number of Top 10 album of the year lists in 2012. They’re in the big leagues now. It’s obvious the 3 guys from ATCR have lots of fun playing together – I’m curious to see how many notches they’ll step it up this year. (Wednesday, July 10 at 9:30 pm)
Guilty pleasure:
Fun. I’ve heard their songs so many times on the radio and I haven’t gotten bored or annoyed by them yet. Am I the only one? I think it will be a great live set. (Sunday, July 7, 9:15pm)
Again this year, Bluesfest will have over 40 local bands playing through out the festival. Apt613 will be featuring as many local bands as possible through a series of quick-fire interviews you can find in our Bluesfest section. Our first batch of interviews is out already. You can find them here.
Happy Bluesfest everyone! Let us know who you’re excited to see in the comments section.
