First week of RBC Bluesfest brings music lovers back to the shores of the Ottawa River

RBC Bluesfest Musical festival kicked off in Ottawa at Lebreton Flats Thursday, July 5 in one of the hottest summers we’ve seen in a long time but that didn’t stop the festival goers from getting out and enjoying some of the very best in live music today.

Even though a family of Killdeer nearly delayed the festival’s start thanks to an incredible team effort, that also ensured the safety of the birds and their eggs, the festival was able to lift off as scheduled on July 5.

Bluesfest put together a fantastic first few days with headliners on the City Stage from Bryan Adams on the first night followed by Jethro Tull on Friday, Shawn Mendes on Saturday and Brett Eldredge on Sunday. Bluesfest chose four headliners that are worlds apart in terms of time periods and genres but that didn’t matter to concert goers and the live music fans that flocked to the stages. All four nights saw large crowds with attendees of all ages enjoying the shows dancing and singing and having a blast. For those that were in search of a break from the music there were carnival games and a ferris wheel and other games for your entertainment. This festival has something for everyone and just gets better year and year.

These first couple days of RBC Bluesfest have set a high standard for the days to follow. The venue at Lebreton Flats is set out perfectly with food vendors conveniently scattered throughout with something for everyone and stages strategically placed so that each each was like it’s own event – didn’t have other stages sound crossing into each.

I felt that the sound and volume of the shows was bang on perfect. It wasn’t so loud I needed earplugs the closer I got to the stage but just nice so I could feel the thumping bass and the vocals with ease.

This was just the first four days of the RBC Bluesfest so go check it out for yourselves and support live music, especially some of the local acts that find themselves on the bill each night. The festival returns on Tuesday July 10 with performances by Catriona Sturton, Greta Van Fleet, Foo Fighters and Machine Gun Kelly. Still to come more highlights from day 4 including our interview with Brett Eldredge. For a full lineup and tickets visit www.ottawabluesfest.ca

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