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Bluesfest 2025 Day 2 - Dynamic and Colourful
Day two of Ottawa’s Bluesfest 2025 was nothing short of electric. The festival grounds came alive once again with an outpouring of music, joy, and community spirit as thousands gathered beneath the summer sun. The lineup overflowed with raw talent, spanning genres and generations, creating an atmosphere where every set felt like a celebration. With Hozier headlining the night, anticipation pulsed through the crowd from the very first chord of the afternoon.
Throughout the day, festivalgoers were treated to a rich tapestry of performances—from gritty guitar solos that sent shivers down spines to soaring vocals that had the crowd singing in unison. Food trucks lined the paths with mouthwatering options, the scent of smoky barbecue and sweet funnel cakes dancing on the breeze. Laughter echoed between sets, strangers became friends, and the city’s waterfront transformed into a vibrant hub of culture and connection. With unforgettable sets, heartfelt performances, and an audience more energized than ever, Ottawa’s Bluesfest 2025 is shaping up to be a summer for the ages.
Banjo, Ballads & Bilingual Bliss with Kristine St-Pierre
Bilingual folk singer-songwriter Kristine St-Pierre opened Day Two of Bluesfest 2025 with radiant energy and heartfelt charm, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead. With an acoustic guitar in hand and a vibrant banjo accompaniment, she invited the crowd into her world of soul-searching ballads and bluesy, foot-tapping rhythms.
Known for her honest storytelling and captivating stage presence, Kristine effortlessly blended both English and French in a performance that felt both intimate and uplifting. Her set was deeply enjoyed by all—from longtime fans swaying in the front row to new listeners drawn in by her magnetic warmth. A bright and optimistic beginning to an unforgettable day of music.
Grooves & the Glorious DVD Bounce with Claude Munson
Next up was none other than Ottawa’s Claude Munson, bringing his soul-baring, art-folk flair to the stage with a modern twist and a whole lot of heart. Greeted by a wave of cheers, Munson and his band took the stage with infectious energy and a sense of camaraderie that lit up the festival grounds. The group played with seamless cohesion, exchanging grins and playful glances as they moved through a set filled with sonic depth and emotional resonance.
As anticipation built before the first strum, fans couldn’t help but notice the band’s logo bouncing across the stage screen like the nostalgic DVD logo screensaver—eliciting laughter and shared joy across the crowd, all silently hoping it would hit the corner. With moments of heart, humor, and harmony, Munson’s performance was both memorable and effortlessly cool, leaving the audience buzzing with appreciation and ready for more.
Acoustic Whimsy in the Heat with Vikki Gilmore
Next to take the stage was Montreal-based indie-folk singer-songwriter Vikki Gilmore, a melodic storyteller with a voice as warm as the summer sun. Before strumming her first note, Gilmore charmed the audience with a lighthearted moment—joking that she’d left her guitar out in the sweltering Ottawa heat and it had completely lost its tune. The crowd chuckled, instantly endeared to her down-to-earth vibe.
Opening with gentle acoustic guitar, her set blossomed into a rich sonic experience, supported by tasteful drum work and smooth electric guitar lines. Her whimsical melodies danced through the air, carried by lyrics that felt both intentional and inviting. With a natural sense of collaboration and connection, Gilmore created an atmosphere that felt more like a shared story circle than a performance. It was a cozy, heartfelt interlude in the day’s musical journey.
Dreamy Indie Vibes with Sophie d'Orléans
Taking the stage next was none other than soft indie-pop singer-songwriter Sophie D’Orléans, a Canadian talent whose sound feels like a deep breath of forest air. As Sophie and her band emerged, the crowd erupted in warm cheers, quickly settling into an awe-filled hush as gentle acoustics and layered harmonies washed over the dark, intimate space.
Her music unfolded like a cinematic daydream—reminiscent of a slow, soulful road trip through misty mountains and pine-lined roads. It was a performance full of warmth and wistfulness, the kind that invites you to sway, reflect, and drift. With every note, Sophie struck a chord with the audience, leaving a lasting impression and securing her place as one of the day’s standout acts.
Blues, Punk & Pure Power with The Claudettes
The Claudettes stormed the LeBreton stage with an electrifying blend of blues, R&B, and punk-infused spirit that had the crowd hooked from the very first note. Their high-octane set sparked nonstop applause and cheers, as unfiltered joy radiated from every band member. The chemistry onstage was palpable—these musicians moved and played like a tight-knit family, as if they’d been sharing this musical journey since time began.
Frontwoman Rachel Williams commanded the spotlight with powerhouse vocals that soared effortlessly above the raucous grooves, all while dancing fluidly across the stage with an infectious energy that captivated every eye. The Claudettes delivered a performance that was equal parts raw passion and polished showmanship—an unforgettable highlight of the day that left fans buzzing and wanting more.
Smooth Beats with Charlotte Day Wilson
Canadian contemporary R&B sensation Charlotte Day Wilson took to the stage with effortless cool, instantly setting the mood with a masterful blend of laid-back grooves and pulsating energy. Her music flowed seamlessly between chill, soulful beats and moments of vibrant intensity, creating an atmosphere that drew the crowd closer with every note.
