Music and media go hand in hand. The talented ones make and perform the music while us media folks cover the music and use photos taken by our photographers and videographers to showcase it…well earlier this summer one of Ottawa’s favourite photographers, Sean Sisk, suddenly took ill right at the start of RBC Bluesfest. Since then he’s been in an Ottawa hospital ICU unable to work and unable to earn a living. Although his condition is improving daily his recovery is going to take time so it could be a while before Sean is fully recovered and able to earn a living again. Last night music and media once again joined forces at the Overflow Brewing Company, this time to shine a spotlight on one of our own and to remind us all of how fragile our lives can be.
Colin James Brought That Voodoo Thing To Kemptville Live!
Thursday, July 20th, The Kemptville Live Music Festival officially roared back to life and we were there for it. The headliner for the night was Canadian blues/rock legend, Colin James and what a time he gave us! Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Colin many times and I really think he just keeps getting better each time. Thursday night in Kemptville, he was in top form and that always translates into a good time for the crowd too.
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Sharing the stage with Colin James are some of the finest musicians in the business. Longtime guitarist Chris Caddell, with Jesse O’Brien on keyboards, Geoff Hicks on drums and Steve Marriner on bass and harmonicas. Al seasoned pros in their own rights but together they form one of the tightest bands in the business.
Other notable acts for the evening were, Bent Up Good, Jenie Thai and The Commotions. Jeni Thai has been taking the blues world be storm of late and last week was no exception. With her talented abilities on piano and her clear, beautiful voice, she had no trouble winning over the crowd!
Jenie Thai, Kemptville Live, July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions were a power-house too, with their 11 piece band including a horn section, bringing some funk, soul and R & B that just blew people away. The vocals were taken care of by their triple threat lead singers, Jeff Rogers, Rebecca Noelle and MacKenzie DiMillo and what a dynamic group they are. They can handle just about whatever you throw at them. The talent didn’t stop with the vocals either, this band is for real.
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
As the night drew to a close, I looked back on the events of the opening day of the festival and thought how great it was to be experiencing live music with some of the best people. Kemptville Live was back.
For more information about any of these performers, check out their websites.
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
The Commotions, July 21, 2023. Kemptville. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Jenie Thai, Kemptville Live, July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Jenie Thai, Kemptville Live, July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Jenie Thai, Kemptville Live, July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Jenie Thai, Kemptville Live, July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Jenie Thai, Kemptville Live, July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Bent Up Good, Kemptville Live. July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Bent Up Good, Kemptville Live. July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Bent Up Good, Kemptville Live. July 20, 2023. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Colin James, July 20, Kemptville Live. Photo: Ron Pettitt
Mumford and Sons set off fireworks at RBC Bluesfest on Thursday night!
After a day of severe weather and even a confirmed tornado RBC Bluesfest continued as normal with notable performances by Amos The Transparent, Angelina Hunter Trio, Avery Raquel, The War on Drugs and headliner Mumford and Sons.
RBC Bluesfest turns into Foos Fest for one night only!
After a two day hiatus RBC Bluesfest returned on Wednesday with a bang as Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters exploded back onto the main stage at Lebreton Flats in Ottawa.
Recipients announced at the 7th Canadian Live Music Industry Awards show
AWARDS INCLUDE BEST TEAMWORK AT A VENUE, AGENT OF THE YEAR, FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR, INDUSTRY IMPACT, AND MORE.
Winners for the 2023 SSIMAs Announced!
Triple win for Aysanabee
Blue Moon Marquee and Snotty Nose Rez Kids walk away with two
Andrea Menard takes Métis Artist/Group of the Year
CityFolk music festival organizers announce star-studded lineup
Iggy Pop; Arkells; Bush; Kaleo; Hozier and more set to grace the stage on The Great Lawn at Lansdowne Park this September
LIVE NATION ANNOUNCES ANNUAL CONCERT WEEK: $25 ALL-IN TICKETS TO OVER 3,800 SHOWS THIS YEAR
Concert Week is powered by RBCxMusic in Canada with over 200 shows included across the country
Chicago Brings The Brass To Rama
Neil Donell Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure
On Saturday April 8th the band knows as Chicago brought the endless hits to Casino Rama Canada. With over 55 plus years in the business it doesn’t seem like they’re slowing down anytime soon, with over 100 shows this year already planned. With some new additions to the band this year, the main core founding members consisting of Robert Lamb and James Pankow still leading the charge every night with long time member Lee Loughnane on trumpet.
Ray Herrmann Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure
For those who aren’t familiar with the band (those who live under a rock), Chicago is know for not only their brass section to their music but their stunning compositions with brilliant vocalists to boot. Each member of the band almost has a vocal to be heard, majorly Robert Lame and their Canadian boy, Neil Donell. But don’t kid yourself, Chicago brings the brass to rock music when they aren’t serenading us with one of their many famous ballads that millions have used as wedding songs all over the world for decades.
James Pankow Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure
Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure
Chicago is best known for their hits “If You Leave Me Know”, “You’re The Inspiration”, “Hard To Say I’m Sorry”, “25 Or 6 To 4” and “Saturday In The Park”, it’s hard to not believe that with 38 albums that they have cracked the code on songwriting. Both Lamb and Pankow in the songwriters hall of fame. Having sold over 100 Million albums world wide, they are one of the best selling groups of all time, and longest touring too. If you haven’t seen them I would recommend doing so, with grace they show you live mastery of music at it’s best. A must see in my opinion for starting musicians wanting to learn how to compose a song.
Ray Yslas Chicago @ Casino Rama // Photographer: Elliott Deseure
RBC Bluesfest unveils much anticipated lineup for summer of 2023
OTTAWA – Wednesday, February 22, 2023
RBC Bluesfest organizers today announced one of their best lineups ever. Featured acts on the mainstage include Shania Twain (July 6); Weezer (July 7); Robert Plant & Alison Krauss (July 8); Death Cab for Cutie (July 9); Foo Fighters (July 12); Mumford & Sons (July 13); Charlotte Cardin (July 14); Pitbull (July 15); and The Smile (July 16).
