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:

Pony Girl

Bluesfest audiences who attend Pony Girl’s performance will get the chance to hear brand new songs from their upcoming fall release! This Ottawa based art rock group creates a unique and beautiful ambience using a variety of different instruments including guitar, piano, organ and clarinet. “The music and the band are quite dynamic in terms of volume and vibe,” says bass guitarist Greggory Clark. “One piece can cover both ends of your mellow/wild spectrum and lots in between.”
July 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Barney Danson Theatre

The Visit

The Visit is like nothing else you’ll see at Bluesfest. Dynamic cello player Raphael Weinroth-Browne accompanies ethereal vocalist Heather Sita Black and together they make haunting transcendent music. They’re inspired by traditional Middle Eastern music as well as Western classical compositions and this combination of styles makes for a truly unforgettable listening experience. Festival goers seeking out the strange and daring need look no further.
July 12 at 3:30 p.m.
Barney Danson Theatre

Al Wood and the Woodsmen

These Ottawa blues artists champion a classic blues sound and bring a high energy to their stage performances. “Our audience will experience a diverse array of grooves and themes,” says Al Wood. “High octane harmonica driven double barrel blues designed to make you do a little bit of thinking and a lot of dancing.” Wood himself has represented the Ottawa Blues Society twice at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. He says he hopes to incorporate the whole audience into his bands Bluesfest performance. “People like to be dealt in when they are entertained and that’s basically our simple iron rule of performance.”
July 11 at 5 p.m.
Monster Stage

Tribal Seeds

Get your groove on at this performance! An energetic reggae act from San Diego California, Bluesfest is just a stop in their “2015 Summer Smoke Out Tour.” Formed in 2005 this band has been perfecting their style for ten years. Their rock infused reggae has kept them at the top of the Billboard Reggae charts and garnered them critical acclaim–in 2008 they won the “Best of World Music,” at the San Diego Music Awards. Spiritual, freeing and joyful music awaits Bluesfest reggae lovers.
July 12 at 4:30 p.m.
Canadian Stage

Lowell 

On the lookout for some empowering psychedelic dream-pop? Calgary artist Lowell’s released her debut album We Loved Her Dearly earlier this year. Her work is a mix of sweet pop melodies and rebellious riot grrrl infused anthems. A passionate advocate for individuality and personal expression, Lowell’s convention-challenging ideas about gender and sexuality come through in her music. Her unique style and passion are a must see.
July 17 at 8:15 p.m.
Canadian 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!