Beryl dampens the grounds but show goes on as Zac Brown Band returns to Ottawa Bluesfest

The remnants of Hurricane Beryl did a number of the grounds at Ottawa Bluesfest as it entered day 6 causing a slight delay in the venue opening. But mud and threats of more rain only had minor impacts on the crowd and did little to dampen spirits of festival goers in Canada’s capital.

First up on Thursday night was Caroline Jones in her first appearance of the night on the tented SXM Stage. A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who also happens to be a member of last night’s headlining band, Zac Brown Band, Caroline Jones was a must see for us. Talk about talent, no wonder Zac Brown invited her to become a permanent member of his band back in 2022. Even while performing with Zac she amazed the crowd with her vocal range and instrumental ability.

Charley Crockett impressed on the RBC Stage as well. Having only heard the name over the last few years I knew that he was a rising force in the industry and boy now I can see first hand what everyone has been raving about. Crockett’s set combined everything from country and bluegrass to jazz, blues and even some R&B. Definitely an act worth watching and worth seeing again.

In walking through the venue to get some food I decided to checkout something a little different while I ate and sat in the SXM Stage tent to watch Medicine Singers. Not knowing what to expect I went in with an open mind…what I got was the most interesting musical combination I’ve ever seen. It was like walking into a Pow Wow that had the Rolling Stones jamming along with the drummers with a bit of electronica mixed in for good measure. I can honestly say this was the most unique, in a good way, act I’ve ever seen.

This brought us to the main event, another double header. Zac Brown Band on the RBC Stage and Matt Good on the River Stage…I connected with some friends of mine, who happen to be performing tonight on the River Stage, Merle Marlow Band and they all wanted to watch Zac Brown Band so I stayed with them seeing as there are more opportunities to catch Matt Good in Canada than Zac Brown.

I’ll be honest, I really struggled getting into the vibe last night. A combo of the weather and still dealing with the after effects of that incredible Jelly Roll show the night before I was hoping that ZBB would help to get the excitement up again. Unfortunately I felt the set was flat. Another show plagued by sound issues, at one point Caroline’s mic wasn’t turned on right away. I was also surprised at the amount of covers in the set this time, of course with the full understanding that they just release a live album of Covers late last year. It just felt as though it was a bit much. Of course they did get through their biggest hits and the crowd sang along as one would expect them to and, as I mentioned earlier, Caroline Jones proved herself as a vital new member of the band. The crowd was anxiously awaiting “Chicken Fried” which, of course, came as the encore but was shortened much to the dismay of everyone in the audience, perhaps if the band wouldn’t have had a 5 minute jam session during the middle of the show they would’ve had time to play the full song.

In all those who love Zac Brown Band will have enjoyed the show, I do like the band and the show wasn’t the worst I’ve seen but fell far from the best I’ve ever seen.

Up next in just a few hours Day 7 is about to kick off. I’ve got a few friends in the lineup tonight so please checkout Jessica Pearson and the East Wind on the SXM Stage right at 5:45 followed by Merle Marlow Band, Alexa Goldie and Josh Ross on the River Stage and Silverstein and The Offspring are highlights on the RBC Stage. If you’re looking for a break from the weather don’t miss John Allaire on the SXM Stage or in the Barney Danson Theatre at 6:45 and 9:30 respectively.

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