Bluesfest Beats

Photo by 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:

Catriona Sturton

She sings “like an angel,” and “plays like a beast.”

Catriona Sturton has played bass for Canadian indie band Plumtree and rocked out with punk bands in Japan. Now she’s a solo artist with a guitar, a harmonica and a collection of songs that vary from humorous to haunting. Sturton released a new album this year called Bumblebee. Whether she’s singing an ode to poutine or heartache Sturton is a charismatic performer with an engaging stage presence. A must see for fans of blues, folk rock and harmonica.
July 17 at 8:15 p.m.
Monster Stage

Parker Millsap

Oklahoma native Parker Millsap will bring his own rollicking brand of Americana folk rock to the Bluesfest stage. Millsap recently released his second album, a self-titled collection of songs that vary from low-key and contemplative to fiery spiritual blues-rock. A charismatic performer with a versatile voice, Millsap’s narrative driven songs and youthful energy are sure to captivate Ottawa crowds.
July 10 at 9 p.m.
Barney Danson Theatre

New Swears

What can Bluesfest audiences expect from a New Swears concert?

“They can expect to bring an umbrella because we’ll be raining down the hits all night long,” says band member Sammy J. Scorpion.

The Ottawa based punk rockers most recent album “Junkfood Forever, Bedtime Whatever,” is full of tight harmonies, joyous pop hooks and irrepressible energy. The band also has a great deal of love for their hometown. “Ottawa is like a Boston Cream Donut,” says Scorpion. “At first glance it looks like a dirty little brown cake but if you stop and take a bite, you’ll be in for a sweet delight.”
July 14 at 6 p.m.
Canadian Stage

The Growlers

These California “beach goths,” have been working and touring together for eight years. Their recently released fifth studio album “Chinese Fountain,” features a distinctive brand of psychedelic punk. Bluesfest attendees looking for reverb heavy grooves will find them here.
July 11 at 5:45 p.m.
Canadian Stage

k.i.d 

Pop duo Kara Lane and Bobby Lo might be a couple of “kids in despair,” but their music is far from despairing. The siblings create dreamy synth heavy garage pop that is perfectly complimented by Kara’s deep powerful voice. Their gritty debut single “I wish I was your cigarette” caught the attention of music publications like Spin for it’s catchy pop potential and compelling lyricism.
July 18 at 3:15 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!