Before we get too deep into this review, I have a personal bias I feel might be worth admitting. I’ve been eager to see Hozier perform live for a number of years and personally believe that his debut album was one of the best mainstream commercial releases of the last five years.
Byrne Brings Down The House Thursday at CityFolk
Thursday night at CityFolk featured legendary hard hitters Ani DiFranco and David Byrne, whose performances certainly lived up to the hype.
Kemptville Live, Day 4. Jann Arden Leaves People Happy
Day 4 finally came, but it was different. I awoke Sunday morning and looked out the window…..rain. It had rained during the night but it was still coming down then. The schedule for Sunday was earlier than the other days so they could wrap up at 5 or 5:30. I packed up my belongings and got ready for the day, not knowing what to expect. I got to the site early, sound checks were just finishing up it was still coming down quite hard. I went onto the stage, the front and the back of the stage floor was wet. All that was dry was an area in the center of the floor. I didn’t know what or if I would be shooting.
Kemptville Live Day 3, Everybody was Surfin’
Well, Day 3 of Kemptville Live Music Festival was kind of electric. We saw tie-dye clothing, brightly coloured hats of all kinds and peace signs galore. This was all in anticipation of the headliners for the evening, The Beach Boys!
Kemptville, Day 2. Record Crowds For Loverboy
Friday evening was a big night in Kemptville, the lineup was supposed to feature Kim Mitchell as one of the bands, but Organizers got word Thursday afternoon that Kim was having some health issues and wouldn’t be making an appearance. There was a scramble that the fans weren’t even aware of happening backstage. Organizers were trying to find another band that could step in and replace Kim. One of the biggest considerations was not only finding an available band, but finding one that could logistically make it to the venue in less than 24 hours. Enter Honeymoon Suite. They agreed to come and replace Kim Mitchell and made it up to the fans the best way they knew how, like the pros they are.
Kemptville Live Music Festival, Day 1
Last Thursday evening marked the start of the 2018 edition of the Kemptville Live Music Festival. The festival was the brainchild of Bob Beshara of Class Axe Guitars in Kemptville. From his idea came a long list of volunteers who have pitched in to make the festival a great success. In a short four year run, Bob and his volunteers have built this festival into something to be very proud of. I have had the honour of photographing the last two years and things run so smooth it’s unbelievable. Even this year when Kim Mitchell had to cancel due to health concerns, it was taken in stride and handled with less than 24 hours to spare.
A little bit of hip-hop and little bit rock and roll as RBC Bluesfest enters its final weekend
Well Day 9 started off a little earlier than the previous day. With it being the second last day…I didn’t want to waste it no matter how just about done I am lol! Some of the highlights on my list included Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine, Jessie Reyez, Rae Sremmurd, Colin James and, of course a sampling of everything in between.
Blue Rodeo and Naughty by Nature keep RBC Bluesfest crowd singing along all night!
Whether you’re down with O.P.P. or just looking to get Lost Together with thousands of other concert goers Thursday night at RBC Bluesfest was the night for everyone who loved to sing, or rap, at the top of their lungs like it was 1999.
One on one with Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo
On Thursday July 12, Blue Rodeo came to Ottawa to perform for the 12th time at RBC Bluesfest. Before the show I had the opportunity to talk to Jim Cuddy about his solo projects, family and how Thursday night’s show almost didn’t happen and the future of Blue Rodeo was in jeopardy due to an illness in the band.
Dave Matthews Band brings change of pace to RBC Bluesfest
5 days complete, 5 days to go. As we enter the midway point of the 2018 edition of RBC Bluesfest we’ve seen record temperatures and record crowds descend on Lebreton Flats and things don’t show any signs of cooling anytime soon!