For a festival that began with roots in blues, Bluesfest 2025 once again proved it’s something much more expansive—a city-sized celebration of sound that still manages to feel grounded, personal, and inclusive. Held over ten sweaty days at LeBreton Flats, the Ottawa summertime staple struck a remarkable balance this year: blending big-name spectacle and local pride.
Shania Twain’s Saturday night mainstage set was a glittering centerpiece—part stadium spectacle, part country-pop revival that had the packed crowd charged with energy. From “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” to “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” every chorus felt like a mass singalong, backed by dazzling visuals and an audience that spanned generations. It was the kind of show that reminded you why Shania Twain remains a pop culture force—and a Canadian icon.
On the opposite end of the sonic spectrum, Big Freedia turned Bluesfest into a full-blown bounce bash, Her early-week set was loud, sweaty, and gloriously unfiltered—a celebration of movement, energy, and unapologetic joy. Dancers took the stage, the crowd moved as one, and for a moment, Ottawa felt like New Orleans at its most electric.
Men I Trust brought something quieter but just as compelling. Their dreamy, synth-laced indie set cast a spell over the crowd, offering a cool, introspective contrast to the festival’s more explosive moments. With shimmering guitars and soft, looping rhythms drifting across the River Stage, their show felt like a warm exhale—intimate, emotional, and beautifully paced.
Closing night belonged to Kaytranada, who delivered a masterclass in groove and genre fusion. We’re not afraid to say that we can’t geteanough of this Montreal produce, whose set leaned into his signature blend of funk, house, and hip-hop—a masterful combination. It was a fitting finale: expansive yet cohesive, danceable yet soulful, and unmistakably Canadian in voice and vision.
Having grown up attending Bluesfest, there was something incredibly cathartic about being back at LeBreton Flats for a festival that has mastered the art of iteration without throwing itself off balance. There’s something that manages to feel familiar about this festival, despite the addition of genres and demographic changes in its audience. This year’s lineup especially reflected the diversity of Canadian music now—forward-looking, genre-crossing, and deeply connected to place. Bluesfest 2025 was local and global, but most importantly: it was unforgettable.
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