Festivals
Ottawa Bluesfest 2025 – July 11 Recap & Photos
Day 2 of Ottawa Bluesfest 2025 brought the literal and musical heat. With temperatures soaring into the high 30s and the sun beating down on LeBreton Flats Park, attendees showed up ready to sweat, sing, and soak it all in. The lineup leaned heavy on folk, blues, and singer-songwriter vibes. From the first strum to the final encore, it was a day of slow builds, big payoffs, and voices that could stop you in your tracks.
Local favourite Claude Munson opened the RBC Stage. His soft-spoken charm and introspective songwriting set the tone for the night: personal, poetic, and grounded in place. There was something almost nostalgic in the way he performed, especially when the crowd burst into laughter at the old-school DVD-logo-style animation bouncing across the screen behind him. Between stripped-back tunes and rich, full-band moments, Munson showed exactly why he’s such a fixture in Ottawa’s scene.
Not far away on the River Stage, Montreal singer-songwriter Vikki Gilmore gave a compelling performance that felt like stumbling onto a hidden gem. Her gentle presence and thoughtful lyrics pulled the crowd in, even as she joked about her guitar being completely warped by the heat. The vibe was like a late-night living room jam, intimate and warm.
Then came Charlotte Day Wilson, bringing her brand of soul-soaked R&B to the main stage with elegance and force. She moved effortlessly between moody minimalism and lush, slow-building grooves, delivering crowd favourites like “Work” and “Mountains.” Her low and rich voice cut through the haze as the sun finally started to dip. Despite the heat, fans pushed closer to the stage, drawn in by her magnetic presence.
Back at the LeBreton Stage, The Claudettes tore through a genre-hopping set. Equal parts cabaret, punk, and traditional blues, their sound was chaotic in the best way. Frontwoman Rachel Williams brought serious vocal fire and enough swagger for the whole tent. From bluesy breakdowns to jittery jazz freak-outs, The Claudettes kept the crowd dancing.
Amigo the Devil followed on the River Stage with a set that veered sharply into the macabre. His dark, folk-meets-metal storytelling covered everything from serial killers to substance abuse to heartbreak. He had the crowd laughing between songs and fully silent during them, which is no easy feat at an outdoor festival.
Later, Sarah Harmer brought the folk credentials full circle on the LeBreton Stage, continuing her decades-long relationship with Ottawa’s music scene. She opened with a solo acoustic number before bringing her band in, turning the performance into a full-bodied blend of protest songs, personal reflection, and rock-leaning rhythms. She’s a seasoned performer with a calming presence, but there was plenty of power under the surface, especially when she touched on environmental and political themes.
Taking the RBC Stage just after 9:20 p.m., Hozier delivered a big performance that was bold and beautifully arranged. Backed by a full band that included strings, keys, and a wall of harmonies, he moved through his catalog with the command of someone who knows exactly what he’s doing and who he’s doing it for. From the sultry pulse of “Too Sweet” to the stadium-sized swells of “Take Me to Church,” the Irish singer gave every song room to breathe, then explode. The messages behind the songs were enhanced by the giant LED screen behind him as well as three mesh screens that would at times come down in front of the stage.
The crowd (an all-ages sea of raised arms, glowing phones, and swaying bodies) hung on every note. Hozier‘s voice sounded just as flawless live as it does in the studio. But more than that, he brought a sense of weight and intention to the whole set. His acoustic rendition of “Cherry Wine” was breathtaking.
In one of the most striking moments of the night, Hozier took a political turn, calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East and connecting the call for Palestinian self-determination to the Irish experience. It was a moving monologue set against a slow jam, and the crowd responded with cheers, nods, and raised fists. He followed it with a message of unity and compassion, praising the crowd’s energy and togetherness.
By the time the final note rang out and the stage lights dimmed, Bluesfest Day 2 had become quite the emotional rollercoaster threaded with honesty and artistry. Whether it was the intimate moments, the genre-bending surprises, or the main stage magic, Friday gave the crowd something to remember (something to sweat for!).
Stay tuned for more coverage of the festival in the coming days. In the meantime, head to Ottawa Bluesfest’s website for more info on the rest of the festival.
