Bluesfest Beats

Photo courtesy of Steve G

The RBC Ottawa Bluesfest is here! As the festival plays on, 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:

The Beaches

These youthful rock prodigies for Toronto will take the Bluesfest stage by storm. Formed when most of the members were still teenagers, the Beaches music pulses with energy. Anthems like their single “Little Pieces,” are both angst-filled and catchy. They’re an all-girl act influenced by fem-rock acts of the past. Fans of Patti Smith, the Runaways, and the White Stripes and will want to give these budding artists a listen.
July 18 at 4:30 p.m.
Canadian Stage

G-Eazy 

This young rapper and music producer has an ear for contemporary references. One of his songs is called “Netflix,” and another is about “Tumblr girls.” His most recent release “These Things Happen,” is number 3 on the Billboard 200. The New York Times praised him for being “clever” and “approachable” during a live performance at Irving Plaza, New York. Drake fans looking for a rapper with an aura of cool should check him out.
July 18 at 8:30 p.m.
Monster Stage

Hawksley Workman

Prolific rock musician Hawksley Workman is a Juno award winner and a boundless creative force. His latest release “Old Cheetah,” is a collection of diverse styles from glam rock to cabaret to pop. Workman has been a part of the Canadian music scene for over 13 years, with 13 albums to his name. He’ll be bringing all that experience and diversity to the Bluesfest stage.
July 10 at 9 p.m.
Canadian Stage

Nick Sherman

Nick Sherman’s gentle voice and carefully crafted folk songs reflect his upbringing in Northern Ontario. An Ojibway singer-singwriter, Sherman grew up playing guitars while tending to traplines on North Caribou Lake. The Ontario Arts Council funded his debut album, “Drag Your Words Through.” His music is inspired by the natural world, and by his Aboriginal heritage and community life on the reserve. Lovers of traditional and contemporary Canadian folk rock will be charmed by Sherman’s subtlety and grace.
July 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Barney Danson Theatre

Lowrider Band 

This is a group for those with broad diverse tastes. The Lowrider Band is a melting pot of funk, R&B, rock, reggae and jazz. They’ve been around in various incarnations since the 60’s and they’re still going strong – all four original band members are Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees, and their hit “Low Rider” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Check out this legendary group and experience a timeless sound.
July 18 at 7:15 p.m.
Monster Stage

Slim Moore and the New Soul Project 

Slim Moore began his singing career in the Pentacostal church as a child. He went from there to become a powerful soul singer with all the passion of his church background. An Ottawa-based performer Moore and his band will bring plenty of funk and fire to the Bluesfest Stage.
July 10 at 6 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!