RBC Bluesfest wraps up with one heck of a rockin’ night

Well as many of you who know me know, I HATE this day!!! Although this was by far the HOTTEST Bluesfest I’ve been to in 8 years, it’s never easy to see it come to an end. 2018 saw record temperatures and 300,000 music fans come to Lebreton Flats in Ottawa for 10 days of incredible music.

Started the day off about 4pm and took in a little bit of Animal Confession. They were great and got the place rockin and ready for the evening’s show!

Took some time out of the sun and had myself a bite and just sat back and soaked in as much of the last day as I could.
Next, went back to City Stage to watch Dear Rouge. Now there’s a chick who can sing! Her performance was superb and the band just made it even better. However in mid song, they had lost power. No lights, no mic and no sound!! I felt so bad for them, but, as us fans of music sat patiently and rather quietly I must add, they were back and ready to rock some more. While waiting she had come into the crowd and to the front to shake hands and meet some of the fans, and to thank everyone for hangin’ out and sticking around till they worked it out. Definitely worth waiting for the technical issues to be resolved!! Check them out if you haven’t already!! (Ottawa and Kingston will get another chance to see Dear Rouge this fall)

Later, over in the Claridge home stage. The Julian Taylor Band!! Man can they giver!!!  A voice of an angel and moves to match lol!! What a great show. Was my first time seeing them, but lemme tell ya…I’d for sure see them again!!!

Now for the show I was waiting all day to see…..Three Days Grace!!!!! Man oh man!!! Been a few years since I’ve seen them, but nothing has changed with them and they are still the talented rockers we fell in love with in the beginning!! Played all the tunes I wanted to hear but one, and that’s ok…next time!!

They told us how much they love our city and thanked us for having them back again and again!!!  I don’t mind having them back over and over, and hopefully next time I will be able to sing along with an actual voice lol!! Thank you Three Days Grace for always returning when we invite you!!

Onto the show that is bitter sweet….Rise Against!!! From the time they stepped foot onto the stage the crowd was hyped!! This is one show I stepped back for. I love all kinds of music and genres and what have you, and I do enjoy a little rock from time to time, but I felt it best if I let the true fans see who they came here for. They were fantastic, but a little to heavy for me lol!! But totally put on one hell of a show and to be honest, I couldn’t have thought of a better way to end this amazing beauty of a 10 day outdoor music festival!!!

And there you have it folks. Another year has come and gone, new friendships made, new memories and another successful Bluesfest calls it a year!!! A big thank you to Mark Monahan, event staff, security and the thousands of volunteers who give up their time to help make this festival such a success and safe!! Of course special thanks to Joe and AJ who take such great care of the media team each year.

As I walked out the main entrance for the last time, I stopped, looked back and smiled and thought how lucky I was to be able to be there every day, every year. And as a small tear runs down my face….I start the 355 day countdown until Bluesfest 2019 and also the 25th anniversary!! I’m excited to see who Mark will bring for us!!!

Until next year folks….have a great rest of your summer and hope you all get out to more festivals as the summer continues!!!

Coming up in just a few months don’t miss CityFolk Festival at TD Place brought to you by the creators of RBC Bluesfest.

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