Category Archives: Top 40 & Pop

That’s right, your favourite blonde is back and I’m delighted to be here!

I got to thinking, after the NKOTB Mixtape Tour concert that not doing any research actually provided the benefit of a more authentic experience and reaction. So I did it again, with the exception of the opening act which I decided to skip. I just can’t do country music, I’m sorry but it’s just not my flavour.

Before diving into the full experience of last night’s Backstreet Boys DNA concert, I’d like to take you with me on a little walk down memory lane.

(cover photo Aerial shot of Ottawa Bluesfest 2019 ~ Bluesfest Press Images PHOTO/Scott Penner)

It always amazes me how fast time flies from opening night of RBC Bluesfest to the long walk home after the last show on the last night. What a year, the 25^th for RBC Bluesfest and the 7^th for Sound Check Entertainment. Sure, they were met with some weather challenges and some unforeseeable artist cancellations but for the most part RBC Bluesfest 2019 was one of the smoothest runnings of the festival I have ever attended. Mother Nature tried, and failed, on more than one occasion to disrupt the festivities but each time the sun managed to push through and clear things up with enough time to get most of the acts in.

It’s been 18 years since Amanda Marshall has hit the stage in Western Canada and the crowd at Calgary’s Oxford Stomp Music Festival spent every moment she had on it showing their appreciation for her return!

Day 6 concluded with the the first hip hop show of the festival. Unlike previous years this one was tame compared to what we have seen in the past, likely thanks to relatively positive messages from headliner Logic.

It was the killer punk / rock line up including Blondie and Billy Idol that Round Up a sold out crowd of 40,000 people and invaded the Shaw Millenium Park in downtown Calgary in the middle of Stampede season.

Last night Ottawa’s Bluesfest was host to a living legend, Buddy Guy. At 82 years of age, he still rocks the shit out of a guitar and holds the audience in the palm of his hand.

“I don’t want anyone here tonight to walk away and say they got away with it, I want you all to go home and say those son of a bitches DID it” Brandon Flowers

Impeccable timing courtesy Mother Nature meant the “Severe Thunderstorm Warning” that took effect for the Calgary area rolled through and wrapped up just in time to let the music start up for the evening’s outdoor shows.

Sam Roberts came to the Calgary Stampede ready for some summer fun … unfortunately the weather outside wasn’t cooperating, so he got the fans inside to help him turn up the heat inside the Big Four Roadhouse.

Celebrating 25 years, Ottawa’s Bluesfest kicked off last night. One couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the festivities then having legendary rocking bluesman Steven Van Zandt and the Disciples of Soul headline the Bluesville stage.