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Bluesfest 2025 Day 3 Cranks Up the Heat with Genre-Bending Energy and a Fiery Finish
Bluesfest 2025 Day 3 brought a wild mix of rock, blues, indie, and pure sonic fire to Ottawa. With a scorching sun above and a packed crowd below, fans moved stage to stage for another unforgettable chapter in this massive celebration of music. The night ended with a bang as Turnstile unleashed a high-voltage finale that had the ground shaking.
From blues legends to indie dreamers and everything in between, Day 3 proved why Bluesfest remains one of the most diverse and electric festivals in Canada. Let’s dive into the magic.
Andre Bisson Starts the Night with Soul and Horns
Opening the Lebreton Stage, Canadian blues artist Andre Bisson brought a refreshing mix of jazz, blues, and rhythm and blues to kick off the evening. Surrounded by a full band complete with saxophones and horns, his set felt rich and vibrant right from the first note. His smooth guitar playing paired with soulful vocals created a comforting and classic vibe that welcomed fans into the night.
What made Andre’s set stand out was his joyful energy and effortless ability to engage the crowd. He delivered a performance that felt like an invitation—warm, seasoned, and full of heart. As fans swayed and clapped along, it was clear he had struck a perfect chord to begin the evening’s musical journey.
Kurt Vile and the Violators Ease into the Day with Laid-Back Cool
Kurt Vile and the Violators brought a chill vibe to the RBC Stage as the sun hovered overhead. Their chemistry was dialed in from the jump, creating a dreamy wall of sound that moved the crowd without needing a single jump or scream. The band’s laid-back style pulled listeners in slowly but completely, proving power can lie in subtlety.
Vile’s signature guitar work wrapped around the audience like a warm breeze, grounding the afternoon in groove and groove alone. Fans stood shoulder to shoulder, eyes closed, letting each riff and note wash over them. It was a hypnotic start to the RBC lineup that set the pace with intention.
Melissa Ouimet Brings Fire to the River Stage
Melissa Ouimet didn’t let the heat slow her down for one second. Performing entirely in French, she lit up the River Stage with raw energy, commanding attention with her presence alone. From the first chorus, hands were clapping, feet were tapping, and the crowd was fully on board with her vibrant set.
Language proved no barrier, as her emotion and rhythm translated perfectly. Melissa’s bold approach and crowd-first attitude helped ignite the day. Whether you understood the lyrics or not, you felt what she was saying, and it resonated deep.
Sue Foley Shreds Her Way Through Bluesfest
Ottawa’s own Sue Foley brought the fire and fretwork back to the Lebreton Stage. Her bluesy guitar playing and smoky vocals had the audience hooked from the moment she walked on. Known for her authenticity and emotion, Sue’s music hit all the right notes—raw, emotional, and skillful.
There is something magical about watching an artist who can make a guitar sing, and Sue did just that. Her connection with the crowd was genuine, each riff a story, every song a shared moment. It was a standout set that reminded everyone why she remains a pillar in the Canadian blues world.
The Pixies Ignite a Frenzy with Iconic Anthems
Even though they were not the headliners, The Pixies felt like the main event. They drew a massive crowd to the RBC Stage and gave a performance packed with decades of punk rock grit. Their energy was relentless, and the band’s signature edge rang through every song.
What made it special was the way they played—like they still had something to prove. Longtime fans screamed the lyrics while new ones stood in awe of the legacy unfolding in front of them. It was a moment where time stood still, and the magic of their sound was all that mattered.
Shaina Hayes Brings Montreal Soul to the River Stage
Midday on the River Stage, Montreal-based singer-songwriter Shaina Hayes brought a fresh wave of calm with her smooth vocals and easygoing energy. Though new to some in the crowd, her sound was immediately inviting, offering a blend of folk-pop that felt both current and timeless. Backed by a polished band and crystal-clear live mix, Hayes delivered a tight set that gave listeners the perfect excuse to pause, take in the sun, and connect with the music.
The audience response was warm and genuine. Fans, both familiar and new, nodded along to her melodies and applauded after every song with growing enthusiasm. Her presence was humble yet confident, and it was clear from the smiling faces that she made more than a few new fans by the time her set wrapped. Hayes is definitely an artist to keep your eyes on as her reach continues to grow.
Rosie’s Smokehouse Delux Brings Grit to the Theatre
Over in the Barney Danson Theatre, Rosie’s Smokehouse Delux served up a hot plate of rock and soul. Their guitar work was heavy and satisfying, dripping with Southern influence and bluesy swagger. With each track, they built momentum and got heads nodding in rhythm.
They are the kind of band that makes you wish the set was just a little longer. Their chemistry on stage and crowd-friendly banter made them an easy favorite among those who ducked inside for a cooler, more intimate moment.
The Budos Band Keep the Groove Going
Closing out the Lebreton Stage, The Budos Band hit the stage like a funk tsunami. With a mix of trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and keys, their instrumental performance was a lesson in rhythm and showmanship. From the moment the first groove dropped, the crowd was up and moving.
Their blend of funk, soul, and Afrobeat turned into an unstoppable dance party. No vocals were needed. The music spoke for itself and left no doubt about their ability to own a stage. First-timers left as new fans, and returning fans got exactly what they came for: pure groove perfection.
Men I Trust Close the River Stage with Dreamy Serenity
Floating onto the River Stage to close things out, Men I Trust provided a dreamy escape. Their soft synths and ambient melodies created an otherworldly atmosphere, pulling the crowd into a mellow haze. Their performance was intimate and soothing, a gentle contrast to the high-octane energy earlier in the day.
Their live show is captivating from start to finish. Each track flowed into the next with ease, like pages in a storybook. Their artistry and emotional depth brought the River Stage to a magical close that left hearts full.
Turnstile Closes Day 3 with an Earth-Shaking Performance
Turnstile brought the house down with a genre-defying set that tore the roof off Bluesfest 2025 Day 3. The hardcore rockers poured out high-energy chaos that blended punk, metal, and funk influences into something entirely their own. From the first note, fans were jumping, moshing, and shouting every lyric.
Their dark and moody stage design amplified the intensity, and their magnetic stage presence had the audience completely unhinged in the best way. It was loud. It was wild. It was unforgettable. Turnstile gave fans everything they had and more, ending Day 3 on an absolute high.
Halfway Through and Still Heating Up
Bluesfest 2025 Day 3 kept the momentum rolling with powerhouse sets, genre mashups, and nonstop energy across every stage. With each act pushing boundaries, the festival showed no signs of slowing down.
Now that the first half is in the books, fans can gear up for part two. It all kicks off Wednesday night with rock legends Def Leppard, promising even more unforgettable moments ahead.
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