RBC Ottawa Bluesfest goes big with 2020 Lineup Announcement
It’s that time of year when we get a glimpse into summer festival season, and RBC Bluesfest has set the stage for an exciting one this year on July 9—19, 2020.
Last week, the bombshell dropped that Rage Against the Machine will be headlining the 2020 edition, inciting mass hysteria among those of us who grew up listening to the band light airwaves on fire. Organizers have just announced the remaining acts filling out the lineup, and they’ve pulled no punches this year.
The stand-out announcement has to be Alanis Morissette—Ottawa’s own music sensation who exploded with 1995’s Jagged Little Pill. The instant classic album topped the charts in thirteen countries, sold over 33 million copies worldwide (and remains one of the best-selling albums of all time), and was also nominated for nine Grammy Awards (winning five, including Album of the Year). Morissette is set to release her new album Such Pretty Forks in the Road on May 1, 2020, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of Jagged Little Pill’s original release. To celebrate the anniversary and new album, Morissette is going on a rare international tour this summer which we now know will stop in Ottawa.
Previously announced acts include Rage Against the Machine, Jack Johnson, Vance Joy, Jade Bird, Marshmello, Lil Tecca, and the Saints and Sinners Tour featuring Big Wreck, Headstones, Moist, and The Tea Party.
Other highlights of today’s announcement include Juno-award winner Daniel Caesar, R&B legends Boyz II Men, multi-instrumentalist Tash Sultana, The National, Nelly, Garbage, Sharon Van Etten, and many more. Needless to say, the nostalgia factor will be a big part of this year’s performances, with many acts garnering early anticipation and excitement.
“The response to the acts we announced during an early rollout in December for our Holiday sale was spectacular—and we feel confident that the talent we’re announcing today will definitely add to the buzz,” says Mark Monahan, the festival’s executive and artistic director. “I believe the strength of this year’s lineup is the depth of talent—we focussed on casting a wide net, reaching out to a broad demographic of fans—some well-known ‘flashes from the past’ and an impressive slate of international superstars, to go along with many other established and emerging acts.”
The confirmed line-up to date includes:
Rage Against The Machine; Jack Johnson; Blink-182; Marshmello; Alanis Morissette; Daniel Caesar; The National; Boyz II Men; Vance Joy; Tash Sultana; Dean Lewis; Lil Tecca; King Crimson; Blue Rodeo; Billy Talent; Garbage; 6LACK; Saints and Sinners Tour (Big Wreck, Headstones, Moist and The Tea Party); Ali Gatie; Nelly; July Talk; Dashboard Confessional; Charlotte Day Wilson; Jade Bird; Travis Tritt; Patrick Watson; Sharon Van Etten; Cash Cash; DJ Shadow; The New Pornographers; Cat Power; Turkuaz w/ Jerry Harrison & Adrian Belew: Remain In Light Turns 40; Grandson; Brandy Clark; Deltron 3030; Arrested Development; The Barr Brothers; Jeremy Dutcher; Protoje; DUCKWRTH; Nahko and Medicine For The People; Matt Maeson; Joan Osborne; Barns Courtney; Leif Vollebekk; The Cinematic Orchestra; Charlie Cunningham; The Dip; Wishbone Ash; Ezra Furman; Durand Jones & The Indications; Haviah Mighty; Southern Avenue; Jontavious Willis; Ocean Alley; The Turbans; NOBRO; Vanessa Collier; Crown Lands; Crystal Shawanda; Fémina; Lloyd Spiegel; Marco Benevento; Michelle Hopkins; Jessica Mitchell; The Cooper Brothers Southern Rock All-Star Revue; Albert Castiglia; Mike Zito; Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers; The Texas Horns; Johnny Shay; Red Young; Alanna Sterling; Amanda Lowe; Angelique Francis Band; Big Zee; Braden Foulkes; Étoile Noire; FRASE; Gavin McLeod; Gentlemen of the Woods; Jessica Pearson and the East Wind; JT Soul; Kimberly Sunstrum; Lia Kloud; Lora Bidner; Lyle Odjick & The Northern Steam; Mack & Ben; Mischa; Miss Emily; Murray Kinsley & Wicked Grin; Renée Landry; Sly High; Sophia Radisch; The Commotions; Tony D Band – Blues Revue Hosts July 10, 11 and 12; and The Split – Blues Revue Hosts July 16, 17 and 18.
RBC Bluesfest runs from July 9 to 19 LeBreton Flats Park.
Ticket Info
1-Day pre-sale begins Feb. 19 at 10 a.m. (ends at midnight) and includes: *U19 Full Festival Wristband *under 19 / *U25 Full Festival Wristband *Under 25 / Adult Full Festival Pass / VIP Club Full Festival Pass
General On-sale: Feb.20 at 10 a.m. All ticket-types available, including Day Passes / Pick-3 / Pick-5 / Metropolitain VIP Zone, etc. See www.ottawabluesfest.ca for more details.