Bluesfest in Pictures

For 12 days, music fans were treated to traditional blues, searing rock, funk-a-delic, techno pop, hip hop, pop rock, world beat and everything in between. Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest brings us something we have come to cherish: the chance to see live music in the best possible way: outdoors, during a Canadian summer. I was about 30 feet from the stage on the final Sunday of Bluesfest when Mother Nature whipped through. Scary, yes- but with an emergency plan in place, no one was seriously injured, and you could feel an entire city breathe a sigh of relief for that. I am choosing to remember Bluesfest not for that one dark moment. But for the hundreds of moments that shone. Here are some photos from the festival. Can't wait for next year.


(Flaming Lips)

(Soundgarden)

(Sara, Tegan and Sara)

(Tegan, Tegan and Sara)

(Bootsy Collins)

(Monkeyjunk)

(Monkeyjunk)

(The Roots)

(The Roots)

(The Roots)

(Ben Harper)

(Gentlemen Husbands)

(Big Jeezus Truck)

(Big Jeezus Truck)

(The Sheepdogs)

(Larry McCray)

(Tragically Hip)

(Dropkick Murphys)

(Peter Frampton)

(Huey Lewis)

(Leon Russell)

(Dana Fuchs)

(John Fogerty)

(Metric)

(Buddy Guy)

(Rosie Ledet)

(Tea Party)

(Tim Robbins)

(LA 33)

(Blue Rodeo)

(Blue Rodeo)

(Maria Hawkins)

(Tony D with James Harman)

(Death From Above)

(Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Tom Wilson)

(Jane's Addiction, Dave Navarro)

(Janes Addiction, Dave Navarro)

(Brothers Dube)

(Brothers Dube)

(Brothers Dube)

(Cheap Trick)

Bluesfest Night Two!!

There was a gorgeous breeze, the sun was a warm gold and the crowd was smiling again last night as night 2 of Bluesfest got under way. One of our favourite local bands, Monkeyjunk kicked things off right on the National Bank Stage. Tony D, Steve Marriner and Matt Sobb are one powerful trio and their star power continues to rise! Caught some of Bedouin Soundclash then joined the thousands reserving their tiny piece of real estate in front of the MBNA stage. A raucous round of cheers greeted 'The Roots' : a bit of everything, hip hop, funk, metal guitar and audience teases- The Roots were electrifying! Ben Harper was next up. Harper's searing guitar style and leading man looks puts him on the world stage. He is always a favourite at Bluesfest. One of the things I love about Bluesfest is the nightly surprise: catching a band that I have never heard of, and walking away quite anxious to get my hands on their music so I can spread the word. Last night, that band was 'The Gentlemen Husbands'. If you're a fan of the Black Crowes or The Sheepdogs, and you caught the 'Gentlemen Husbands' set last night, then you were likely as thrilled as I was. Check them out on Youtube and better still, go see them next time they swing through town. They are from Cobourg Ont so chances are we will get to see them again soon.