Ottawa jazz and blues has it all
Charlie Musselwhite’s harp case. Photo: Joel Hurd
Friendly spaces, topnotch talent and a park in the middle of one of the nicest cities in North America. That, friends, is the secret sauce of the TD Ottawa Jazz and Blues Festival. Plus: a great assortment of food trucks, including Ozzie’s Mediterranean and the Thai noodle folks.
I tagged along last night with NCPR production manager Joel Hurd, who hosts our Saturday night jazz show, The Bridge. Joel goes almost every night during the Ottawa festival (events continue through July 3), and writes about it here at the All In blog space. You’ll also see photos and music news posted at ncprmusic.org where right now you’ll find Dan Nawrocki’s great photos and post about last night’s National Arts Center festival kick off event featuring Kamasi Washington.
That’s the thing. Joel and I weren’t anywhere inside the NAC, but we heard and saw three giants of American blues in Confederation Park, just a block away. There’s something for everyone every day of the festival. I like the park events because there’s a music festival–okay, Woodstock without the mud and chaos and millions of people–feel. It’s Ottawa, home to nicest people on the planet.
So, who were the giants? Alvin Youngblood Hart, Elvin Bishop and Charlie Musselwhite.
Remember to click over to Dan’s wonderful story and photos. And, and, and don’t forget to check out the festival schedule. It swings!
Joel Hurd at the festival gate. He says the 10 days of the festival are his favorite of the year. Photo: Ellen Rocco
The Toronto-based Boxcar Boys kicked off the evening with a set that ranged from Klezmer to dixieland to vaudeville. Great energy, great musicianship. Photo: Joel Hurd
The early birds gather for the evening of blues. Photo: Ellen Rocco
The festival is wonderfully well-organized and well-staffed with a great cadre of volunteers (about 500 over the course of the festival). Photo: Ellen Rocco
Joel Hurd at his media tent perch, blogging and taking photos. Photo: Ellen Rocco
Alvin Youngblood Hart. You gotta hear him. Amazing guitarist and vocalist. Photo: Joel Hurd
Dusk falls. This gives you an idea of where the media tent is located–great view of the stage and crowd. Photo: Ellen Rocco
Charlie Musselwhite and Elvin Bishop–playing together for the first time. We’re hoping they put out an album together. Photo: Joel Hurd
Remember, this was just part of what was happening opening night. All kinds of events scheduled for the next 10 days in concert halls, tents and at various venues in the heart of Ottawa. Check it out.
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