Still more photos and reviews from Ottawa Bluesfest 2025: Dwanye Gretzky and Los Bitchos

Day 7 at the River Stage: Four Eyed Muscle Man/Los Bitchos/Dwayne Gretzky

The seventh day of Ottawa Bluesfest 2025 was considerably cooler (in temperature) than those that came before it. Over at the River Stage, we were treated to an eclectic mix of memorable bands. These were three acts I’d never personally seen before – a festival first for me this year.

Kicking the night off was Ottawa’s own Four Eyed Muscle Man, showcasing their personal band of indie alt-rock, and teasing a new album dropping in September.

The foursome exploded onto the stage, led by the sultry, creeping vocals of lead Soleil Crispin. The guitars were meaty. The riffs were big. Was that a touch of cowbell in Joe Ivison’s drum kit? Be still my heart.

Crispin soldiered on into the set, despite ‘breaking a nail after only the first song,’ she joked. Moving from the fast paced “Grendel (I Look for You in Everyone)” to the slower, more sombre “Crom Be Gentle” had me impressed with the band’s range, and especially Crispin’s pipes. Vocal pipes, that is.

“An Excerpt from the Canadian Neolithic Songbook Pt 1” (what a title) had me bopping along. How best to describe FEMM if you haven’t seen them? It’s a conundrum. They have an energy and stage presence that reminds me of The Detroit Cobras, though they sound nothing like them. I highly encourage you to see (and hear) for yourself. 

The night’s second act was Los Bitchos, all the way from London, England. Bringing their unique spin on mostly instrumental Cumbia and Latin vibes, I can honestly say I’ve never heard anything like them. Full disclosure: I’m now a huge fan. I’m obsessed. 

Walking out to the tune of Shania Twain’s “Damn I Feel Like a Woman,” the band took their places and immediately launched into a high-energy set. The tight instrumentation and jaw-dropping synchronization these musicians presented on “Hi!” had me sold from the get-go. 

To say I was blown away by every number doesn’t even do it justice. “The Link Is About to Die” was funky, groovy… and is that MORE cowbell in Nic Crawshaw’s kit? Have I died and gone to heaven?

Josefine Jonsson’s bass riffs on “Tropico” had me drooling. And the energy that Serra Petale and Agustina Ruiz had on “Lindsay Goes to Mykonos” infected the audience and had everyone dancing along.

As their set came to a close, we were treated to “Las Panteras,” which may be a perfect song. Thank you, Los Bitchos. I am forever changed. 

With day turned to night, the River Stage’s headlining act marched out – Toronto’s Dwayne Gretzky – to flashing purple lights and billowing smoke. 

Let’s get this out of the way: for those who don’t know, Dwayne Gretzky is not just a cover band, they might be the finest damn cover band in the world. Don’t believe me? Check them out for yourself. 

Starting out incredibly strong with Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” and Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” had the crowd singing and dancing along. As a lifelong fan of Prince and Dolly Parton both, I was suitably hooked. 

Other set highlights included Paul Simon’s “You Can Call Me Al,” Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best,” and Yes’s “Owner of a Lonely Heart.” 

I have to praise the band’s vocal and locomotive mimicries, and just how tight the music is. Without hyperbole I can say that a lot of the time, if you close your eyes, you’d think you’re hearing the real thing. 

The number that got the most feet moving in the crowd was certainly Sly and the Family Stone’s “Higher,” but every single song had the audience clapping their hands, nodding their heads, and saying Green Day, who? 

This lineup was a real treat for me. There’s something about discovering multiple new (to you) artists live and in person that can only happen at music festivals like Bluesfest. Here’s to more live music!