By YT
The Ottawa Bluesfest celebrated its milestone 30th anniversary with an unforgettable kickoff on July 4. This year’s festival boasted a star-studded lineup that lit up the Main Stage with electrifying performances. Fans were thrilled to see renowned artists such as Orville Peck, Mother Mother, 50 Cent, Nickelback, Maroon 5, Mötley Crüe, Zac Brown Band, Tyler Childers, and Nas. Each artist brought their unique sound and energy, making this anniversary a truly special mixed bag of music.
The festival concluded with stellar performances by rapper Nas and Ben Howard. However, the final day wasn’t without its challenges. A power outage in the area caused a delay in the day’s program, but the resilient spirit of the festivalgoers and performers prevailed, turning the setback into a testament to the festival’s lasting appeal.
This year’s Ottawa Bluesfest faced unprecedented weather challenges. Executive Director Mark Monahan shared in a recent interview, “I can’t honestly remember a year when we had this much precipitation. Luckily, most of it was outside our operating hours, but it was challenging to deal with.” Despite the weather, the festival staff and attendees showed remarkable resilience, ensuring the event’s success.
Possibly the most anticipated performance by Neil Young and Crazy Horse, was sadly canceled due to illness. The announcement of their canceled tour dates was a significant disappointment for fans eagerly awaiting his iconic presence. Despite this setback, the festival quickly responded by including, Cancer Bats, The Offspring and Silverstein as substitutes for the ailing Neil Young and his Crazy Horse bandmates.
As we reflect on this incredible 30th anniversary, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff we meet every year at the Ottawa Bluesfest. Your enthusiasm and support make this festival an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait return to the 31st edition next year, surely promising more amazing performances and unforgettable moments.
