Guide to RBC Ottawa Bluesfest: July 11, 2015
Day 4 of Ottawa Bluesfest is set to bring festival goers a full day of performances starting at 3pm and with the temperature expecting to reach over 30’C today, it is sure to be a perfect day for live music (don’t forget to stay hydrated).
But if you’re still reminiscing over last night’s compelling performance from Kanye West, there are plenty more artists to cure your Yeezus-hangover.
To buy tickets or scope out the rest of the line-up for the festival, head to the Bluesfest website.
Eddie Quotez
3PM: Bell Stage
Eddie Quotez has been writing poetry since he was nine years old. Years later, the Ottawa native began to turn those lyrics into rhymes, and so began his rapping career. At only 26, Quotez has been through a number of dark years and experiences, and has used those moments to fuel his writing. His debut Bluesfest performance is his biggest show yet, so you won’t want to miss it.
The Reverb Syndicate
315PM: Canadian Stage
Instrumental surf-rock/”spy-fi” band The Reverb Syndicate are returning for their third Bluesfest appearance. The Ottawa-based quintet describe their music as “soundtracks to 1960s spy films that don’t exist”. Virtually completely instrumental, their music is energetic and comes with a high entertainment value.
G. Grand
4PM: Claridge Homes Stage
The afternoon continues with another Ottawa MC by the name of G. Grand. His sharp delivery and impressive flow have landed the hip-hop artist a spot on the city’s list of notable rappers.
Family of the Year
430PM: Canadian Stage
Venturing all the way from Los Angeles, California, indie pop/folk band Family of the Year hit international stardom with their hit single “Hero” off their latest album Loma Vista back in 2012. Since then, they have been touring the world and bringing their warm, nostalgic sound to audiences everywhere.
Francesco Yates
5PM: Bell Stage
Toronto-native Francesco Yates hit the jackpot when all-star producer Pharrell Williams discovered his soulful voice and luscious curls at the age of 16. Now at 19, the musician is rapidly making a name for himself and reaching pop star levels.
Shakey Graves
7PM: Canadian Stage
DUSTY ORGAN APPROVED
Hailing from Austin, Texas, Alejandro Rose-Garcia is better known as Shakey Graves. The folk singer-songwriter released his last album And the War Came back in 2014, and has since been touring to promote it. Making a stop at this year’s Bluesfest, his country/rock n’ roll/folk fusion is not to be missed.
Pony Girl
730PM: Barney Danson Theatre
Ottawa art-rock band Pony Girl combine synths, effect-coated guitars, and creative ingenuity for a captivating performance. Tucked away inside the War Museum, the six-piece indie band are a hidden gem in the Bluesfest lineup.
Nas
8PM: Claridge Homes Stage
Known as one of the most influential rappers of all time, Nas has been relatively quiet since his 2013 Grammy nominated album Life is Good. Having an impressively consistent career behind him, his performance tonight is one of the most anticipated of the festival.
Alvvays
830PM: Canadian Stage
Indie lo-fi/dream pop band Alvvays flew to chart-topping success in the Canadian music scene with their self-titled debut album released last year. Lead singer Molly Rankin’s dreamy vocals and the band’s tight-knit, jangling pop sound highlight their rapid success.
Porter Robinson
945PM: Monster Energy Stage
DUSTY ORGAN APPROVED
After the international success of his breakthrough track “Languages”, North Carolina DJ Porter Robinson has shifted from EDM production and turned to Japanese-influenced electronica. Using vocaloids and video games as his inspiration, his 2014 full length album Worlds was a refreshing and artistic contribution to the electronic scene. Making a point to incorporate live, acoustic performance aspects, his live shows also involve dazzling visuals and awe-inspiring elements.
* = Honourable mentions
OTHER SHOWS:
3PM: Emma Peckford (Singer-songwriter) – Barney Danson Theatre
345PM: She’s the One (Singer-songwriter Competition) – Barney Danson Theatre
5PM: Al Woods & the Woodsmen (Blues rock) – Monster Energy Stage
545PM: The Growlers (Psych-rock) – Canadian Stage *
6PM: Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts (Alternative rock) – Claridge Homes Stage
630PM: The Kinsey Report (Blues) – Monster Energy Stage *
7PM: Allie X (Electro-pop) – Bell Stage 815PM: Skylar Spence (Electronica) – Monster Energy Stage *
9PM: Hat Fitz & Cara (Blues/Bluegrass) – Barney Danson Theatre
930PM: Iggy Azalea (Pop) – Bell Stage *
