Music

Arcade Fire, Drake, Flaming Lips to Play Ottawa Bluesfest

by Ciaran Thompson

The annual Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest has gone Hollywood. Taking place in our nation’s capital from July 6-18, the festival’s lineup has been revealed and includes big names like Arcade Fire, Drake, The Flaming Lips, Iron Maiden, Gypsy Kings, The B-52s, The Moody Blues, Weezer, Passion Pit and The Levon Helm Band among others.

First held in 1994, the festival has predominately booked blues acts, but since the year of its inception it has showcased an increasing number of rock and pop artists/bands. It has become the largest blues festival in Canada and second largest in North America next to the Chicago Blues Festival.

Some other notable performers set to play on the festival’s seven stages include Alexisonfire, Joan Jett, LIGHTS, the Rural Alberta Advantage, The Swell Season, Woodhands, Metric, Great Lake Swimmers, Foghat, Basia Bulat and Andrew Bird. Tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. For all other event details, go to the festival’s official website.