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Bluesfest 2025 Day 1 Opens with Energy, Color and Country Spirit
Bluesfest 2025 Day 1 kicked off with a wave of excitement and community as crowds filled the festival grounds in anticipation of a weekend filled with unforgettable moments. The energy built steadily from the first set to the final headliner, with each act bringing a unique sound and visual experience to the stage. The night ended on a high with country superstar Lainey Wilson delivering a powerhouse performance to close out the main stage. Her dynamic voice and heartfelt interaction with the crowd, especially a touching moment shared with a young fan, capped off what was already a magical day in Ottawa.
Every performance on Day 1 offered something special. From soulful solos to full-stage explosions of color and sound, fans danced, sang along, and embraced the spirit of the festival. Let’s take a look at how the day unfolded.
A Funky Start with Garnetta Cromwell and DaGroovMasters
Garnetta Cromwell and DaGroovMasters set the bar high early in the day. With rich lighting and bursts of vibrant color, their stage presence was captivating. Garnetta’s powerful vocals paired beautifully with a visually engaging performance that included a standout saxophone section, adding smooth depth to the groove-heavy sound.
Crowd energy soared as Garnetta visually connected with the audience. Her charisma, supported by a tight band and slick production, had everyone moving. It was a fun and magnetic way to start the festival, setting a welcoming and joyful tone for the hours ahead.
Country Vibes and Big Smiles with Rosewood Ave
The married country duo Rosewood Ave, three-time CMA Ontario nominees, brought warmth and high energy to the stage. Their chemistry was impossible to miss, and the love they share translated beautifully into their music and stage presence.
They delighted fans with standout covers of Morgan Wade’s “Wilder Days” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Break the Chain.” Their ability to engage the crowd with laughs, smiles, and storytelling between songs made their set one of the most feel-good moments of the afternoon.
DB Cohen Brings Charm and Trombone Grooves
Opening the River Stage, DB Cohen offered a mellow vibe often described visually as a softer Ozzy Osbourne. His set was unexpected in the best way, blending laid-back rock with playful energy. A major highlight was the trombone player, who added a bright and fun element that had fans smiling throughout.
Cohen’s stage felt like the sunniest spot at the festival. It was one of those early-in-the-day gems that surprises you and lingers in your mind for the rest of the night.
Riley Burns Opens the Theatre with Soul and Simplicity
Riley Burns opened Bluesfest 2025 Day 1 in the Theatre with a calm confidence that immediately drew the audience in. Performing in a seated venue allowed for a more intimate experience, perfectly suited to his heartfelt lyrics and acoustic style. With only his guitar and voice, Riley created a soft and welcoming space, inviting listeners to lean in and connect with the emotion in every song.
His storytelling came through clearly in both his music and the moments between songs, offering honest reflections that resonated deeply. It was a refreshing and gentle start to a festival known for its high energy, and Burns proved that a quieter set can be just as impactful. The stillness of the room, combined with his talent, made it a performance to remember.
Chambers Deslauriers Deliver a Standout Set
Chambers Deslauriers exploded onto the stage with high energy and seamless interaction between band members. Their chemistry was obvious and infectious, which made them incredibly fun to watch.
The lead vocals were nothing short of powerful, drawing cheers from a crowd that could not stop dancing. Their ability to hold attention while creating a party-like atmosphere made them one of the most exciting acts of the day.
The Red Clay Strays Hit Hard with Southern Swagger
The Red Clay Strays brought harmonic melodies and a gritty southern twang that electrified the stage. Their set had a vintage edge, with an old-school rock energy that echoed shades of Elvis. The crowd fed off the band’s groove, especially when they played “Stones Throw.”
Every member of the band looked thrilled to be there. The drummer stole a few laughs with a little pre-show dance, and moments shared between him and the guitarist added authenticity to an already strong set. The crowd loved every second.
Melbourne Ska Orchestra Keeps the Party Going
Bringing massive energy and full use of the stage, the Melbourne Ska Orchestra kept things loud and joyful. With a classic big band style and ska twist, their set had horns, rhythm, and charisma to spare.
From the first beat, it was clear they love what they do. Their joy was contagious, and their unique sound and nonstop motion kept the audience on their feet, dancing and smiling until the last note.
Linka Moja’s Soulful Simplicity Stuns
Linka Moja offered a beautiful contrast to the big band energy. Her acoustic set showcased her stunning vocals and storytelling ability. With just her voice and guitar, she pulled the audience into every lyric.
Her calm yet commanding stage presence added to the emotional weight of each song. It was one of the most intimate and touching performances of the day, offering a quiet moment of connection in the middle of all the celebration.
The Cat Empire Close the Tent with a Bang
The Cat Empire turned the tent stage into a dance floor. Their Latin-inspired sound, powered by bongo drums and energetic horns, was impossible not to move to. From the first note, the crowd was all in.
Their performance was more than just music—it was a celebration. Their contagious energy, fun attitude, and interactive vibe made them the perfect act to wrap up the tent lineup.
Father John Misty Captivates with Classic Charm
Father John Misty’s set was smooth, captivating, and full of rich storytelling. Dressed in a suit with a full bushy beard, he moved around the stage with intention and charm. His voice carried emotion that resonated deeply.
The old southern vibe he began the show with created a perfect bridge between folk, Americana, and indie rock. Every movement felt meaningful. The audience was spellbound from start to finish.
Lainey Wilson Closes Out Bluesfest 2025 Day 1
Lainey Wilson brought the house down as the final act of Bluesfest 2025 Day 1. With her hit “Keep Up with Jones” and many more, she lit up the main stage with energy, talent, and charm. Her vocals sounded just as rich and powerful live as they do on record, and her down-to-earth stage presence was a hit with the crowd.
One standout moment came when she stepped off the stage to interact with fans, sharing a special encounter with a young girl near the front. It was the perfect way to end a remarkable opening day. Bluesfest 2025 Day 1 was an unforgettable start to the festival, and if this was just the beginning, the rest of the weekend promises something truly special.
A Powerful Start and More to Come at Bluesfest 2025
Bluesfest 2025 Day 1 ended on a high note with Lainey Wilson’s unforgettable main stage performance, but the celebration is far from over. Day 1 gave fans a taste of the musical magic Ottawa has in store this year, setting the bar sky-high with standout sets from artists across genres and styles. Whether you were dancing to The Cat Empire, soaking up the intimacy of Riley Burns, or caught up in the electric energy of Chambers Deslauriers, every performance brought something memorable.
As we turn the page to Day 2, all eyes are on the next wave of performers, with Hozier set to headline and keep the energy soaring. Stay tuned for more stories, surprises, and standout moments from Bluesfest 2025. You will not want to miss what comes next.
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