The second Thursday of Ottawa Bluesfest proved to be unlike any other day — with much cooler weather, a unique lineup of artists and an unexpected parliamentary attendee.
After days of a sweltering heat wave, storm clouds rolled in hours before the festivities started, bringing a strong breeze and a drop in temperature. Instead of portable fans, people carried umbrellas and sported rain jackets.
Thursday was also the only day with a hip-hop–oriented lineup on the RBC Stage, featuring Canadian rap emcee Kardinal Offishall and Jamaican dancehall artist and rapper Sean Paul.
The night was jam-packed with great acts on the other stages as well, with Vancouver indie-pop band Peach Pit headlining the River Stage. The band seemed to attract a large number of fans, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, who tweeted that he was at the show.
Sofia Duhaime was the first artist to take the stage in the Barney Danson Theatre. Wearing a long, flowy dress, Sofia floated around the stage, switching between her acoustic guitar and a lap harp.
With an appearance reminiscent of Stevie Nicks or Florence Welch, her ethereal lyrics and gentle voice added to her overall stage presence.
From western Quebec, Sofia performed mostly in French, singing original songs like “Lune d’argent,” “Nos épines” and “Le ciel pleurera.”
The Durham County Poets brought the blues to Bluesfest on the LeBreton Stage with their dynamic performance. The band, who have five albums and a JUNO Award nomination under their belt, delivered a dose of classic blues, soul, folk and a little bit of country.
Comprised of lead singer Kevin Harvey, drummer Rob Couture, guitarists Carl Rufh and Rob MacDonald, and saxophonists Marc Leclerc and Kevin Jalbert, the group was received very well by the crowd.
Playing a variety of songs from their discography, including their most recent album Out of the Woods, the Poets set the energy high for the evening.
Next was Harry Manx, scheduled as the double-header of the night, playing once outside and later in the theatre. Harry is known for blending traditional Indian string melodies with Canadian blues, using a variety of instruments including slide guitar.
His unique perspective and ability to blend aspects of Eastern and Western music culminated in an entrancing performance, his voice and lyrics complementing the guitar chords and Indian ragas.
In between songs, Harry told elaborate jokes with the comedic timing of a seasoned professional. Performing songs like “Tijuana,” he left the crowd clapping and whistling even as he exited the stage.
Later on, western British Columbia band Moontricks brought their modern sound of country-electronic music to the LeBreton Stage, while alternative rock band Jolie Laide played in the Barney Danson Theatre.
It was a great turnout all around, with music fans showing up from all over — including Parliament Hill. Here’s to hoping the refreshing weather and lively crowds continue into the weekend!
For more information and the full schedule, visit https://ottawabluesfest.ca/.
