A Touchdown of Concerts for Grey Cup Festival

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Sure, Winter’s coming but there’s something else in the Ottawa air these days. Okay, we get it, the hometown team isn't in the big game but that doesn't mean you can't get out and celebrate all things Canadian football because the Grey Cup Festival party is nearly here. You can almost feel the rush as the event steamrolls towards the goal line. Even if you’re not a football fan already prepping your face paint and jersey, the cup coming to the Capital is still pretty exciting and brings with it more than the big game itself.

Music lovers have something to cheer about as the festival hammers home a touchdown of concerts. Whether you’re a country music fan, revel in 90’s indie or want to fist pump to some Canuck classic rock, there’s something here you’re going to want to tackle!

Better break out your cowboy boots (and “Cheap Wine and Cigarettes”?) for this kick off because the first night of the fest (November 23) is bringing some prairie country by way of Jess Mosklauke.

“I am super excited. The fact that you were able to create an all Canadian lineup makes it extra special,” the musician said in a recent interview with TSN.

The first female Canadian artist to have a single go Platinum since her idol Shania Twain (who’s also playing the game day halftime show), RedBlacks fans can forgive this Saskatchewan-born Raiders supporter. Since winning the Next Big Thing contest in 2011, she’s gone nothing but up with tunes like “Drive Me Away” and “Kiss Me Quiet”. We’re predicting, though, her opening night headlining show will be anything but quiet.

Vancouver’s The Washboard Union and JJ Shiplett open.

26 years burning down the road, Sloan slams into The Arena at TD Place on November 24 with a slew of songs that peppered 90’s summer nights and rocked away winter blues. You don’t just get nine JUNO nominations for nothing. These boys from Halifax have remained strong since their debut album Smeared (now named one of the Top 100 Canadian Albums of all time) gave us “Underwhelmed” and "500 Up”. Recent tours have been in support of the anniversary’s of milestone albums Twice Removed and One Chord to Another. We’re hoping they break out “Money City Maniacs”!

Energetic Toronto-based cover band Dwayne Gretzky and Calgary’s Reuben and the Dark also perform on night two.

Saturday night in Ottawa? It’s time to “Raise a Little Hell!”…actually, maybe a whole lot of it with a double shot of classic Canadian icons on the rocks! If that sentence didn’t give it away how about “3 Dressed Up as a 9”, “Janine” and “General Hand Grenade”. Of course we’re talking about Trooper and they may not be in town for a long time but they are sure here for a good time! That alone would be fitting of the football frenzy about to be unleashed on Ottawa but the classic 70s rock continues with April Wine! These Canadian Music Hall of Famers should be breaking out the favorites in “Oowatanite”, “You Won’t Dance With Me” and “You Could Have Been a Lady”.

Between these two are 27 albums, multiple Platinum and Gold statuses and a whopping 18 JUNO nominations! The Grey Cup Festival finale is so dipped in Canadiana rock gravy it should come with cheese curds and fries!  

Tickets are on sale now! You can also win tix from Ottawa Life right here!