The long wait is over, music fans: Bluesfest has announced its lineup for the 2019 festival, which runs from July 4 to 14.
Not surprisingly, Ottawa’s largest music festival offers a little something for everyone, from rap (Snoop Dogg) and country (Eric Church) to blues (Buddy Guy), Russian feminist punk (Pussy Riot—do you know another Russian feminist punk band?) and soft rock (America). Other big names include The Killers, Logic, KYGO, Alexisonfire, the Psychedelic Furs and CHVRCHES.
And, oh yeah, the Backstreet Boys? They’re back. They’ll be closing out the festival on Sunday, July 14.
Photo of Bluefest copyright Ottawa Tourism.
This is the 25th anniversary of Bluesfest, and the programmers have made a few changes. For one, similar acts will be playing on multiple stages on a single night. So, unlike past years, you’ll be less likely to show up to hear your favourite indie singer-songwriter, only to have her plaintive voice drowned out by the pounding drum solo of the metal act on the next stage. This year, various nights will be focused on country, hip-hop and other themes.
As usual, Bluesfest will be setting up its tents and stages on LeBreton Flats, near the Canadian War Museum. (No word yet on whether the Bluesfest killdeer intends to try to snag a front seat near the main stage again.) As always, you’d be well advised to get there on transit, as the crowds will likely be up to their usual massive sizes, especially if the weather is good.
Bluesfest will be selling presale passes for one day only, starting at 10am this Thursday, March 7. All other tickets and passes go on regular sale on Friday, March 8, at 10am. For more details, see the Bluesfest website.
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And looking for another big-name show to see this summer? Check out my post about Jennifer Lopez’s upcoming Canadian concerts.