Ottawa Dragon Boat Race Festival

Saturday at Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival – S10E34 [Season Finale]

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ODBF June 27th Main-1

It was another exciting time at the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival. The lineup for Saturday’s concert was amazing to say the least. It consisted of Ottawa’s The Acorn, who I have been seeing a lot recently as Rolf Klausener and company released the new album, Vieux Loup. The album is also on the 2015 Polaris Music Prize long list.

Following The Acorn was Jeremy Fisher, who now lives in Ottawa. He had a good set and brought a lot of fun humour which the crowd loved. After Fisher was done, next was The Rural Alberta Advantage and they didn’t disappoint. They were rocking each songs and the crowd enjoyed it.

Last, but not least was Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, who I last saw back in February for NAC Presents. Mangan and his band returned to Ottawa for the Dragon Boat Festival. Also, his band mates were doing double duty as two of the members played as Peregrine Falls and they performed at Ottawa Jazz Festival prior to going to Dragon Boat Festival.

Dan Mangan + Blacksmith did not disappoint as they played tracks from their album, Club Meds and previous songs from Oh Fortune and Nice, Nice, Very Nice. The encore set had some favourites from Robots, Basket and a few others.

Overall, it was great attending Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival as I missed out from last year due to NXNE in Toronto being at the same time. What I love about Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is that the concert series is all Canadian and it’s free. The organizers love and understand Canadian music. It was fun to hang out with some of the CBC Radio 3 fans as they were at the festival. It was a great to overcome my post-NXNE withdrawal. Marvellous job, Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival!

You can check out the photos over at Flickr by clicking HERE. Continue reading →

Friday at Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival – S10E33

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ODBF Main

After missing out on last year, it’s great to be back for Friday night’s opening ceremony of the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival. The opening ceremony began with the bagpipers marching and leading the dragon boaters to the main tent. Following the speeches was the lion dance.

Prior to the lion dance, I had a chance to check out Kalle Mattson as they were one of the opening act for Hey Rosetta, the headliner for the Friday show. It was definitely a fine Friday night to be out anywhere in Ottawa.
I can’t wait to check out The Acorn, The Rural Alberta Advantage and Dan Mangan + Blacksmith at Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival for Saturday evening.

As usual, you can check the photos over at Flickr by clicking HERE.

Mounties and Fresh – S10E32

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June 25th Main-1

There were a lot of events happening on Thursday night from Ottawa Jazz Festival to to several concerts like Murder Murder and Scary Bear Soundtrack at Rainbow Bistro. The Summer festival is full swing in Ottawa and so many things to do.

I decided to go to the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival to check out Mounties as I haven’t had a chance to see them live. Mounties consists of Hawksley Workman, Ryan Dahle and Steve Bays. They were an enjoyable band to check out as their stage presence was funny and engaging. Between in each songs, they kept bringing up funny banter and the crowds loved it. What a way to start the concert series at Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival. Unfortunately, I missed out on Jim Bryson and Yukon Blonde as I had to head over to Babylon Nightclub.

Fresh – June Edition
I went over to Babylon Nightclub for Fresh, it’s an event by DJ 2 Creamz of The Mix. There were performances by Missing Linx, Phoenix Pagliacci, Yusso & Junia-T. There was live art and display from Vincent B, Cinema, Mique Michelle, Alexandre Aimée, Robbie Lariviere, Jay Leblanc and Bradford Photo. As well, there were beat showcase by Bix and CircaBeatz and music by 2 Creamz himself and The Kid Gorgeous.
Lastly, it’s nice to see House of Paint as one of the supporters/sponsors for the event and keeping Hip-Hop in Ottawa strong.
Due to the time, I didn’t get a chance to check out Yusso and a few others but was able to take a bunch of photos.

It was good night to check out a lot of events in Ottawa. This weekend continues to be a fun time as June finishes up.

You can check out the photos by clicking HERE (for Mounties) and HERE (for Fresh)