Bluesfest 2013 must-see acts: Muñoz Edition
My blogging partner Eric and I share a lot in common with respect to tastes in music. That being said, I am providing my list of must-see acts at Ottawa Bluesfest this year, notwithstanding the fact that he went and stole some of my choices. Well, good thing there’s a ton of great acts (local and non-local) that could potentially blow your mind. Avoiding some of the top headliners of the festival, be sure to pay attention to these acts.
Day 1, Thursday July 4: Alex Clare.
If you haven’t heard of this fellow, be prepared for genre-melting music that is sure to make flocks of people gather for this set. His bluesy vocal stylings and dubstep/rock/synthpop infusions make him an official purveyor of dubstep that actually doesn’t make one want trip and fall on a sharp knife. 9:30 PM, River Stage
Day 2, Friday July 5: Flogging Molly
These Celtic punk rockers are a sure thing. They’ve been around for well over a decade destroying eardrums and ensuring good times are had at their shows. Don’t be afraid of those mosh pits – in fact, go try it out and cross it off your bucket list. 8 PM, Claridge Homes Stage
Day 3, Saturday July 6:
7 PM, Bell Stage
Day 4, Sunday July 7: Other than Wu Tang, check out the locals, Steve Adamyk Band, FEVERS and Her Harbour.
Supporting local acts is always great and these three all offer something a little different. Adamyk with their rock, Fevers with their electro-synth-pop and Her Harbour with her dark and soulful songs. Adamyk, 1 PM Bell Stage, Fevers, 2 PM Claridge Stage, Her Harbour 4:30 PM Barney Danson Theatre.
Day 5, Monday July 8: THE SPECIALS!
Just one of, if not the, most influential Ska bands of all time! This is not only my must-see of the day, but my must-see of the entire festival! I am so excited to dance like no one is watching. 7:15 PM, Claridge Stage
Day 6, Wednesday July 10: A Tribe Called Red
One of Ottawa’s most popular exports right now. The Polaris nominated Pow-wow step DJs will get you moving. 9:30 Black Sheep Stage
Day 7, Thursday July 11: Jack Pine and the Fire
One of the most talented, soulful acts Ottawa has to offer, Jack Pine & The Fire brings foot-stomping roots music that bleeds originality. 6 PM River Stage
Day 8, Friday July 12: The Waterboys
Let their tales of fishermen blues carry you off into the night. Great Big Sea, before Great Big Sea existed. 8 PM, Claridge Stage
Day 9, Saturday July 13: Other than Bjork, go see Roberta Bondar and Mehdi Cayene Club
More locals being plugged. Roberta Bondar have a dark space rock sound to them, while Mehdi Cayenne Club can only be defined as a lot of energy and a lot of fun, no genre can handle them. Roberta Bondar, 1 PM Bell Stage, Medhi 2:45 PM River Stage.
Day 10:Alejandro Escovedo and Dog Blood
Alejandro is an excellent guitarist and writer who has been doing it for quite some time. Perfect for fans of Bruce Springsteen, The Hold Steady and Bob Mould. Dog Blood on the other hand is something completely different. It is the combination of two of the biggest names in dubstep, Skrillex and Boys Noize. Things will get loud and your heart will pound. Escovedo, 5:45 PM River Stage. Dog Blood, 9:15 Bell Stage.