The throng of fans pressing eagerly toward the base of the stage was a glowing testament to her growing acclaim and undeniable stage presence. Charlotte’s performance was both intimate and electric—a perfect balance that kept the audience completely engaged and craving more.
Unsettling Beauty with Amigo the Devil
Alternative rock and folk artist Amigo the Devil delivered a compelling mix of haunting beauty and unfiltered honesty on stage, captivating the audience with his deeply personal storytelling and haunting soundscapes. Opening with energetic, husky growling vocals, he immediately earned roaring approval, drawing fans into a world where alarming truths and poignant reflections collide.
The set was a kaleidoscope of sounds—shifting from rhythmic tambourine beats to eerie medieval-sounding organ melodies—keeping the crowd mesmerized and fully engaged. Between songs, Amigo’s candid humor and heartfelt confessions added layers of depth; notably, his introduction to “It’s All Gone” included a poignant yet humorous tale of recently losing his home to a fire, which softened the room with an ‘aww’ before he lightened the mood with his trademark wit. The performance was a thrilling journey through darkness and light, leaving an indelible mark on everyone present.
Alt-Country Magic with Emilie Steele & The Big Deal
Next up, indie-rock and alt-country band Emilie Steele & The Big Deal took over the intimate confines of the Barney Danson Theatre, filling the space with Emilie’s soaring, heartfelt vocals.
Their versatile and groovy tunes effortlessly held the audience’s attention, weaving together rich melodies and compelling rhythms that kept fans captivated from start to finish. It was a performance that balanced emotional depth with infectious energy—truly a standout moment in the day’s lineup.
Soulful Advocacy with Sarah Harmer
Following Emilie Steele & The Big Deal, platinum-selling singer-songwriter and passionate environmental activist Sarah Harmer took the stage, instantly winning the hearts of the audience. She began with a tender acoustic solo, her voice weaving delicate stories that resonated deeply. Soon, her skilled drummer and electric guitarist joined in, creating a dynamic and powerful trio that commanded attention.
Her music carried a compelling blend of political themes and heartfelt advocacy, seamlessly woven into groovy, infectious beats. The genuine camaraderie between the band members amplified the connection with the crowd, turning the performance into both a rallying cry and a soulful celebration. It was a memorable set that left the audience inspired and energized.
Bluegrass Bliss with The Dead South
Canadian bluegrass sensation The Dead South closed out the River Stage with a bang, serenading an enthusiastic crowd with their signature blend of traditional folk sounds and modern flair. This four-piece quartet, known for their charismatic stage presence and impeccable harmony, captivated the audience from the first note. Dressed alike and perfectly in sync, they wove a vibrant tapestry of sound featuring haunting cello, lively mandolin, and twangy guitars, all blending seamlessly with their beautiful vocal harmonies.
Their infectious energy was impossible to resist—festivalgoers couldn’t help but dance along to the upbeat rhythms and heartfelt storytelling that have become their hallmark. Easily one of the day’s standout acts, The Dead South delivered a captivating and deeply memorable performance that left everyone buzzing. If you ever get the chance to see them live, don’t miss out—this band truly knows how to make every show a celebration.
A Soul-Rocking Finale with Hozier
Grammy-nominated, diamond-certified Irish powerhouse Hozier brought Day 2 of Ottawa’s Bluesfest to a breathtaking close with a performance that was nothing short of masterful. Hozier, celebrated for his fusion of raw blues, unfiltered soul, and sweeping rock intensity, delivered a set that struck a powerful chord with every soul in the packed festival grounds. The crowd erupted into enthusiastic cheers between each song, fully immersed in the sonic journey unfolding before them.
Backed by a massive ensemble—including multiple vocalists, a full orchestral section, and a powerhouse drummer—Hozier filled the stage with both sound and soul. He moved effortlessly through a string of hits, from the yearning romance of “Someone New” to the fiery urgency of “Eat Your Young” and the sultry sway of “Too Sweet.” Visual artistry elevated the set even further, with cinematic projections cascading from ceiling-mounted screens, adding a dreamlike dimension to the already electrifying show.
There wasn’t a single dull moment. Every second was rich, intentional, and undeniably powerful—cementing Hozier’s performance as a monumental high point of the festival, and a closing act that will be talked about for years to come.
A Day to Remember: Music, Magic, and Unforgettable Moments
From sunrise strums to late-night symphonies, Day 2 of Ottawa Bluesfest 2025 delivered a spectacular celebration of music in every form. Whether it was the heartfelt intimacy of folk ballads, the electric energy of indie rock, or the soul-stirring finale delivered by Hozier, the day unfolded like a perfectly curated mixtape—each act offering something unique, powerful, and deeply resonant. With unforgettable performances, dancing crowds, and a shared spirit of joy and connection, Day 2 wasn’t just a concert—it was a moment in time, lived loudly and loved by all. If the rest of the festival follows suit, we’re in for something truly extraordinary.
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