You know the drill — thanks to the social distancing orders in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest is not happening as originally planned. All hope is not lost, however, as festival organizers have announced plans for a drive-in concert series.
It's a bit of a mouthful, but the new event is called #CanadaPerforms at RBC Bluesfest Drive-In. The event take place at Places des Festivals in Gatineu, QC, right by the Kitchissippi River. The event also promises to follow various safety protocols laid out by public health officials in Ontario and Quebec.
The schedule for the fest is as follows:
July 31: Marie-Mai, Donovan Woods and the Opposition, Neon Dreams, Terra Lightfoot, Julian Taylor, Kellylee Evans
August 1: Sam Roberts Band, Shad, Haviah Mighty, LeFLOFRANCO, Nambi, Bboyizm
August 7: Patrick Watson, Basia Bulat, Zaki Ibrahim, Asuquomo, Silla and Rise, Geneviève et Alain
August 8: Tim Hicks, Kira Isabella, Chris Labelle, Crystal Shawanda, Lyle Odjick & The Northern Steam, Amanda Rheaume
If you want to cruise over and watch the concerts IRL from the comfort of your car, tickets are available here. The concerts will also be streamed online.
In a statement, Heather Gibson, the lead programmer for #CanadaPerforms and NAC's executive producer of popular music and variety, said, "The NAC is thrilled to be presenting #CanadaPerforms at RBC Bluesfest Drive-In. We will dedicate a space to celebrate and honour Indigenous culture and talent, in particular from the Algonquin Nation. As the NAC wants to help the performing arts sector through its recovery, we are also glad to work with Facebook Canada to livestream these artists across the country."
It's a bit of a mouthful, but the new event is called #CanadaPerforms at RBC Bluesfest Drive-In. The event take place at Places des Festivals in Gatineu, QC, right by the Kitchissippi River. The event also promises to follow various safety protocols laid out by public health officials in Ontario and Quebec.
The schedule for the fest is as follows:
July 31: Marie-Mai, Donovan Woods and the Opposition, Neon Dreams, Terra Lightfoot, Julian Taylor, Kellylee Evans
August 1: Sam Roberts Band, Shad, Haviah Mighty, LeFLOFRANCO, Nambi, Bboyizm
August 7: Patrick Watson, Basia Bulat, Zaki Ibrahim, Asuquomo, Silla and Rise, Geneviève et Alain
August 8: Tim Hicks, Kira Isabella, Chris Labelle, Crystal Shawanda, Lyle Odjick & The Northern Steam, Amanda Rheaume
If you want to cruise over and watch the concerts IRL from the comfort of your car, tickets are available here. The concerts will also be streamed online.
In a statement, Heather Gibson, the lead programmer for #CanadaPerforms and NAC's executive producer of popular music and variety, said, "The NAC is thrilled to be presenting #CanadaPerforms at RBC Bluesfest Drive-In. We will dedicate a space to celebrate and honour Indigenous culture and talent, in particular from the Algonquin Nation. As the NAC wants to help the performing arts sector through its recovery, we are also glad to work with Facebook Canada to livestream these artists across the country."
