Review of Bluesfest Day Two: A night of soulful rhythms

An array of cowboy boots and denim flooded LeBreton Flats for a successful second day of performances at Ottawa Bluesfest.

Despite the near 30 C weather, the sprawling festival grounds buzzed with anticipation as music aficionados and casual listeners alike gathered to indulge in a day filled with soulful rhythms.

As the sun set over the Ottawa River, folk artist Mia Kelly lit up the River Stage with powerful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics. 

“It’s so good to be home … I’m from about four minutes that way,” she said while pointing toward the river.

Kelly mesmerised audiences with intimate anecdotes of the inspiration behind each of her profound songs, including “Kitchissippi,” the former name of the Ottawa River.

“This is so sweet. It’s so rare that I get to see the river and sing [Kitchissippi] to the river.”

The Gatineau-based artist serenaded the crowd with a seamless blend of French and English tunes, adding a vibrant tapestry of bilingualism to the ambiance.

Meanwhile at the SiriusXM stage, Bywater Call stunned crowds with impressive saxophone and trumpet solos. The southern soul-rock band from Toronto had attendees clinging onto every note.

Back at the RBC Stage, Warren Zeiders delivered a much-anticipated performance to enthusiastic crowds sporting cowboy hats and boots. The 24 year-old country singer charmed audiences with his twangy voice and undeniable stage presence. 

His electrifying renditions of “Pretty Little Poison,” “Up to No Good” and “Ride the Lightning (717 Tapes)” left a ravishing impression, earning thunderous applause and enthusiastic cheers.

Just after 9:30 p.m., Nickelback took to the RBC Stage to deliver a nostalgic set of rock favourites including “Rockstar,” “Animals” and “How You Remind Me.”

The atmosphere was electric. Waves of excitement rippled through the audience as familiar guitar riffs and powerful vocals resonated across the grounds.

Meanwhile, Grammy-nominated artist Noah Cyrus bewitched the River Stage with her raw and enchanting vocals. 

From the moment Cyrus stepped on stage, her ethereal presence commanded attention while inviting the audience on a new journey with each song.

The haunting melody and introspective lyrics of “Lonely” created a reflective atmosphere before quickly transitioning into an upbeat rendition of the highly anticipated “July.” 

Her band perfectly complemented her performance, even joining her on the mic for the final verses of “I Got So High That I Saw Jesus.”

Before leaving the stage, Cyrus treated the eager audience to some late 2010s favourites, including “Again” featuring XXXTENTACION and “Make You (Cry)” featuring Labrinth.

The night concluded with a patient walk toward nearby OC Transpo stations, cutting through a field of crushed beer cans with the lingering scent of revelry.

---

Featured image by Sadeen Mohsen.