BEEP BEEP BEEP

show listings will continue to update daily

jump

Oh, and the obvious solution to the lawn chairs vs. standing only debate: everybody, just stand on your chairs. Case closed!

dial613 reader's guide to Bluesfest 2007, pt. 2:
days 7-12
KEY:
(mbna) = MBNA Stage
(sheep) = Blacksheep Stage
(rog) = Rogers Stage
(riv) = River Stage
(bd) = Barney Danson Theatre

* denotes local artist

Day 7 - Tuesday, 07.10.07

schedule for clones and dial613 7:30 - Sunparlour Players (bd) 9:00 - George Clinton & The P-Funk All-Stars (mbna) 9:30- Alejandro Escovedo (sheep)

Another simple start to the guide, but all 3 acts on the sched above come highly recommended. To be honest, not so familiar with most of the other acts this day, so maybe just wandering around and following your ears is a good idea for the earlier part of the evening; seems like the Black Sheep stage is usually a solid bet if you're looking for a place to start.

dial613 is most excited, possibly more so than for any other act this festival, for George Clinton & The P-Funk All-Stars, the latest of his funk ensembles/collectives which morphed out of 60s and 70s groups Funkadelic and Parliament. These are acts that used to descend from UFOs onto the stage, dressed in wild and glittering stuff from head to toe (check the pictures for proof). Hopefully there's still some wacky in them.. dial613 is just itching for any excuse to be shouting "yeeeah, tha's funked-up!" for the duration of the show.

-----------------------

The guide continues... click here for days 8 thru 12.

-----------------------
-----------------------

Day 8 - Wednesday, 07.11.07

schedule for clones 6:00 - Lure* (riv) 7:45 - Aboriginal Hour (sheep) 8:00 - Cat Power (rog) 9:30 - Steve Miller Band (mbna) 9:30 - Tagaq (sheep)

dial613's schedule Lure* - 6:00 Cat Power - 8:00 Steve Miller Band/Tagaq - 9:30

BATTLE!: Steve Miller Band vs. Tagaq
Steve Miller is yet another classic classic-rock name headlining the main stage this year, while (Tanya) Tagaq, being rooted in aboriginal music and tradition, is one of the more unique performers of the festival. This'll probably be a gametime decision, or a stay-at-the-mainstage-til-too-irritated-with-the-massive-crowd-to-stay-any-longer type deal.
Pick: Toss-up

Other than Miller and Cat Power, there doesn't seem to be much of a draw on this day either (although the aboriginal hour should be pretty interesting). It's becoming clearer that this year, there just doesn't seem to be as much of a guarantee that you'll really want to see at least one act at any given time throughout the festival, unlike what it felt like last year. Granted, that's a tough task.. maybe we were spoiled last year?
-----------------------

Day 9 - Thursday, 07.12.07

schedule for clones 6:15 - Basia Bulat (sheep) 6:15 - Liam Titcomb (bd) 7:45 - Page France (sheep) 9:00 - Craig Cardiff (bd) 9:30 - Blue Rodeo (mbna) 9:30 - Ndidi Onukwulu (sheep) 9:30 - Xavier Rudd (riv)

dial613's schedule Nigeria v. Zambia

All 4 headliners tonight have been to Ottawa either frequently, fairly recently, or both, so the one you see here will probably depend on who you've seen before. dial613 is taking a pass on the night to check out what will likely be the most successful FIFA U-20 Championships ever, in terms of attendance. And they're actually saying the same thing about Bluesfest this year too: at this point (day 5), it's on pace to break its past attendance records. There's probably something intelligent to say about these 2 facts, but you're looking in the wrong place for that.

Under The Radar - Basia Bulat
She's got a gorgeous voice, and has been discussed on here before. She also wears funny hats in her press photos. That's as deadly a combination as cauliflower with peanut butter (go on, try it. And take pictures. And send them to me.).

-----------------------

Day 10 - Friday, 07.13.07

schedule for clones 6:00 - Gogol Bordello (rog) 6:00 - The Love Machine* (riv) 7:00 - Sebastien Grainger et les Montagnes (riv) 7:45 - Tokyo Police Club (sheep) 8:00 - Edie Brickell & The New Bohemians (rog) 8:15 - Built To Spill (riv)

dial613's schedule Gogol Bordello - 6:00 Sebastien Grainger et les Montagnes - 7:00 Tokyo Police Club - 7:45 Built To Spill - after TPC

Sure-Shot - Gogol Bordello
Is this a sure-shot or is Gogol Bordello still under the radar? This show is kind of a mix of the 2 categories.. sure-radar!
If you like locals Ukrainia!, then this act's Ukrainian folk-gypsy-punk should be right up your alley. If you don't really like Ukrainia!, but you can appreciate a great mustache, then this should be right up your alley as well; lead singer Eugene Hutz's cookie-duster is practically a show in itself.

