Sean Sisk’s Bluesfest Picks

Nothing like a good play on words to get an editor going on an idea with that play on words . Something with more fun for me to do…Photographers Picks.
After delaying, postponing, and telling Soundcheck that I was too busy, in all truth it was sorta fun. Here it is, a couple of my must sees at this year’s RBC Bluesfest.
As someone who grew up in the ’90s, my first 2 are definitely The Cult and of course the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

I don’t get the chance to follow the new music scene like I once did. The diversity of this year’s fest is pretty cool. What’s amazing is that despite some saying this is a poorer year in general for touring artists, Bluesfest has a pretty rockin’ lineup with a little something for everyone.

Here we go. After much procrastination and help and quizzing all those that I know, here are my picks:
Tal Wilkenfeld – July 8th, Blacksheep Stage 8:15
Dube – July 16th, Monster Energy Stage 3:00pm
Meghan Patrick – July 14th, Claridge Stage 6:00pm
Kelly Prescott – July 13th, Claridge Stage 6:00pm
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – July 8th, City Stage 9:30pm
Yukon Blonde – July 10th, Monster Stage 9:00pm
Madeline Merlo – July 13thCasino du Lac-Leamy 11:30pm – FREE
The Red Rails – July 15th Claridge 8:00pm
Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne – July 16th, Black Sheep, 5:00
Coleman Hell – July 15th, Monster Stage, 8:00pm
Lindsey Stirling – July 14, Calridge, 8:00pm
John Nemeth – July 8th, Black Sheep, 9:30

Coming to my conclusion of some must see’s, I chatted with a few music “friends of mine” ( a little Jason Blaine homage right there.) I talked with a couple musicians that are in the line up for this years fest, Kim Vincent, Jill Zmud, Jeff Logan and Amanda Rheaume.
We got a couple recommendations for ya first up Kim Vincent of the Red Rails
Half Moon Run! These guys have crazy musical chops and they are Canadian!
Half Moon Run Wed, July 13, 9:30 PM on the Black Sheep stage
Kim Vincent – Red Rails – Friday, July 15, 8pm, Claridge Stage – Twitter: @theredrails

Jill Zmud says you should go see Chris Page.
Chris Page Sat, July 9, 1:00 PM Claridge Stage
Jill Zmud – Sat, July 9, 7:30 PM Barney Danson Theatre – Twitter: @jillzmud
Two top picks for Jeff Logan guitaritst with The Power Goats are Amanda Rheaume and Brock Zeeman
Amanda Rheaume – Sat, July 9, 9:30 PM Monster Stage / Brock Zeeman – Sun, July 17, 8:00 PM Monster Stage.
Jeff Logan – The Power Goats – Sun, July 17, 5:00 PM The Power Goats on Twiter: @jamesfdouglas
Then we chatted with Amanda Rheaume and Amanda says;
“Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar FOR SURE!”
Samantha can sing her ass off like no one else and is backed by an awesome band. Raw, dirty, soulful blues. A MUST SEE
Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar – Wed, July 13, 7:30 PM – Monster Stage
Amanda Rheaume – Sat, July 9, 9:30 PM – Monster Stage – Twitter: @amandarheaume

There is a great long list of talent from the likes of Ottawa’s own Amanda Rheaume, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter James McMurty, Brad Paisley, City in Colour, The Monkees (Without Davey Jones who passed in 2012), Duran Duran, to pop-R&B singer songwriter Alessia Cara. Never mind all the talent that I don’t know off or just haven’t seen to give them a shout out. Wander around, get there a little earlier, check out the side stages out and enjoy.
I am guessing you can’t go wrong where ever you decide to stand with your beer and have a listen at this years fest.

Sean Sisk / @SiskPhoto