Photo Credit: Mark Horton
Over the next 10 days, the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest (which kicked off on July 8th) is taking over Canada’s capital city, with an incredible – and vast – array of artists from around the world. The event kicked off yesterday – but as we don’t arrive at the event until July 12th, we wanted to bring you our picks of the festival from July 12th until the event ends on the 19th! Read on…
Sticky Fingers
When? Sunday, July 12 at 4pm – Claridge Homes Stage
It’s time for Canada to discover why Australian group Sticky Fingers sell out just about every show they play. One of the best bands going around the country right now, don’t miss your chance to see them live!
Operators
When? Tuesday, July 14 at 6:00pm – Claridge Homes Stage
To call Dan Boeckner prolific is a bit of an understatement. From Wolf Parade to Divine Fits, Atlas Strategic to Handsome Furs, the British Columbian has been making incredible music for the better part of the last 15 years. His latest project, Operators, seems to pick up where Handsome Furs – which was formed with his now ex-wife, the also brilliant Alexei Perry – left off. The new project debuted only a year back and so far there’s just an EP to the name – but as it all ramps up to the release of more music, we’re excited to experience the Operators experience live. And you should be too!
Future Islands
When? Tuesday, July 14 at 7:00pm – Bell Stage
There’s little we need to say about this one. Future Islands are simply one of the best live bands on the planet right now, with one of the most unique voices. Come and see what all the fuss is about!
Current Swell
When? Wednesday, July 15 at 7:00pm – Canadian Stage
We caught Current Swell at Australia’s Bluesfest a couple of years back and they blew us away. We can’t wait to catch them again at Ottawa’s equivalent event!
Black Mountain
When? Wednesday, July 15 at 8:15pm – Canadian Stage
These Vancouver rockers are one of Canada’s most underrated bands. Not to be missed!
The Beaches
When? Saturday, July 18 at 4:30pm – Canadian Stage
One of the most exciting up and coming groups coming out of Toronto right now, the girls that make up The Beaches will be playing Ottawa Bluesfest fresh off the plane from performing at the iconic T in the Park festival in Scotland. Let their world domination begin… but in the meantime, don’t miss them in a close-to-hometown show! They may become pretty rare…
‘Weird Al’ Yankovic
When? Sunday, July 19 at 5:30pm – Claridge Homes Stage
Though one may argue Weird Al is one of the most unexpected additions to the lineup, there are few things more entertaining than a Weird Al show. And you know he’s going to whip out the accordion, which probably won’t feel too out of place at the eclectic event.
For more details about the event, head to: http://www.ottawabluesfest.ca/. And stay tuned to the AU for live coverage from the event all next week!
