Yeehaw!
What is there to do when you’re free on a Tuesday in Ottawa, and craving some live music? Head to the city’s annual Bluesfest, of course!
The first weekend of Bluesfest drew in large crowds and lots of critical attention, thanks to headliners like Mother Mother, 50 Cent, and Nickelback (courtesy of the Fulcrum!) But why wait until next weekend when you can check out some great artists during the week?
Day 5 of Bluesfest brought some hip hop-infused country, presenting only three artists on the RBC Stage, allowing for a more simple but just as exciting night of music.
DAX
Following the opening act of some scattered showers, confident artist Dax was the first to take the RBC Stage on Tuesday evening, marking his second summer in a row at the music festival.
He led with the rap-infused “Dear God”, a literal lyrical letter questioning faith and suffering in the world. An Ottawa-based rapper and musician who rose to fame on Soundcloud, Dax didn’t hold back from professing his love for the city.
Also a part of his set was the commercially successful and emotionally vulnerable “Dear Alcohol”. A much more country-inspired set addition, the song saw Dax reflecting on his alcoholism and becoming sober.
He concluded with “To Be a Man” and his smash hit, “Joker”. Weaving country with hip hop throughout his set, and even several songs, was an intriguing experience and set the musical stage for the rest of the night
Dax expressed major gratitude to the incoming Bluesfest attendees, reminding them that “time is the only commodity in the world that once you give you can’t give back”.
SHABOOZEY
Next up was the country artist Shaboozey, who is on a rise of stardom following features on Beyonce’s ACT II: COWBOY CARTER album and a Billboard Hot 100 hit this year alone.
The crowds around the RBC stage began to grow as the Virginia-based artist played songs such as “Anabelle”, “Let it Burn”, and “Beverly Hills”.
Although I was unfamiliar with his discography, I found myself quickly enjoying Shaboozey’s set. His chemistry with his band and familiarity in his songwriting were definite key points for me.
Shaboozey concluded with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” — which interpolates J-Kwon’s 2004 classic “Tipsy” — and had the growing crowd sing their hearts out. Everyone enjoyed the song so much, he played it for a second time! It’s easy to see how the ditty went number one.
JELLY ROLL
With an explosive opening to his set, the evening’s headliner, Jelly Roll, did not disappoint. Kicking off with “The Lost” and “Halfway to Hell”, the Nashville singer was moved to tears by the 25,000 person crowd at Lebreton.
His first Canadian headliner show was definitely one to remember. His hits “Son of a Sinner” and “I Am Not Okay” were sung by the crowd; speaking in-between sets, the genuine passion between Jelly Roll and the attendees — who held up signs thanking him for his life-changing music — nearly brought me to tears.
The chemistry among the band was spectacular as well, best displayed through covers such as Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”, and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man”. In honour of his early rapper roots, Jelly Roll performed a mashup of several classic hiphop songs, including “Boyz in da Hood”, “Lose Yourself” and “Just a Friend”.
Nearly halfway through the performance, Jelly Roll shared an inspiring message to the crowd, reminding everyone that it’s not too late to change for the better. He also discussed his visit to the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre earlier that day, and his own struggles. “There’s a reason the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror.”
Concluding with the show-stopping “Save Me”, Tuesday’s attendees left LeBreton Flats with their hearts full and some new songs on their playlist — or, at least I did.
