RBC Ottawa Bluesfest is making a swift comeback with its first full festival since 2019. The festival will be taking place from July 7-17 with a mix of big headliners and local musicians in the lineup.
The festivities will host a wide variety of artists with different musical backgrounds. Luke Combs, Rage Against the Machine and Ottawa-native Alanis Morrisette will headline the festival.
“We’re happy to finally be able to roll out a fantastic lineup of live acts that will reward the collective patience of so many music fans,” Executive Director Mark McMahon said in a press release.
Ottawa-based artists Mack & Ben, Amanda Lowe, Vicki Brittle and more are also featured in this year’s lineup. A common theme among these local artists is the special feeling of performing in front of a hometown audience.
Mack & Ben, a pop and soul group fronted by sibling duo Mackenzie and Ben Di Millio, will perform at Bluesfest for the first time. The duo have previously performed at local venues such as LIVE! on Elgin and Dominion-Chalmers Centre.
Mackenzie said the chance to perform at Bluesfest is a “thrilling” opportunity.
“There’s something special about seeing a myriad familiar faces in the crowd,” Mackenzie said. “We definitely put extra pressure on ourselves to make the set as magical as possible, for both new listeners and for those who have supported us all along the way.”
According to Mackenzie, the duo plans to deliver a groovy, dynamic and funky set that will mix old and new songs to take listeners on a musical journey.
Mack & Ben will be performing on July 8 at 6:30 p.m. on the River Stage.
Singer-songwriter Vicki Brittle expressed similar feelings of excitement about being part of the Bluesfest lineup and performing in front of a local crowd.
“Home will always be a stage to me, but there is something extra special about being on a stage in the place your roots are planted. To bring this journey of expression and music to the people that surrounded me while I grew up is extremely special to me,” she said.
This will be Brittle’s third performance at Bluesfest after performing in 2017 and 2018. She said being invited back this year is a reminder that her hard work is paying off.
Brittle will be performing on July 13 at 6:00 p.m. on the SiriusXM Stage.
Experimental folk singer Amanda Lowe was originally scheduled to perform at Bluesfest for the first time last year, but due to the festival’s condensed format, her performance was rescheduled for this year.
She said she is excited to challenge herself to create a dynamic set as she finally takes the stage.
“It’s a hometown show which adds to the pressure in a good way,” she said. “It’s gotten me to explore how I can make the festival more special than my normal shows.”
Lowe draws musical inspiration from her P.E.I. roots and her current home in Ottawa. She said she hopes listeners feel emotions such as love and nostalgia while listening to her music.
Lowe will be performing on July 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Barney Danson Theatre.
More information about RBC Ottawa Bluesfest and tickets are available online.
Featured image by Spencer Colby.
