JUNO Award winners The Washboard Union may have only visited Ottawa a couple of times in the past, most recently as a special guest performer at this spring’s Country Music Association of Ontario awards, they built up quite a fan base in the city. Joining Aaron, Chris and David in Ottawa last night was Newfoundland’s own, Jason Benoit who is currently promoting his new EP Revolution Pt. 1.

Thanks to Warner Music Canada we were invited to the pre-show meet and greet with the Washboard Union which often means you miss out on the opening act. Much to our surprise last night Jason’s start was held off until after everyone was back in the theatre.

Jason Benoit performs at the Algonquin Commons Theatre in Ottawa. Photo: Renée Doiron

This would be Benoit’s second appearance in less than a year on the stage at Algonquin Commons Theatre, he stopped by for a visit early in the year with newcomer Owen Barney. The bulk of Benoit’s set featured tracks from Revolution Pt. 1 from “Saturday’s for the Girls” to “When We Know” favourites from his 2017 release Waves like “All Wanna Party” as well as some popular covers were sprinkled in including a sing along favourite Garth Brooks’ “Friends In Low Places”.  You can purchase or stream Revolution Pt. 1 on Apple Music here: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/revolution-pt-1/1479260821

The Washboard Union performs at the Algonquin Commons Theatre in Ottawa. Photo: Renée Doiron

The Washboard Union is promoting their 2018 album What We’re Made Of and debuted a new single, “Country Thunder”, last night. The new single drops next Friday on Canadian country radio and all streaming platforms.

The Washboard Union performs at the Algonquin Commons Theatre in Ottawa. Photo: Renée Doiron

In the age of pop-country, bro-country or whatever you want to call the new country sound The Washboard Union bring a classic sound with a modern twist. Their songs are heavy on the banjo, the washboard, the harmonies and lyrics are memorable and easy to sing along to. Last night’s performance featured all of their biggest hits from “Shot of Glory”, “Maybe It’s the Moonshine”, “Feels Like That” to “She Gets Me”, “Head Over Heels” “Shine” and, of course, the tour’s signature song “What We’re Made Of”. They mixed in some popular covers including The Eagles’ “Take It Easy”, Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls” and a song they performed with The Good Brothers “Fox On The Run”.

It’s always a good time when the Washboard Union comes to town. There’s still one date left of their Ontario tour and it happens tomorrow night in Kitchener at the Wax Nightclub. Check out https://www.thewashboardunion.com/shows.html for all future dates and tickets.

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