And pardon my french, but shouldn't Built To Spill be headlining? Just axin'...

-----------------------

Day 11 - Saturday, 07.14.07

schedule for clones all day - Gospel Day! (sheep) 2:30 - The Empiricals* (riv) 3:30 - Amos The Transparent (riv) 6:00 - Patrick Watson (rog) 6:15 - Danny Michel* (riv) 7:45 - Jim Bryson* (riv) 9:15 - Blackie & The Rodeo Kings (riv) 9:30 - Kanye West (mbna) 9:30 - Deadstring Brothers (bd)

dial613's schedule same as above (floating in and out of gospel day) - 2:30-9:15 Kanye West - 9:30

One of dial613's life missions has involved an extensive search to find da T.R.U.T.H., and lo' and behold, it's going to be right here in Ottawa! It'll be one of 9 gospel acts you can find Black Sheep stage, each of which will be providing a heaping healthy helping of soul food for lunch, dinner, and whatever snacks you have in between.
For dessert, though..

BATTLE! (triple-threat match):
Kanye West vs. Deadstring Brothers vs. Blackie & The Rodeo Kings

(also..)
Pick: Kanye West's strut
(but hopefully dial613'll catch a glimpse of Blackie & co., too)

-----------------------

Day 12 - Sunday, 07.15.07

schedule for clones 2:45 - IsWhat?! (riv) 2:45 - Danny Michel Band* (sheep) 3:00 - Hilotrons* (mbna) 5:15 - King Sunshine (sheep) 6:00 - Detroit Women (rog) 6:15 - Deadstring Brothers (sheep) 7:45 - Steve Forbert & The Sound Benders (sheep) 8:00 - Sam Roberts Band (rog) 9:30 - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings (sheep)

dial613's schedule Hilotrons - 3:00 King Sunshine - 5:15 Detroit Women - 6:00 Deadstring Brothers - after DW Steve Forbert & TSB - 7:45 Sam Roberts Band - after SF&TSB? Sharon Jones & TDK - 9:30

Under The Radar - Detroit Women
dial613 caught a cameo appearance of theirs in Solomon Burke's set last Bluesfest and immediately regretted not seeing them earlier in the day. They're a group of .. uh, women from Detroit .. who represent a wide range in vocal style, age, and look; and they all sing soul/r&b/funk/jazz together in wonderful harmony. They're incredible, both in talent and performance. It really doesn't sound that neat in writing, so maybe forget all that you just read and just go see for yourself.

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings should provide a wonderful note for the fest to end on.
-----------------------

With all the names dial613 isn't familiar with and the ensuing empty timeslots for this half of the fest, there's got to be someone you can recommend, no? There were plenty of acts whose names are kind of recognizable, but no particular sound or reputation comes to mind.

Who would you add to the guide?
Who would you take out?
What show is your must-see for this half of Bluesfest? --or wait, are you even going?

jump

The White Stripes transitted publicly in Winnipeg earlier this week.
(Pic via Pitchfork.)

UPDATED 07.09.07 (see below)

Sooo, uh, anyone have any idea if/where The White Stripes might be playing their half-expected/totally hoped for secret pre-show gig in Ottawa tomorrow aft?

It all seems pretty air-tight... there isn't even a rumour mill in sight, let alone rumours.
dial613's guess, for the record, is the Parliament Hill lawn, but is that too cliché?

Hmmm...
If you were a White Stripe, where would you be?
Feel free to leave your guesses in the comments. (and e-mail with tips)

UPDATE: Aww, ain't that sweet, they played the Bronson Centre for about 40 seriously sick kids and their families thanks to Starlight Starbright. This gig was completely sealed shut from outsiders, unlike the ones they'd played in other Canadian cities leading up to this; it wasn't even announced on their official forums the way the past ones have. But do you really mind? Nope, me neither.

jump

Bluesfest is here again, except now it's over there, in Lebreton Flats. dial613 is looking forward to seeing how the new set-up works.
Apparently 35000 people showed up to see Van Morrison and his shades last night, and the crush of the crowd wasn't exactly as comfortable as it was back at City Hall. But hey, dial613 has no problem getting close with the public, as long as the public a) keeps their hands where they can be seen, and b) bows karate-style in honour of dial613's presence. One of the two will do.

