Steven Van Zandt brings soul to Ottawa Bluesfest 2019 Day One

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.  Little Steven and The Disciples of Soul perform at RBC Bluesfest 2019 as part of their 25th Anniversary celebrations photo Renee Doiron

The  Bluesville tent was at capacity and overflowed to the jumbo screen outside. As hot as the night was on the outside, the temperature inside was thru the roof. Little Steven had the place cooking. Backed by his band the Disciples of Soul, which is made up by a trio of soulfully smooth backing vocalists, screaming brass section, drums, percussionist, organs, synthesizers, guitars and to top it all off on piano legendary Lowell Levinger aka the Banana from the Youngbloods. The band is simply outstanding, giving you the sensation that you are riding on a ship of rock and roll and Van Zandt is leading the helm.

Being a festival Van Zandt didn’t stop to talk too much, making sure to give the audience as much music as possible.  He did take a moment to thank everyone for coming out and apologized for missing Canada day. He then went on to say that it was also a special day elsewhere, but was very happy he was here in Canada to celebrate it. Start to finish not one dull moment from Little Steven and his Disciples of Soul. Let’s hope they make their way back here one day soon to see them on their own.

The mood was a little more melo over at the Cityville stage. The audience mostly sitting in their lawn chairs and some standing together swaying side to side were there to see indie rockers  Alt J. This was the final band of the evening and very fittingly helped wind things down.  The bands light show was out of this world,  definitely a site to see in person.