Ottawa Bluesfest – Day 3

Ottawa Bluesfest 2026 – Saturday, July 11, 2026 (Day 3)
Photos and Review by Mark Kelly

RBC Stage
Ottawa-based Indigenous artist Aspects opened the RBC Stage with an impressive set, showcasing why he has become one of the city’s most respected musical talents. The accomplished producer has collaborated with major artists including Wyclef Jean of The Fugees and Bootsy Collins, bringing that experience and creativity to the Bluesfest stage.
Next up, multi-Gold and Platinum-selling artist BigXthaPlug delivered a powerful performance featuring deep, hard-hitting tracks, including his certified Gold hit, “Texas,” to an appreciative crowd.

Closing the evening on the main stage, HARDY brought his signature blend of heavy metal, punk rock, country, soul, and hip-hop influences to a packed audience. A prolific songwriter with multiple CMA Award nominations, HARDY demonstrated exactly why he has become one of country music’s most exciting crossover artists. Backed by a razor-sharp band, the performance
leaned heavily into distorted guitars, pounding drums, and arena-sized hooks that kept the crowd engaged from start to finish.

LeBreton Stage

Ottawa’s own Mikhail Laxton opened Saturday night’s LeBreton Stage lineup with an engaging mix of folk and soul. An intimate performer, Laxton has a way of drawing listeners in with songs rooted in genuine emotion and honest storytelling.

With four albums to his credit, acclaimed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ron Artis II followed with a heartfelt performance filled with deeply personal songs and sincere conviction.
Canadian rock duo Cleopatrick then stormed the stage with driving rhythms, emotionally charged guitar riffs, and relentless energy. Their high-octane performance proved to be one of the festival’s standout rock sets and is a must-see for anyone who enjoys powerful live music.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa Stage

Montreal-based multi-instrumentalist and synesthete Kat Pereira opened the
evening with an energetic performance. Known for her versatility as a keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, flutist, and backing vocalist, Pereira showcased her impressive range throughout the set.

Toronto singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Luna Li followed with a captivating performance, highlighting material from her upcoming album, When a Thought Grows Wings out
August 23
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Closing the stage for the evening, Patrick Watson delivered one of the festival’s largest and most enthusiastic crowds to date. Blending cabaret pop, classical influences, and indie rock, Watson and his exceptional band held the audience spellbound from beginning to end, providing a memorable finale to another outstanding day at Bluesfest.