The hot topic this year seems to be the location.. will it be better or worse than City Hall? Organizers, of course, are touting the new site, but reviews of the new site from people who saw Van Morrison last night are pretty mixed.
Also, the 'big' names this year are bigger than ever, but has it been at the cost of the non-headlining names?

Once again, the guide will be presented in 2 worlds: the hypothetical world where dial613 can be cloned in order to see every show possible, and the real world in which dial613 must break one band's heart to go see another.
It's also split up into 2 parts, 5 days each, and doesn't include day 1. Because day 1 is over. And it only had 2 shows, which were happening one after another. Is that good enough reason? Ok.

And, as always, dial613 wants to know what you think. If there are any shows that really wowed/heavily disappointed you, comment or e-mail dial613 to share the excitement/grief. And what do you think of the new set-up?

On to business..
dial613 reader's guide to Bluesfest 2007, pt. 1:
days 2-6
KEY:
(mbna) = MBNA Stage
(sheep) = Blacksheep Stage
(rog) = Rogers Stage
(riv) = River Stage
(bd) = Barney Danson Theatre

* denotes local artist

Day 2 - Thursday, 07.05.07

dial613's schedule: 6:00 - As The Poets Affirm* (rog) 7:00 - Jimmy Vaughan (mbna) 8:00 - Radio Birdman (riv) 9:00 - Bob Dylan (mbna)

No cloning needed here; the festival's 2nd night is pretty low-key, meaning you can see pretty much full sets from 4 out of the 5 acts scheduled. And headlined by Bob Dylan, who is here again for those who didn't get to catch him last fall (and even for those who did and prefer to see him outdoors). dial613 will be cheering for rain...y day women #12 & #34. Zzzing.

It's a pretty low-key start to the festival, with just 6 performances spread out over the first 2 days, but things pick up as the weekend begins.
-----------------------

The guide continues... click here for days 3 thru 6.

-----------------------
-----------------------
Day 3 - Friday, 07.06.07

schedule for clones 6:00 - The Reverb Syndicate* (rog) 6:00 - JOKKO* (riv) 6:15 - Mark Wilson & The Last Dinosaur (bd) 7:00 - Gary U.S. Bonds (mbna) 7:15 - Souljazz Orchestra* (riv) 8:00 - Bela Fleck & The Flecktones (rog) 9:15 - Kid Koala (sheep) 9:30 - George Thorogood & The Destroyers

dial613's schedule The Reverb Syndicate* - 6:00 Mark Wilson & TLD - 6:15 Gary U.S. Bonds - 7:00 Bela Fleck & TF - 8:00 Kid Koala - 9:15 George Thorogood & TD - after Kid Koala

Getting things started off with a smidgen of spy-fi from The Reverb Syndicate to get some stealth stage-hopping ambience going, and then off to see...

Under The Radar - Formerly local Mark Wilson, whose once-freely available Endless Elevator EP from last year (or the yr before?) made him sound destined for bigger things.. like Bluesfest stages, har har. Really though, there's no good reason for him to remain hidden much longer.

Sure-Shot - Scratchmaster Kid Koala, who has made a name for himself both as a solo DJ and as a member of Gorillaz, Deltron 3030, and Lovage; if you've heard of any of those (or are a fan of MC Del or producer Dan The Automator), you should check it one two. Word.

Also: Bela Fleck & The Flecktones should be interesting.. bluegrass banjo-picking with a bit of be-bop fusion. And, FYI, he's a dude.

-->The Reverb Syndicate - I Am The New Number Two
-->Mark Wilson - The Art Of Give And Take
-->Lovage - Koala's Lament

-----------------------
Day 4 - Saturday, 07.07.07

schedule for clones 2:30 - Two Hours Traffic (bd) 3:15 - The Soirée* (sheep) 3:45 - Male Nurse* (bd) 4:45 - Jon-Rae & The River (sheep) 6:15 - Jetplanes Of Abraham* (sheep) 7:15 - Mute Math (riv) 8:00 - Michael Franti & Spearhead (rog) 9:00 - Manu Chao (mbna) 9:00 - Luke Doucet (bd) 9:30 - Toumani Diabate (sheep)

dial613's schedule Two Hours Traffic - 2:30 The Soirée* - 3:15 Jon-Rae & The River - 4:45 Jetplanes Of Abraham* - 6:15 Mute Math - 7:15 Michael Franti & Spearhead - 8:00 Manu Chao - 9:00 Toumani Diabate - 9:30

The schedulers deserve a kudos here for making it possible to see 8 of the 10 bands in the clone schedule. But alas, there's a ...
BATTLE!: Manu Chao vs. Luke Doucet
Is it really much of a contest though? Doucet, as nice as his songs are, comes around here more than once in forever, and plays a style found easily enough in North America. The same can't be said for Chao, whose laid-back worldbeat music carries influences from all over the map.
Pick: Manu Chao

Under The Radar - Continuing with the world music theme, Toumani Diabate plays a type of harp unique to his native Mali and its neighbouring regions, called the kora. He may be touring internationally, but his roots still appear to be deep into African culture, making both his music and performance style worth seeing.

