LeBreton Flats Park was a sea of cowboy hats and boots as country, folk and blues fans alike gathered for the first day of Ottawa Bluesfest.
The opening day of the festival featured a country-oriented lineup, with the night culminating in a performance by American country artist Lainey Wilson.
Earlier in the evening, Garnetta Cromwell and the DaGroovMasters gave a high-energy performance to kick off the talent on the LeBreton Stage. Montreal-born Garnetta and her band brought true blues to Bluesfest, her music inspired by the sounds of Memphis blues, reggae and soul.
Her soulful voice and lyrics reflected a deep connection to her roots, often singing about her experience living in Nova Scotia. In songs like “I Ain’t That Woman,” a Gladys Knight-esque tune, her lively energy was contagious.
Tucked behind the Canadian War Museum and overlooking the scenic Ottawa River is the River Stage, where DB Cohen and the Revelers started their set. Originally from London, England, DB and his Ottawa-based band rocked through some of their up-tempo, brassy roots songs.
Their blues-rock sound carries a touch of British rock edge, heard in songs like “Dealer.” Following his debut album Scratchcards & Wine—which featured collaborations with Florence and the Machine and The Specials—DB is set to release his new album in September.
After playing a song from the new record called “For the Love of Ella,” DB joked that it was “as hot as a rattlesnake’s bellybutton”—a colourful but apt observation.
Aside from offering some relief from the Ottawa summer heat, the covered LeBreton Stage also helped draw a sizable audience for the duo Chambers Deslauriers.
Made up of American vocalist Annika Chambers and Canadian blues musician Paul Deslauriers, the group’s performance showcased their intense musical chemistry.
Partners in music and in life, their blues-rock and soul influences were apparent, with funky basslines and Annika’s powerful voice. The energy they gave the crowd was returned in full, with people clapping and singing along.
During songs like “Stand Up,” a guitar-heavy anthem about taking a stand for what’s going on in the world, their passion and soul were unmistakable.
Another musical power couple, country duo Rosewood Ave, were the first to play on the main RBC Stage. The up-and-coming group has received recognition from CBC’s Spotlight program and Ontario’s Country Music Awards. In addition to a collection of their own songs, they performed a twangier version of Sheryl Crow’s “If It Makes You Happy.”
Closing out the night at the River Stage was indie-folk star Father John Misty. By the time the sun had set, a packed crowd eagerly awaited the American musician.
Alongside a five-piece band all dressed in black suits, he gave a suave performance that felt more like an intimate jazz bar than a festival stage. Best known for strummy folk tunes like “Real Love Baby” and “Nancy From Now On,” Father John (real name Josh Tillman) stuck to the bluesier side of his repertoire.
His satirical and self-effacing lyrics were matched by a humorous and engaging performance of songs like “I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All.”
Saxophone, keys and a talented bass guitarist accompanied him through the more jazz-oriented songs in his discography.
Joking that he didn’t have many upbeat songs to “speed things up,” he launched into a country-crooner rendition of “Goodbye Mr. Blue.”
The audience seemed thoroughly entertained by the end of his set, marking a successful end to the first day of Bluesfest.
For the full schedule and ticket information ://ottawabluesfest.ca/.
