Ah, the beginning of July means the true beginning of summer to me. It means Bluesfest, an annual concert that Steph and I (along with hundreds of thousands of others) have parktaken for what seems forever. For those not from Ottawa, Bluesfest is a two week music festival that is pretty darn good (I know they would like to be one of the elite festivals in North America, but they aren’t quite there yet). And while it began as a Blues Festival, and it still tries to draw in many Blues acts, it is a music festival encompassing all flavours. This year’s headliners are Soundgarden, Ben Harper / Skrillex, Steve Miller Band, The Black Keys, The Tragically Hip, A Perfect Circle, John Fogerty, My Morning Jacket / Buddy Guy, Billy Talent / The Tea Party, Blue Rodeo, Jane’s Addiction and Death Cab For Cutie (for the few that are split with a ‘/’, these are where I think the side closers are just as big or bigger than the main stage).
So, as I said, Steph and I have been going to this festival forever (remember the Black Eyed Peas at City Hall???) the last four or five, getting festival passes as it works out much cheaper. And over the years, we’ve seen things that make us laugh, raise an eyebrow, be blown away or just shake our head. As such, here are a few pointers for anyone new to Bluesfest this year.
1. Know the Weather! – Summer in Ottawa can be as weird as the politicians who live here! One day we can have sweltering heat and humidity, followed 24 hours later by chilly winds. This week looks no different, with a hot day today to open, Thunderstorms tomorrow, mild weather til the weekend, then more heat and humidity. Just remember to check the weather, dress accordingly (light clothes for the hot day), and more importantly DRINK for the weather. You have NO idea how many people I have seen heading to the paramedic tent on the hot days because they don’t drink water, or get a bit of shade. You can buy water at any food vendor (I expect the price to be $3 this year), and you can refill your water bottle at one of the refill stations near the main food vendor court. Shade can be found in the afternoons by the Subway, Hard Rock and National Bank (old Black Sheep) stage along the trees, as well as a nice breeze off the Ottawa River sometimes. And if you’re close to dying, there is the main walkway lobby of the War Museum, where you can relax.
2. Know your legs – Festivals means walking on uneven ground, pathways, and if it rains, mud. Wear your best comfortable shoes for pete’s sake. I’m sure that your leather dress shoes or five inch heels will still have a place for the next concert or gathering you go to that isn’t outdoors. You have no idea how many men I’ve seen ready to pitch their work shoes, or ladies I’ve seen walking barefoot while holding their pumps as they can no longer handle their feet pain.
3. Wander for Wonder – There are five different stages, set up in four different outside areas (this isn’t including Rideau Centre or the Barney Denson Theatre, which are indoors). And while many acts people hit the gates for are in the main area with the two largest stages, let yourself wander around, just to see if anything catches your ear. Every year there is two or three acts that just astound me for their live act and musicianship that is well worth the price of admission. Gogol Bordello, Infected Mushroom, Matisyahu, Girl Talk, Shout Out Out Out Out Out and Stripper’s Union are bands that quickly pop into my head as one’s that I hadn’t heard or expected much of and completely surprised me! And if you are wondering what everyone else is up to, Bluesfest is pretty good with the social media as well. Follow them on Twitter or search and follow #bluesfest (great to hear about surprising acts or issues at the event!
4. Pace Yourself – Bluesfest is sponsored in no small part by the Mill St Brewery. And, as all good festivals, there is food and drink available…for a price. The foods, while tasty, are your typical fried foods, along with some other (still greasy and high calorie) choices such as pad Thai, Roti and organic buffalo burgers. The alcohol, well, it’s cold and oh so yummy. But just remember – pace yourself. Nothing worse than seeing someone needing attention or getting dragged home by friends (or the people in Blue) due to over consumption. Also, know your tummy. If you’ve never had roti, or lamb stew, a festival vendor may not be the best place to introduce yourself. Eat and drink lots of water before you head down, enjoy some food (that you feel comfy with … I know my first stop is to get my Jamaican Patty, a daily staple of mine during Bluesfest), and pace your alcohol consumption.
5. A Friend in Need’s A Friend Indeed – Bluesfest isn’t just about the music but about the fans of music who partake in the event. Some of the best (and funniest) have to do with the conversations I’ve had with friends and family when music wasn’t playing, or the people I’ve met, typically by either helping them find something (it’s not hard to locate the people who are new to Bluesfest…just look for the people looking for a small stage in the main stage area for starters…), or just starting a conversation. Yes, Bluesfest has many volunteers in white shirts to answer q’s (and what a wonderful volunteer troupe they have – in all my years have never met one volunteer that wasn’t pleasant and happy to be there) but it’s our festival too! The most important time to react is when you see a person in distress though. I don’t think (knock on wood) Bluesfest has had any major injury in a long time, in due part to concert goers who will help an exhausted person to the back of the crowd (or over the security rail if near the front), or a nearly passed out person to security or more importantly a paramedic booth. Most importantly, if you see a fight, or pushing and shoving starting, don’t try to break it up yourself. Get you and yours (I typically have my 12 year old and 9 year old) away from the situation, and let security (you can’t miss them!) know of the situation. I’ve never seen an issue not resolved in less than three minutes, and then everyone can get back to enjoying the night!
6. Enjoy! – Bluesfest is a party. There’s great music, awesome people, tasty food, cold beer, and did I mention great music! Enjoy – dance, sing, do your thing!
So, there’s my pointers – all pretty standard common sense things, but thought I would pass them along.