RBC Bluesfest organizers announced yesterday that they will launch the inaugural ‘Come See & Hear the World’ festival during this year’s Winterlude event. The festival will take place on February 15 and 16 and will focus on celebrating Canadian diversity through music. Featured artists include William Prince, Gabrielle Shonk, Tanya Tagaq, Antibalas, Sudan Archives, Harry Manx & Steve Marriner, Fateh, and more. *See below for more, including billings, locations, times and pricing.
William Prince – photo Dale Sinclair
“Our government is delighted to partner with the Bluesfest team, whose brilliant initiative perfectly reflects Winterlude’s new vision to celebrate our inclusive society, which is strong in its diversity and proud of its cultures,” said The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism.
“Come See & Hear the World is an invitation that unites us and celebrates our country’s rich multicultural mosaic. If music is food for the soul, this new festival is sure to fill your appetite for culture!”
Dwayne Gretzky performs at TD Place during Grey Cup Concert Series Alternative Night – photo: Renée Doiron
The festival will take place at four venues―Southminster United Church, 15 Aylmer Ave, Ottawa (tickets required) and Fourth Avenue Baptist Church, 816 Bank St, Ottawa (tickets required); CRAFT Beer Market at Lansdowne Park (FREE) and Industria Pizzeria + Bar at Lansdowne Park (FREE).
Mark Monahan, the festival’s executive and artistic director, said staging the ‘Come See & Hear the World’ festival “gives us an opportunity to showcase Canadian and international artists who are performing and creating important music that celebrates their cultural identity,” adding that: “We are extremely happy to be partnering with Winterlude for this event, which we hope will become an important annual musical celebration.”
Friday – Feb. 15
6:30 p.m. – Split Tooth: One on One with Tanya Tagaq – Southminster United Church
8 p.m. – William Prince – Southminster United Church
9:30 p.m. – Dwayne Gretzky – Southminster United Church
7:30 p.m. – Gabrielle Shonk / NEFE – Fourth Avenue Baptist Church
10 p.m. – The Commotions (2 sets) – CRAFT Beer Market
10 p.m. – BlakDenim / ASUQUOMO – Industria Pizzeria + Bar
Saturday- Feb. 16
8 p.m. – Antibalas / Sudan Archives – Southminster United Church
7:30 p.m. – Harry Manx & Steve Marriner / Crystal Shawanda – Fourth Avenue Baptist Church
10 p.m. – Julian Taylor Band (2 sets) – CRAFT Beer Market
10 p.m. – Fateh – Industria Pizzeria + Bar
Full event passports and individual tickets will be available at www.ottawabluesfest.ca as of January 23 at 10 a.m.
