Guest post by Ren Tomovcik. Ren is an arts nerd, writer, radio host, and contributor to several awesome local websites including Apartment 613.
This year’s Bluesfest already looks bigger and better than ever, but believe it or not, there will be more going on this July than what’s on the main stages.
Bluesfest Byward is Ottawa Bluesfest’s prodigious little brother, and the downtown festival lineup is nothing short of impressive. This summer is definitely reaffirming Ottawa as the place to be for the music lover. From July 9th to 13th, Byward Market’s music venues will be buzzing with live shows from around 80 local and visiting bands, DJs and solo performers.
If the thought of attending more than a couple of Bluesfest shows was stretching your embattled wallet, you’ll definitely want to check these smaller shows out. The lineup is as varied as it is talented, and there will even be a series of free concerts taking place nightly on the outdoor stage (at the corner of York and William.)
Here’s just a taste of what’s in store during Bluesfest Byward:
Matt Mays @ Capital Music Hall – Born in Ontario and raised in Nova Scotia, singer-songwriter Matt Mays is well on his way to becoming a Canadian music icon. Since being nominated for New Artist of the Year at the 2005 Junos, he’s released two more solid records, performing both solo and with his band El Torpedo. His performance at Ottawa’s Capital Music Hall will cap off his Canadian summer tour, so don’t miss this chance to see him live! (Listen on Myspace)
Matt Mays – Photo by Scott McIntyre via mattmays.com
Born Ruffians @ Mavericks – These Canadian indie rockers recently returned from from a US tour with Franz Ferdinand, and rumour has it they’re hard at work writing songs for an as-yet-untitled upcoming release. Now, they’re back to rock the motherland, giving the capital city a tantalizing chance at being the first to hear some of their new material. You heard it in Ottawa first! (Listen on Myspace) *** UPDATE: Thanks to Ren for the head’s up that the Born Ruffians seem to have dropped out of the Bluesfest Byward line-up. That girl really knows her stuff!***
United Steelworkers of Montreal @ York Street Outdoor Stage – As girlaboutOtown discovered when she caught them live in Wakefield back in February, these Quebecers really know how to rock a banjo. USWM are mainstays on the Ottawa/Montreal independent music circuit, but if you haven’t experienced one of their live shows yet, there’s no better time to check them out. They’re already playing the main festival, but with this bonus freebie in the Market, you can make sure to fit at least one dose of USWM’s punk-country into your Bluesfest schedule. (Listen on Myspace)
Ohbijou @ Zaphod Beeblebrox- 2009 has already been a fantastic year for this seven-piece folksy-pop outfit. They toured Europe for the first time this spring and just released a gorgeous new full-length album, Beacons, in June. They’re sure to be playing some of their newly-released tunes, entrancing listeners with their trademark soft, sweet, and slightly melancholic sound. (Listen on Myspace)
The Ethics @ Live Lounge – Based in Ottawa, the Ethics have played several shows in the capital this year to support the launch of their sophomore album, At Cities’ End. Their introspective lyrics are backed by some seriously well-crafted melodies, and with their growing reputation for putting on impressive live shows, this talented quartet is definitely a local act to watch closely. (Listen on Myspace)
The Ethics – Photo by Ming Wu via www.myspace.com/listentotheethics
Great Lake Swimmers @ Mavericks- Since their debut almost a decade ago, the Swimmers have remained somewhat under the radar. But Canada’s spotlight was planted firmly upon them this past year with the release of their latest album Lost Channels: the record topped the charts on CBC Radio 3 and iTunes, and was recently long-listed for the Polaris Prize. Finally, the world is finding out what longtime fans have known all along – these folk-rockers have talent in spades, and the emotive vocals of lead singer/songwriter Tony Dekker really make their tunes stand out. (Listen on Myspace)
Great Lake Swimmers – Photo by Ilia Horsburgh via greatlakeswimmers.com
Visit the Bluesfest Byward website for the full lineup, list of free shows, showtimes, venue map and more!
Mon, Jul 6, 2009
Around Town