Guide to RBC’s Ottawa Bluesfest: July 17, 2015
Finally – the weekend has arrived. It’s Friday night at Ottawa Bluesfest and Day 9 (it’s gone by so quick) is where you want to be. An abundance of talent from the Great White North is set to hit the stages tonight, and choosing who to see for the headlining performance is not going to be easy: The Tragically Hip, Bahamas, or Purity Ring? Worst case scenario you can do a full lap and get a taste of each.
Looking for tickets? Check out the Bluesfest website.
The Yips
6PM: Canadian Stage
Ottawa “Ouija-rock” five-piece The Yips are bringing their haunting, grunge-garage rock sound to Bluesfest. Often seen dressing in white sheets on stage and channeling their inner-ghosts, their off-centred personas and musicality is inciting and alluring.
Dear Rouge
7PM: Canadian Stage
Vancouver creative couple Dear Rouge released their debut album Black to Gold in 2014 through Universal Music Canada. Married a few years back, Drew and Danielle McTaggart have gradually been winning over the hearts of music lovers with their alternative-dance rock tunes.
Dropkick Murphys
8PM: Claridge Homes Stage
Celtic-punk heavy weights Dropkick Murphys are no strangers to the festival, playing countless times over the past few years. Their high energy, no-hold-back attitude has been the stepping stone for their continuous success and devoted fan base. This will definitely be a show to get your blood pumping.
Lowell
815PM: Canadian Stage
Born in Calgary, Elizabeth Lowell Boland moved to Toronto in 18 to study music at the University of Toronto, but eventually dropped out, eventually creating and developing a musical career of her own. Recently signed to Canadian label Arts & Crafts, the 22 year old released her debut full length We Loved Her Dearly in September 2014. Her infectious electro-pop melodies and angelic, melancholy vocals are magnetic.
The Tragically Hip
9PM: Bell Stage
Formed in 1983, Kingston’s The Tragically Hip have gone on to release 12 albums, win 14 Juno Awards, and countless other monumental Canadian music milestones. The alternative rock band have been one of Canadian’s favourites for years, and fortunately they are slated to start at 9 to make it easier to see the other headlining acts.
Purity Ring
930PM: Canadian Stage
DUSTY ORGAN APPROVED
Edmonton-originated, Montreal-based trip-hop duo Purity Ring blew away music critics with their debut 2012 release Shrines. Most recently, the pristine pair released their follow up album Another Eternity to similar acclaim. Dazzling audiences with their combination of dense, sincere music and captivating visual shows, their performance on Friday night will leave you nothing short of impressed.
* = Honourable mentions
OTHER SHOWS:
6PM: Jivewires (Swing/Blues) – Claridge Homes Stage *
6PM: Drew Nelson (Singer-songwriter/Blues) – Monster Energy Stage
7PM: John Carroll & the Epic Proportions (Singer-songwriter) – Bell Stage
7PM: Canned Heat (Blues) – Monster Energy Stage
815PM: Catriona Sturton (Blues) – Monster Energy Stage
930PM: Bahamas (Indie rock/folk) – Monster Energy Stage *