Check out our favourite photos of Day 2 below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
HOZIER
CHARLOTTE DAY WILSON
CLAUDE MUNSON
AMIGO THE DEVIL
VIKKI GILMORE
THE CLAUDETTES
SARAH HARMER
All Photo Credit: Kieran Delport
Festivals
Morrissey and The Smashing Pumpkins to Headline Darker Waves 2026
Morrissey and The Smashing Pumpkins will headline Darker Waves Festival on November 14, 2026 in Huntington Beach, CA. Returning to Huntington Beach City Beach at Huntington Street and Pacific Coast Highway, the ocean-side festival will feature legendary performances from over 35 artists across three stages including Simple Minds, Bad Religion, Adam Ant, The Psychedelic Furs, Soft Cell, The Damned, Manic Street Preachers, Gary Numan, Silversun Pickups, Buzzcocks, EMF, Circle Jerks, Spacehog, Marky Ramone and more. Fans can sign up now for the festival SMS list at DarkerWavesFest.com to receive a passcode to the presale beginning Thursday, April 2 at 10am PT with access to the lowest-priced GA tickets from 10am to 11am PT. GA, GA+, VIP, and Ultimate VIP Tickets will be available, with layaway payment plans starting at $19.99 down. Any remaining tickets will go on sale to the public following the presale.
GA+ tickets include access to the exclusive GA+ Lounge with shaded seating and air-conditioned restrooms, plus a dedicated entry lane at the festival main entrance, and more. VIP tickets include unlimited entry into the VIP Lounge with preferred viewing area by the main stage, charging stations, air-conditioned restrooms, dedicated entry lane at the festival main entrance and more. Ultimate VIP tickets feature all amenities of VIP, plus access to elevated and unobstructed views of both main stages with shaded open lounge seating, dedicated VIP concierge team, a complimentary locker to store personal items, three complimentary drinks including choice of craft cocktails, beer, wine or non-alcoholic beverages, a complimentary meal redeemable for exclusive food options in the VIP Lounge and more.
Official Darker Waves vacation packages from Jampack pair GA, GA+, or VIP tickets with beachfront stays at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa or The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, and more. Bundles include a dedicated entrance, re-entry access, and commemorative merch.
For tickets and the full list of amenities available in each ticket package, please visit DarkerWavesFest.com.
Festivals
The Outlaw Music Festival Announces Its Highly Anticipated 2026 Tour Schedule
Willie Nelson, Mark Rothbaum, Keith Wortman, Blackbird Presents, and Live Nation proudly announce the return of the 2026 Outlaw Music Festival Tour as it enters its second decade on the road. Following last year’s milestone 10th anniversary, which Rolling Stone hailed as “undoubtedly the most exciting and eclectic multi-artist festival of the 2025 summer amphitheater season by a wide margin,” the festival ushers in a new era, continuing its tradition of unforgettable music and community that has made it a true cultural phenomenon.
Headlining this special limited run is once again the legendary Willie Nelson. With fewer appearances on the road this year, each night carries added significance, a rare chance to experience a living legend alongside a powerhouse lineup of iconic voices and next-generation trailblazers.
The tour, which kicks off on July 3 in Irving, Texas, features Willie Nelson & Family, The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Wilco, Lukas Nelson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Margo Price, Sierra Hull, Robert Randolph, Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, and Lily Meola.
The tour also includes Willie’s annual Fourth of July Picnic, which will feature special guests Billy Strings and Rodney Crowell. Please see the market lineups below for the artists performing in each city.
“Being on the road and playing for the fans is what I love to do. We don’t get to do as many shows as we used to, so every night out there means a little more. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone and making it a special time.” — Willie Nelson
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 27, at 10 AM local time through http://OutlawMusicFestival.com and http://ticketmaster.com. VIP packages will be available, offering great seats and exclusive festival merchandise. Citi is the official card of the 2026 Outlaw Music Festival Tour. Citi card members will have early access to presale tickets, available today through Thursday, March 26, until 10 PM local time via the Citi Entertainment program. For detailed presale information, visit www.citientertainment.com.
The first Outlaw Music Festival debuted in 2016 in Scranton, PA. The sold-out show was so popular that Blackbird, Rothbaum, and Nelson have made it one of North America’s biggest annual touring franchises. Musicians such as Chris Stapleton, Neil Young, Luke Combs, Van Morrison, ZZ Top, Eric Church, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers, and many more have been a part of the Outlaw Tour, sharing unforgettable music memories and unique vendor villages with local food, drinks, and shopping at Live Nation amphitheaters nationwide.
2026 OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL TOUR DATES & LINEUPS:
Friday, July 3, 2026
The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, Irving, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Lily Meola
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Germania Insurance Amphitheater, Austin, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Billy Strings
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Rodney Crowell
Lily Meola
Sunday, July 5, 2026
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Willie Nelson & Family
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Lily Meola
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, Maryland Heights, MO
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Mystic Lake Amphitheater, Shakopee, MN
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Friday, August 21, 2026
Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Ruoff Music Center, Noblesville, IN
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Friday, August 28 2026
Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Albany Med Health System at SPAC, Saratoga Springs, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
For complete tour details, please visit: http://outlawmusicfestival.com