Ottawa Bluesfest – Day 7

Ottawa Bluesfest – Friday on Lebreton Flats – Friday, July 17, 2026

Reviews and Photos by Mark Kelly

The final Friday of Ottawa Bluesfest delivered one of the festival’s most diverse lineups, moving effortlessly from traditional country and blues to psychedelic rock, indie soul, and arena-sized performances. With packed stages across LeBreton Flats and more than 35,000 fans gathered for the evening’s headliners, there was something for every music fan.

RBC Main Stage

Canadian country artist Nayana opened the evening with a confident performance that showcased why she has accumulated more than two million digital streams. Performing songs from her debut EP Red Flags Flyin’, her heartfelt storytelling and fresh female perspective connected immediately with the early crowd, proving she’s an artist well worth watching.

Next came one of the festival’s most unusual and entertaining acts, Angine de Poitrine. Self-described as disciples of Earth’s rock deities and space-time voyagers, the band delivered a theatrical blend of psychedelic rock, humour, and visual spectacle. Their hypnotic performance, complete with references to hot dogs, pyramids, and classic rock excess, drew one of the largest daytime crowds of the festival and had fans completely immersed in their surreal universe.

Nine-time Grammy Award winner Sheryl Crow reminded everyone why she remains one of music’s most enduring performers.Twenty-five years after winning her first Grammy, Crow effortlessly mixed timeless hits with her trademark warmth and authenticity. Songwriter, activist, mother, and rock icon, she demonstrated that her voice, stage presence, and connection with the audience remain as strong as ever, creating one of the evening’s most memorable performances.

Closing the main stage was country music’s fast-rising star Ella Langley. Raised in Hope Hull, Alabama, Langley has quickly become one of the genre’s brightest new talents through fearless songwriting and a gritty blend of country, rock, and modern pop. Backed by a crowd of more than 35,000 fans, she delivered a commanding performance that showed exactly why she’s headlining major festivals. Her confidence, powerful vocals, and energetic stage presence left little doubt that she belongs on the biggest stages in country music.

LeBreton Stage

Toronto’s The Jays Blues Trio kicked off the LeBreton Stage with an energetic set rooted in authentic blues, funk, and soul. Drawing heavily from the sounds of the 1970s, the trio delivered heartfelt performances filled with tight musicianship and infectious
grooves that had early festival-goers dancing.

Jimi continued the momentum with an exciting blend of rock, country, and blues. Armed with powerful vocals, blistering guitar work and honest songwriting, she showcased why she’s become one of Canada’s fastest-rising performers. Her growing online following and recent songwriting collaboration with Bryan Adams are well deserved, as she displayed both technical ability and undeniable star power. 

Singer-songwriter Valerie June closed the stage with a captivating performance that highlighted her unmistakable voice and deeply emotional songwriting. Known for ignoring musical boundaries, June effortlessly blended folk, blues, soul, and Americana into a
mesmerizing performance. Every note carried sincerity and warmth, leaving the audience completely engaged from beginning to end.

Hard Rock Ottawa Stage

London, Ontario’s Thunder Queens proved that age is no barrier to delivering a hard-hitting rock show. The teenage trio combined soaring harmonies, thunderous rhythms, and massive guitar hooks with remarkable confidence and chemistry. Having played together since childhood, Violet, Lola, and Clara performed with the precision of a much more seasoned band while maintaining the youthful energy that makes them so exciting.

 Nick Earle & The Reckless Hearts followed with one of the night’s most explosive rock performances. Earle’s exceptional guitar playing, combined with sharp songwriting and relentless energy, transformed the Hard Rock Ottawa Stage into a full-throttle rock show. Their blend of technical musicianship and raw swagger had the crowd fully engaged throughout the set. 

Closing the stage, Death From Above 1979 delivered exactly what longtime fans expected—a loud, relentless, high-energy assault of dance-punk and distorted bass-driven rock. The Canadian duo of Jesse F. Keeler and Sebastien Grainger proved once again why You’re A Woman, I’m A Machine remains a landmark album. Their intense performance, driven by crushing bass riffs, pounding drums, and infectious energy, brought the Hard Rock Ottawa Stage to an unforgettable close.

Friday night at Ottawa Bluesfest perfectly showcased the festival’s greatest strength—its ability to bring together legendary performers, rising stars, and exciting new discoveries across multiple genres. Whether fans came for Sheryl Crow’s timeless hits, Ella Langley’s country swagger, Valerie June’s soulful artistry, or Death From Above 1979’s relentless energy, they left with another unforgettable Bluesfest experience.