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Night 3 at Bluesfest was another fantastic party scene, drawing in a massive crowd eager to catch performances by Patrick Watson, Cleopatrick, BigXthaPlug, and country superstar Hardy. The energy was high as fans danced and sang along to their favorite hits, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Kicking off the night on the Lebeton stage is Australian born but Ottawa based singer-songwriter Mikhail Laxton. Not only does Mikhail have great style, but he is also an incredible performer, showcasing beautiful guitar skills and a powerful voice that captivates the audience.
His engaging presence drew in quite a good crowd who were dancing away and hooked on every note played. Mikhail was fantastic to catch and was a great way to start off the night.
Up next on the RBC stage is Aspects. He is no stranger to the Bluesfest scene; if you attended a few years ago, you might remember him performing at the Barney Danson Theatre. Now, he’s back, this time taking the main stage, ready to deliver an unforgettable performance!
Staying true to his tradition, he is joined on stage by his daughter, who adds her vocal talent alongside his band. His impressive guitar skills, combined with catchy rap lyrics, made for another unforgettable set.
Up next on the Hard Rock stage is Montreal singer Kat Pereira. Kat brings her electric pop sound to the forefront, showcasing her vibrant synth melodies along with her big infectious energy.
Their catchy tunes and great stage presence is a big hit with the audience, creating a warm atmosphere that invites everyone to danced along. It’s because of their dynamic stage presence and engaging interaction with the crowd make for a great fan – artist interactions that lead into a fun show.
Back on the Lebreton stage, we have Ron Artis II, who delivers a soulful performance that captivates the Bluesfest audience.
Known for his rich vocals and masterful guitar skills, Ron’s music blends elements of soul, blues, and rock, creating an unforgettable experience
His powerful stage presence and heartfelt lyrics was an instant hit and connection with fans, drawing them into every note. As he interacts with the crowd, the energy in the air becomes electric, making this set a highlight of the festival. Ron Artis II not only showcases his extraordinary talent but also makes you feel the joy and love his puts into his craft.
Back on the RBC Stage, we have one of the most anticipated artists of the night, BigXthaPlug. This Texas rapper, known for his unique blend of hip-hop and country influences, draws a massive crowd to the main stage. His deep connections to the country music scene bring a fresh perspective to his performances, bringing in fans from both genres. As he takes the stage, the energy reaches and all new high, with the audience eagerly awaiting to hear their favourite songs. .
BigXthaPlug exudes charisma, sporting a beaming smile that radiates his genuine enjoyment of being on stage. His engaging interaction with the crowd creates a lively atmosphere, and he even invites a handful of young kids up to join him for a song, adding an extra layer of excitement to the performance. This was one of my favorite shows of the night, delivering an unforgettable experience that truly stands out in the lineup.
Luna Li’s set was perfectly timed with the hazy sunset settling over the Ottawa River, creating one of the festival’s most picturesque moments. The Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist, known for blending indie rock, dream pop, and baroque influences, crafted a lush, cinematic soundscape that felt tailor-made for golden hour.
Her smooth, velvety vocals and elegant arrangements instantly brought to mind the timeless sophistication of Sade, giving the performance an effortless sense of cool. It was the kind of set that invited the audience to slow down, soak in the scenery, and simply exist in the moment.
Headlining the Lebreton stage is Canadian rock duo Cleopatrick. Known for their explosive rock dynamics, these musicians bring an incredible amount of passion to every performance. Their high-energy set captivates the audience, showcasing not only their musical talent but also their deep connection to the music.
With powerful riffs and an unstoppable surge of energy, Cleopatrick puts on a wild and relentless rock show that gets the Lebreton stage moving! Their performance is nothing short of unforgettable, leaving fans buzzing with excitement and fully hyped up long after the final note.
While the main stage drew massive crowds for Hardy’s all-American country spectacle, those who wandered over to the Hard Rock Stage were rewarded with something truly special from Montreal’s Patrick Watson. As his performance began, an almost complete silence fell over the jam packed audience, as the singer-songwriter emerged, with his signature tousled hair, beneath sparse lighting, illuminated only by occasional streaks of backlight, a tiny lightbulb attached to his microphone, and oversized photographic flash umbrellas glowing behind him.
Watson’s delicate, emotionally rich vocals combined with his wonderfully talented band, created an intimate atmosphere that felt almost sacred, making it in my view, the standout performance of the entire evening. The only thing that interrupted the spell was the unavoidable sound bleed from the main stage, a reminder that even the most magical festival moments aren’t entirely immune to their surroundings.
Closing out Night 3 is the rugged and tough country star Hardy. He attracts a massive crowd, many of whom are dressed for the occasion in their cowboy boots and hats. These fans know they’re in for a show they won’t forget, as Hardy delivers an energetic performance packed with his signature storytelling and powerful anthems. The atmosphere is electric, making this a fitting end to an incredible night.
Opening his show, Hardy is seen sitting on the stage, starting off with “Bottomland.” Known for his hard rock country style, Hardy showcases a powerful singing voice that is both outstanding and beautiful. He then dives into his next song, “Country Country,” which gets the crowd up and moving. Throughout the night, Hardy expresses his gratitude for the large turnout, sharing how he’s heard so many amazing things about the Ottawa Bluesfest and how excited he is to have the chance to perform there. In addition to his hits and crowd favorites, Hardy spices up the show with fun cover songs, including a rendition of “Bad Company” and a track that many may not know he wrote: Ella Langley’s song “Be Her.”
Day 3 was nothing short of amazing, filled with unforgettable moments and good times. Each band brought their A-game, delivering incredible performances that resonated with the audience. The energy in the crowd was electric, with fans singing along, dancing, and fully immersing themselves in the music. From the explosive rock of Cleopatrick to the heartfelt melodies of Ron Artis II, every act contributed to an atmosphere of pure joy and excitement. The camaraderie among festival-goers added to the experience, creating a sense of community that made the night even more special. As the sun set and the lights illuminated the stage, it became clear that Day 3 was a highlight of the festival, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating what was to come.
The day is over but now we get ready for day 41 and it is shaping up to be an exhilarating experience, with high anticipation surrounding performances bands like by Les Rats D’Swamped, BBNO$, and, of course, the Lumineers!
