The Ottawa Grassroots Festival isn’t your typical big-name music bash — it’s more like a cozy gathering where music lovers come together to share in a real sense of community. The volunteer-run, non-profit event celebrates the best of Canadian folk, blues, and roots music through concerts, sing-alongs, and workshops.
The 2025 edition of the festival takes place from Thursday, April 24 until Sunday, April 27 at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa (30 Cleary Avenue), a venue known among local musicians for its excellent acoustics and warm, inviting atmosphere. It is an ideal setting for the Grassroots Festival, where connection is as important as the music itself.
Daytime performances and workshops are free and open to the public, offering everything from folk music jam sessions to songwriting workshops and storytelling. Evening concerts remain accessible as well, with kids 15 and under admitted at no cost when accompanied by a ticketed adult, ensuring that the festival continues its tradition of being a family-friendly celebration of local and national talent.
Over the years, the festival has welcomed some of the country’s most respected artists. Previous performers include Canadian music legend Lynn Miles, who headlined the 2024 edition of the festival. The Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter known for her thoughtful lyrics and unmistakable voice was widely praised by audiences and critics alike, affirming the festival’s reputation for offering top-tier musical experiences in a relaxed, approachable setting.
This year, audiences can look forward to another standout performance when the Devin Cuddy Band makes its way to the nation’s capital. While Devin Cuddy carries the legacy of his father, Jim Cuddy—frontman of the iconic Canadian music group Blue Rodeo—his shows are distinctly his own. Though the two occasionally tour together, Devin has carved out his own dedicated following, offering a more bluesy, retrospective sound. Ottawans, in particular, have embraced this style, with his performances consistently selling out whenever he visits the city.
Ottawa Life Magazine caught up with Cuddy to chat about the band’s upcoming Ottawa show and his musical influences. “We present a pan of country, folk and blues music, influenced all the way from down in Mississippi to northern parts of Canada.” Cuddy explains that the Devin Cuddy Band’s show takes audiences through “all of our music and a couple of covers that represent our influences.”
With a grin, Cuddy describes the band’s performance style: “We like to keep it a little up pace so people are tapping their feet”— a lighthearted reminder that even reflective songs should get the audience moving.
It’s been a particularly busy year for the Devin Cuddy Band, as they continue to tour extensively while working on material for an upcoming album. Touring, Cuddy says, is essential for reaching audiences in a world where digital algorithms often bury independent and roots artists. “For us, touring is how we promote ourselves and what we like to do in our own little corner of the music industry.”
Many Canadian acts attempt to break into the American market, but Cuddy says he is content to keep his focus at home. He notes that while protectionism in the U.S. music market has made it increasingly difficult for Canadian musicians to break through, it hasn’t dulled enthusiasm within Canada. Small towns across the country remain eager to welcome homegrown talent, and audiences consistently sell out shows. “Most small towns that the Devin Cuddy Band visits sell out,” he says, a testament to the appetite Canadians have for supporting their own artists.
Cuddy also points out that in recent years, Canadian bands focusing inward and embracing the country’s own diverse audiences have been finding greater success. While this trend may reflect larger cultural shifts, it’s also characteristic of Canadian music’s enduring independence, which has always leaned more toward European sensibilities than following American trends. “We have a lot of amazing arts and culture in Canada, and that’s something that we should be proud of and support,” he says.
Looking ahead to the Grassroots Festival, Cuddy says he’s especially eager to perform at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, praising the venue’s sound quality and welcoming vibe. “Those cool good-sounding theatres are always very fun to play at.” His enthusiasm extends to the city itself, noting he’s always enjoyed performing in Ottawa and rarely passes up an opportunity to return. “A lot of people always say that is a sleepy town, but I think Ottawa’s great, we’ve had nothing but great times and great shows there.”
Cuddy’s excitement is clear as he reveals that the band will be performing some new material from their forthcoming album during their Grassroots Festival set — an exclusive preview for Ottawa audiences who will get a first listen to what promises to be a significant next chapter for the band.
Alongside the Devin Cuddy Band, other performers at this year’s Ottawa Grassroots Festival include returning headliner Lynn Miles, celebrated folk artist Ann Downey, and well-known local musician Arthur McGregor. Rounding out the lineup is Ottawa’s favourite roaming folk collective, the Barrow Gang Buskers, who have built a loyal following in the city with their energetic, interactive performances.
With its relaxed atmosphere, exceptional talent, and commitment to community, the Ottawa Grassroots Festival continues to prove that music festivals don’t need giant stages or corporate sponsorships to deliver memorable, meaningful musical experiences.
For more information on this year’s festival lineup, schedule, and how to buy tickets, visit ottawagrassrootsfestival.ca.
Photo: Shelley Hayes
