A vibrant celebration of music, partnership, and a bold new chapter for one of Canada’s most iconic festivals unfolded this week as the Ottawa Board of Trade hosted a special event at the Hard Rock Cafe. JUNO Award winner Angelique Francis electrified the room with a powerhouse performance, setting the tone for an afternoon that blended artistry, community, and major announcements for Ottawa Bluesfest 2026.
🎸 A Celebration of Collaboration
The event highlighted the growing partnership between Ottawa Bluesfest and the soon‑to‑open Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa—a collaboration that promises to elevate the festival experience for fans and artists alike.
Speakers included:
- Mark Monahan, Executive & Artistic Director of Ottawa Bluesfest, who shared insights into the 2026 festival vision and the importance of strategic partnerships in sustaining world‑class programming.
- Christine Crump, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, who emphasized Hard Rock’s commitment to supporting live music and the region’s cultural vibrancy.
🎤 Big News for Bluesfest 2026
Two major announcements took centre stage:
- The River Stage is getting a new name: beginning in 2026, it will be known as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Stage, marking a significant naming‑rights partnership that aligns the festival with one of the world’s most recognizable music‑driven brands.
- Hard Rock will also become the title sponsor of Bluesfest’s Platinum VIP experience, enhancing one of the festival’s most sought‑after premium offerings.
🎶 A Strong Start to Festival Season
With the Angelique Francis Band delivering a soulful, high‑energy set and community leaders rallying behind the festival’s future, the event captured the excitement building around the 2026 lineup. It was a reminder of how deeply music is woven into Ottawa’s identity—and how partnerships like this help keep the city’s cultural scene thriving.
JUNO Award winner, Francis electrified the Hard Rock Cafe with not one but two dynamic sets, each showcasing the full range of her award‑winning talent. Moving effortlessly between blues, soul, and roots, she filled the room with soaring vocals, rich instrumentation, and the kind of stage presence that commands attention. Her energy was infectious—by the end of each set, she had the crowd dancing, cheering, and fully locked into the celebratory spirit of the event.
It’s been a special privilege being part of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa journey over the last year, special thanks to Knock on Wood Communications for ensuring we’re always in the loop and to the staff at HRHC Ottawa for always making us feel welcome! Looking forward to what lies ahead for this great venue!
For more on Ottawa Bluesfest visit www.OttawaBluesfest.com, click here to read about the 2026 Ottawa Bluesfest lineup!
For more on Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa visit casino.hardrock.com/ottawa
