Anyone else find it was just yesterday that we were talking about the end of Ottawa Bluesfest 2023? Where did the year go? It’s also been 10 years now since I’ve been covering this event so huge kudos to Joe, AJ, Mark and the entire team behind the scenes for inviting us out every year and giving us the opportunity to showcase this world class event.
After several years of great weather mother nature decided the Bluesfest grounds were too dry last night and decided to pop up a couple of small storms to ensure that everyone would be good and wet by the time they went home. But Bluesfest diehards didn’t seem to mind a bit, in fact it was a refreshing break from the sweltering heat that always seems to find it’s way into Ottawa at this time of year.
Country Club Pool Boy performs at Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
I arrived at the venue just in time to catch Ottawa based Country Club Pool Boy who, although aren’t usually the genre I’d seek out, really brought a high energy set to the River Stage to help get the energy up for the rest of the night. I couldn’t miss out on Newmarket’s Tokyo Police Club. I remember first catching these guys years ago at Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival and they’re always a great addition to any festival lineup so it was great to see these guys rocking the big stage at Ottawa Bluesfest.
Tokyo Police Club performs at Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
Of course any time you’re at Ottawa Bluesfest it’s like a buffet of music of all flavours. You can chose to consume one dish and nothing more or you can take your time and sample various dishes and perhaps allow yourself to experience something new that you weren’t expecting. For me that was Campbell & Johnston who put on one heck of a show in the SiriusXM Stage tent. I spent a month in their home city of Halifax a few years ago and, let me tell you, blues runs deep through the veins of that city. Made up of Christine Campbell and Blake Johnston the performance was evidence enough of why they’ve been nominated for several Maple Blues Awards and won an East Coast Music Award for “Blues Recording of the Year”. For those saying that Ottawa Bluesfest doesn’t have any blues I can only ask…where you at the SXM Stage last night? I look forward to catching this duo for a full show again soon.
Orville Peck performs at Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
From here it was off to the main stage where an artist that many have raved about to me was about to take to the stage. Orville Peck is a name that’s becoming more and more common with Canadian Alt Country but, to date, I’ve somehow missed him at every event that he’s performed…until last night. I honestly don’t know what took me so long but I’m full on board on this bandwagon now. Listening and watching Peck’s really captured me. His voice has a very, Johnny Cash, style and sound to it but his stage presence and the mysterious nature of his character combines to create a performance unlike anything I’ve seen in recent years. I truly hope and look forward to the day when Peck returns to the stage for an arena tour or soft seat theatre tour so I can enjoy a full set. If you’re into country music, true country music, give Peck a listen…you might just discover something worth adding to your playlist.
Another Ottawa area artist headlined the River Stage last night, Leith Ross. I make a habit of taking in as many local artists as possible every night because I truly believe this city is rich with incredible talent and I want to showcase that, contrary to popular belief, Ottawa Bluesfest is a strong supporter of the Ottawa indie music scene. Leith Ross is one of those pandemic success stories, like so many other artists like them, when they were locked up they turned to recording and sharing music. Slowly Ross grew a following and before long they became an internet famous creator. I find that the true test for indie artists, at any festival, is what it will take to scare off the crowd. Ross’ fans were tested last night by Mother Nature as the clouds opened up and a torrential downpour interrupted their set. Ross themself even said to the crowd it’s raining, I won’t be offended if you all leave and many did jump up and run from their spot on the grassy hill but they didn’t go far. Instead everyone crowded in front of the doors to the War Museum to try and get as much shelter as possible while still being able to see and hear the performance. A few remained in their place, covered by anything they could cover up with, and enjoyed the set. That says a lot about the impact an artist has on their fans. Nice to see another area artist finding some success in this crazy business.
Mother Mother performs at Ottawa Bluesfest. Photo: Renée Doiron
Of course BC’s Mother Mother headlined the RBC Stage for opening night. Although I’ve seen Mother Mother several times I’ve struggled getting into a consistent following of them. I’m sure rain kept a large number of people away last night but this is a group that has failed to excite me to date. The crowd they drew was still respectable and, possibly, one of the largest they’ve ever performed for. The crowd gave the band every bit of energy the band threw out to them and it’s clear, for those who showed up, it was a great night.
Lots of little tweaks at the festival this year, all of them for the better. Tonight will be the first big test as Canadian rockers, that everyone loves to hate, Nickelback headline for the first time in years.
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