Ottawa Bluesfest preview #3: Local acts you shouldn’t miss
Here is the third installment in our series of previews of the awesome local talent playing this year’s Ottawa Bluesfest. We’re hoping to do this weekly, to help you discover your new favourite Ottawa band or musician to see at the festival!
Amanda Rheaume
What to say about Amanda Rheaume. She is Métis singer/songwriter with a powerful voice which has just the right touch of grittiness to it. This independent artist makes lovely roots and pop-folk music. She was the winner of the Live 88.5 Big Money Shot in 2008 and she never looked back. Amanda has released 3 full length albums, toured the country as well as Europe, she even had a stint in Afghanistan with Canadian troops. Amanda just finished up her new album and I can not wait for it to be released. It will be a little treck to go see Amanda play, as they have her playing at the Rideau Center at noon on Friday, July 12, but it will be worth it.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPYI8i3fWgU?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
The Goodluck Assembly
The Goodluck Assembly are one of Ottawa’s premier alternative rock bands. Formed by brothers Bruce and Mike Libbos and then complemented with the additions of Jamie Kronick and Matthew Mowbray the band is ready to show you what they got. Their latest album ‘Demonstrations’ was recorded in Brooklyn, New York, during Hurricane Sandy, with the help of producers Gus Van Go & Werner F (The Stills, Hollerado, Les Trois Accords). The band has worked with producers who have recorded with such great bands, so you can ensure yourself that you are in for quite the treat. Check out The Goodluck Assembly on July 8th at 7:00 pm at the River Stage.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/83608403″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
John Carroll & The Epic Proportions
If you have ever walked by The Laffayette on a Wednesday nigth, you have already heard the great John Carroll. If not, let me assure you that this traditional blues and country folk artist is not to be missed. On top of that, consider the fact that instead of playing solo, he will have a full band by his side, The Epic Proportions. Many of Carroll’s songs are these epic tales told in such a way that you always wished there was another chapter. You can read a previous review of one of his live performances I did here. But don’t settle for my review, go check them at on the River Stage at 1:45 on Sunday July 14th.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mauhf6AX148?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
Steve Adamyk Band
There might not be a lot of punk rock at Bluesfest this year, but punk rocker don’t fret, the Steve Adamyk Band has you covered. The band was born from the ashes of two great Ottawa bands, Million Dollar Marxists and Sedatives. They play trash-pop inspired by seventies and eighties punk and nineties garage rock. These Ottawa rockers have taken their show on the road, playing Europe, SXSW, Sled Island festival and Juno Fest. Their third album, called Third, was released in February of this year. Check out the first single off Third, “Katacombs,” right below. You can catch them on one of the main stages, the Bell Stage at 1:00 pm Sunday July 7th.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiT5-lzzHqk?rel=0&w=560&h=315]