This summer, a diverse range of emerging and established Canadian artists and bands such as Sam Roberts Band, Patrick Watson and Tim Hicks will perform live concerts at the Place des Festivals, Zibi site. People will be able to drive-in and watch live performances from their vehicles, respecting distancing measures in place at that time.
June 18, 2020 – OTTAWA (Canada) – The National Arts Centre and RBC Bluesfest are pleased to announce they are coming together to present #CanadaPerforms at the RBC Bluesfest Drive-In, a summer weekend series of live concerts at the Place des Festivals Zibi site, by the Kitchissippi River (Ottawa River).
The #CanadaPerforms at the RBC Bluesfest Drive-In live concerts will be a bridge between on-site and livestreamed experience, through a Facebook Canada partnership, in an effort to help the live performance and music industry gradually come back and recover from months of disruption and cancellations in helping fight the pandemic.
Concert-goers, as small pods or families, will be encouraged to drive to the site and watch live concerts from their individual dedicated space. In order to safely welcome back audiences to watch live concerts, the Drive-In series will offer a physical distancing
experience that respects reopening measures and protocols. Canadians will also be able to watch online the livestreamed concerts.
The opening weekend of #CanadaPerforms at the RBC Bluesfest Drive-In concerts will take place on July 31st and August 1st, starting at 7 p.m., and feature live performances by:
- Friday July 31: Marie-Mai – Donovan Woods and The Opposition. Neon Dreams – Terra Lightfoot – Julian Taylor. Kellylee Evans
- Saturday August 1: Sam Roberts Band – Shad. Haviah Mighty – LeFLOFRANCO – Nambi
The following weekend, August 7 & 8, these performers have confirmed their presence:
- Friday August 7: Patrick Watson – Basia Bulat – Zaki Ibrahim. Asuquomo – Silla and Rise – Geneviève et Alain
- Saturday August 8: Tim Hicks – Kira Isabella – Chris Labelle – Crystal Shawanda. Lyle Odjick & The Northern Steam – Andrea Rheaume
Tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, June 23rd, at 10 a.m. EDT. For the details, including additional dates and performers, go to : https://canadaperforms.ottawabluesfest.ca/
HONOURING THE ALGONQUIN NATION AND INDIGENOUS ARTISTS
#CanadaPerforms at the RBC Bluesfest Drive-In concerts will take place at Zibi and respectfully honour this site of great importance to the Algonquin Anishinabe and Indigenous peoples. Algonquin protocols, culture and artists will be part of the experience on site.
“The NAC is thrilled to be presenting #CanadaPerforms at the RBC Bluesfest Drive-In. We will dedicate a space to celebrate and honour Indigenous culture and talent, in particular from the Algonquin Nation, as well as Black artists from the Ottawa-Gatineau region. As the NAC wants to help the performing arts sector through its recovery, we are also glad to work with Facebook Canada to livestream these artists across country.”, said Heather Gibson, the NAC’s Executive Producer of Popular Music and Variety, and lead programmer for #CanadaPerforms.
OTTAWA’S RBC BLUESFEST REIGNITES
“Over the years, the Team Behind Bluesfest has had the pleasure of working with the NAC on a number of collaborative initiatives, and I believe it’s safe to say this is one of the most innovative and exciting projects, yet,” said Mark Monahan, RBC Bluesfest’s Executive/Artistic Director. “Given the disappointment brought about by this year’s cancelation of our event, we felt it was essential to come up with a safe, alternative live music experience for music fans in Ottawa and beyond—this partnership gives us that opportunity. We’re confident that the RBC Bluesfest Drive-in concept, staged in conjunction with NAC’s #CanadaPerforms, will become a ‘must-attend’ event in Ottawa, for the summer of 2020.”
“So proud to support #CanadaPerforms at the RBC Bluesfest Drive-In to create a new experience for music lovers in Ottawa-Gatineau and all across the country, thanks to a partnership with the National Arts Centre and Facebook Canada,” said Marjolaine Hudon, Regional President for RBC. It will be an exciting showcase of Indigenous and up and coming talent, presented in an iconic location. It’s just one way RBC is helping bring the arts to Canadians and supporting the music industry.”, said Marjolaine Hudon, Regional President, Ontario North & East, Royal Bank of Canada.
