Wait! One last report from Ottawa Bluesfest 2023
[I thought Ottawa correspondent Ross MacDonald had filed everything, Apparently not. – AC]
This is the second article highlighting indie and alt-rock artists performing on the side stages at Ottawa Bluesfest. After a two-day pause, Bluesfest resumed on Wednesday with Foo Fighters and White Reaper on the main stage. Well who can compete with that double-bill? Many would suggest that it could be a lost cause. But no. Bluesfest just happened to book two of the highest-energy bands in Canada.
First up, and hailing from Niagara, Ontario, is the 12 piece funk band known as My Son The Hurricane. With horns, saxes, drummers, guitar, bass, and a singer that danced around the stage like a squirrel after too many espressos. It was impossible for the crowd to stand still. The coordination of music and motion were contagious.
My Son The Hurricane tore through eight songs, including both original music and covers like ‘Blood Sugar Sex Magik’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and ‘Bennie and the Jets’ by Elton John. The crowd continued to build throughout their set; even those wanting to see the Foos couldn’t tear themselves away.
Next up was Toronto’s Juno award winners MONOWHALES. Not to be outdone in the energy department they came out fast and hard with their industrial sound. Starting off with their 2022 single ‘CTRL^^^’ (pronounced “Control”), the crowd blew up. The audience was large and completely in love with the band.
Next up was the single ‘RICH$$$’ which is receiving lots of airplay on local rock stations. The band’s third song was a brand new single ‘Hear Me Out’ which will be released on an upcoming album. This single is about our needing to be heard, sharing our thoughts, and realising that we aren’t alone. The MONOWHALES continue to be excellent advocates of caring and understanding everyone in our community.
And Sally is one of the greatest front persons in rock right now. She both puts on a captivating show and constantly engages with the crowd; she truly cares about the band’s fans. Bringing Jordan’s drum set up front in line with Sally and Zach allows a connection with the entire band that doesn’t often happen in live performances; nobody is hiding in the back.
On Thursday night, one of the biggest (pleasant) surprises of Bluesfest was the performance of newcomer Cam Kahin. Cam is a young Toronto indie rocker that should definitely be on everyone’s “one to watch” list. Cam sang strong, powerful lyrics, that were also melodic; not unlike The Clash. Like the aforementioned artists, Cam’s set was notable for its quick pace that seemed to be over all too soon.
These three relatively young acts all proved that not all the action happens on the main stage at a music festival; it is definitely worth your time checking out the side stages!
