Bluesfest Beats

Photo courtesy of Steve G

The countdown to RBC Ottawa Bluesfest is on. As the weeks leading up to the festival go by, OLM will continue to highlight must-see performances by some of the acts that you may have not yet discovered–so Ottawa music lovers listen up! An exciting variety of bands and artists will rock the festival this year. Check out a few right now:

Skylar Spence

Skylar Spence is the stage name of disco pop extraordinaire music producer Ryan DeRobertis. DeRobertis has a distinctive vibe–it’s been called a number of things from “vapourwave” to “liquid disco”–but whatever you call it it’s the perfect music to groove to on a summer night.
July 11 at 8 p.m.
Monster Stage

The Reverb Syndicate

“The Reverb Syndicate experience is all about fun. It’s an accessible sound that can tell a story but also loosens your hips on the dance floor,” says band member Jeff Welch.

The Ottawa based guitar ensemble creates “surf spi-fi sounds to accompany 60’s spy films that don’t exist.” They released their fourth album “Odyssey” in April. Inspired by instrumental rock bands like the Ventures, this band brings instrumental music to the stage that evokes mystery and adventure. “Don’t let the lack of singing throw,” says Welch. “Come discover a music you’ve always known but didn’t realize you loved.”
July 11 at 3:15 p.m.
Canadian Stage 

Hat Fitz and Cara

Hat Fitz and Cara are bringing the blues from down under. This duo will bring audiences to their feet with driving blues and soul and passionate vocals. Hat Fitz is a veteran blues guitarist and singer from Australia while Cara Robinson rounds out the act with her Irish folk roots. As well as being a powerful singer Robinson adds drums, washboard and flute to the duo’s songs. Join them for an evening of rollicking folksy fun.
July 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Monster Stage

Jungle By Night

Jungle by Night produces jazzy classical Afrobeats inspired by the funk sounds of Nigerian and Ghanian artists. This nine- piece band from Amsterdam is a must see for jazz lovers. Their newest album El Miraglo also has Columbian influences, broadening the band’s sound and multicultural flair. They’ve played all over Europe, even performing in Paris with the “father of Ethiojazz” Mulatu Astake and now they’re bringing that same groovy vibe to the Bluesfest stage.
July 10 at 8 p.m.
Canadian Stage

Willie Nile

A veteran performer who has shared the stage with legends like Bruce Springsteen and the Who, Willie Nile is a distinct performer in his own right. He’s garnered praise from publications such as Rolling Stone for his He plays a laid back contemplative style of folksy Americana that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
July 12 at 8 p.m.
Monster Stage

The RBC Ottawa Bluesfest 2015 line-up is full of talent! Don’t miss a single band on your ‘must-see’ list. Buy your tickets here!