Although a chance of thunderstorms threatened event goers all night on Friday any storms that popped up stayed far enough away from the festival grounds to prevent a repeat of opening night. A mix of country, blues and rock was on tap for festival goers on Friday night with Nickelback, Warren Zeiders and Noah Cyrus being three anticipated acts.
Jaclyn Kenyon performs at the Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
I arrived on site just in time to catch Ontario’s own Jaclyn Kenyon on the RBC Stage. This talented rising country artist is currently fresh off the heals of her sophomore single “C’est La Vie” which was released on May 31. Jaclyn has surrounded herself with a winning team and, if her live show is any indication, she’s without a doubt one to watch on the Ontario country music scene.
Bywater Call performs at the Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
Bywater Call out of Toronto were a definite highlight of the night. Also a Maple Blues nominee their SXM Stage performance was a welcome surprise early in the evening. People were talking about their performance well into the evening. What more can you ask for? Would be a great show on a larger stage in the future.
Warren Zeiders performs at the Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
I personally have been anticipating Warren Zeiders since the lineup was announced. At that time he had already been announced for Festival Country Lotbinière, which takes place this August, so having an opportunity to catch him live a month early was a treat. He definitely did not disappoint. Although not as well known in the mainstream Canadian Country circles Warren is getting extensive airplay on SXM The Highway and is quickly growing to become a household name in the USA. After his performance at Bluesfest and the rest of his summer performances in Canada something tells me it won’t be long before he’s just as famous north of the border as he is to the south of us. With his hits like “Weeping Willow” and “Pretty Little Poison” he had the crowd singing along to every word…I’m already excited for round two in August.
Nickelback crowd at the Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
The headline show gave us a choice of Nickelback or Noah Cyrus. I’ve always been a huge Nickelback fan, especially for their live show, but was intrigued by Noah. Being a fan of her dad Billy-Rae and, of course, her sister Miley I expected a great show. Unfortunately I got stuck on the wrong side of the venue and got caught in the Nickelback tractor beam and couldn’t pull myself away. Any fan, honest or not, would’ve loved that show. It had everything a great Nickelback show must have from driving guitars and booming bass and drums to pyro…yes pyro made it’s return to Ottawa Bluesfest and it was magnificent. (Editors Note: Regrettably Nickelback was one of 4 headliners that we were not permitted to shoot)
Off to night 3 for 50 Cent and more….see you at the festival!
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