After two rest days, Bluesfest roars back to life with a night built around pop powerhouses, blues authenticity, and a few intriguing emerging acts. Day 5 isn’t the most explosive lineup of the festival, but it is one of the most balanced — offering a smooth re‑entry into Week 2 with a mix of nostalgia, chart‑topping hits, and genuine musicianship.
Below are the acts that actually deserve your time.
⭐ Must‑See Acts for July 15
🎤 Conan Gray — RBC Stage, 9:30 PM
The biggest draw of the night. Conan Gray brings polished pop songwriting, massive streaming numbers, and a devoted fanbase. With hits like Heather, Maniac, and People Watching, expect a high‑emotion, high‑volume crowd response.
Why he’s a must‑see: He’s the only artist on the bill with multiple billion‑stream singles — a true modern pop headliner.
🌟 Natasha Bedingfield — RBC Stage, 6:00 PM
A nostalgia‑powered opener with real staying power. Unwritten remains one of the most recognizable pop songs of the last 20 years, and her catalogue goes far deeper than the one mega‑hit.
Why she’s a must‑see: She brings the kind of feel‑good, singalong energy that sets the tone for the entire night.
🎶 Myles Smith — RBC Stage, 7:30 PM
A rising UK star blending pop hooks with folk warmth. His breakout single Stargazing crossed a billion streams in under two years, and his new album My Mess, My Heart, My Life is packed with radio‑ready tracks.
Why he’s a must‑see: He’s one of the fastest‑rising pop artists of the last few years — a perfect bridge between Bedingfield’s nostalgia and Conan Gray’s modern pop.
🎸 Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears — Hard Rock Stage, 7:45 PM
A blast of gritty, soulful blues‑rock. Their past Bluesfest sets have been crowd favourites, delivering raw guitar work and high‑energy vocals.
Why they’re a must‑see: They bring the most musical intensity of the night — a welcome contrast to the pop‑heavy main stage.
⚔️ Sons of Legion — Emerging Rock Act to Watch
A rising band with a growing local footprint, Sons of Legion bring a raw, guitar‑driven sound that stands out on a pop‑heavy night. Their live shows have been gaining momentum, and Bluesfest offers a perfect chance to catch them before they break wider.
Why they’re a must‑see: They’re one of the most promising up‑and‑coming rock acts on the bill — a great pick if you’re looking for something with edge and energy.
🎤 All‑Star Women’s Blues Showcase — Hard Rock Stage, 9:15 PM
A curated lineup of powerhouse blues performers closing out the Hard Rock stage. Expect strong vocals, tight musicianship, and a genuine celebration of the genre.
Why it’s a must‑see: It’s the purest “Bluesfest‑feeling” moment of the night — and a rare chance to see multiple standout blues artists in one set.
🎧 Other Notable Acts Worth a Look
These artists round out the evening with variety and discovery potential:
- Nikki D & The Sisters of Thunder — Gospel‑infused blues with electrifying steel guitar.
- Adam Karch — Smooth, roots‑driven guitar work.
- Reuben Bullock & The Bullhorn Singers — Atmospheric indie‑folk textures.
- Mecca of Stank — Funk‑leaning party vibes.
- DJ Karyen — Keeping the grounds moving between sets.
🎯 If You Like… (Emoji Guide)
- Pop: Conan Gray 🎤✨
- Nostalgia Pop: Natasha Bedingfield 🎶🌈
- Folk‑Pop: Myles Smith 🌙🎸
- Rock: Sons of Legion 🎸⚔️
- Blues‑Rock: Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears 🔥🎸
- Pure Blues: All‑Star Women’s Blues Showcase 🎷💙
As always for full lineup details and last-minute updates be sure to visit www.ottawabluesfest.ca