Sure-Shot - Michael Franti & Spearhead
dial613 hears it's illegal to hold a festival called Bluesfest in Ottawa without Michael Franti headlining a night. It almost happened this year, with the event tentatively renamed Sorrywecouldn'tgetMichaelFrantithisyearFest. Thank goodness that didn't happen... think of how clunky the wristbands would've had to be.

-->The Soirée - Turn This Car Around
-->Jon-Rae & The River - Just One More
-->Jetplanes Of Abraham - Tunnels/Terminals
-->Michael Franti & Spearhead - Everyone Deserves Music
-----------------------

Day 5 - Sunday, 07.08.07

schedule for clones 1:15 - Sarah Hallman* (riv) 2:00 - Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo (rog) 3:45 - Joel Plaskett (bf) 4:15 - F!ghtF!ghtF!ght* (riv) 5:00 - Elmer Ferrer Fusion (bd) 5:45 - Ukrainia!* (riv) 6:00 - Leo Kottke (rog) 6:15 - Ohbijou (sheep) 7:15 - Shout Out Out Out Out (riv) 9:30 - Hawksley Workman (riv) 9:30 - The White Stripes (mbna)

dial613's schedule Sarah Hallman* - 1:15 Joel Plaskett - 3:45 Elmer Ferrer Fusion - 5:00 some Ukrainia!* - 5:45 some Leo Kottke - 6:15? some Ohbijou - 6:45? Shout Out Out Out Out - 7:15 The White Stripes - 9:30

Gotta do some stretching around 5:40 on this day, as dial613 would ideally run around to see parts of 3 different bands' sets on 3 different stages in the course of an hour.

BATTLE!: The White Stripes vs. Hawksley Workman
Are you going to miss a chance to see The White Stripes without spending bus/gas money to Toronto? Well, you might, even if you don't intend to, depending on how the whole site is laid out. dial613 wouldn't hesitate to head over to see Hawksley Workman to spite an awful sightline or distant sound quality from the main stage. He's a great alternative.. but, again, exactly that.
Pick: The White Stripes with a view.

-->Sarah Hallman - Snowballin'
-->Joel Plaskett - Happen Now
-->Hawksley Workman - Jealous Of Your Cigarette
-->The White Stripes - You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do What You're Told)
-----------------------

Day 6 - Monday, 07.09.07

schedule for clones 6:15 - Relief Maps (sheep) 7:00 - The Grass (mbna) 7:30 - Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers (riv) 8:00 - Jonny Lang (rog) 9:00 - Buddy Guy (riv) 9:15 - Final Fantasy (sheep)

dial613's schedule Relief Maps - 6:15 Fiona Boyes & TFT - 7:30 end of Jonny Lang - 8:30? Buddy Guy - 9:00

Is there any irony in the way that what might be the most bluesy day of Bluesfest (with acts like Fiona Boyes, Jonny Lang, and Buddy Guy) features pop-punk and viol-indie-in headliners? dial613 would assume that Hedley and Final Fantasy will draw the bigger, if not more excited crowds-- and is in no way making an ASS of U and ME by doing so.

BATTLE!: Final Fantasy vs. Buddy Guy
There are lots of performers who have been proclaimed to be the King of Blues: B.B. King, Muddy Watters, dial613 (King of Everything encompasses blues too, right?)... the list goes on. Simply, Buddy Guy is maybe the only performer at Bluesfest this year who could easily be included on that list. Plus, he's probably got the coolest name in town.. and this is a town with a guy named Engelbert Humperdinck.
Pick: Buddy Guy

Also: Remember back in the late-90's, a 16-year-old kid named Jonny Lang causing quite a stir with his major-label debut? Yeah, it's fuzzy for dial613 too, but hey, he's here, and his show may be interesting to see.

-->Relief Maps - Pattersickle

-----------------------

What Bluesfest shows are you looking forward to most?
Have any strong recommendations of acts that are flying below radar?
Any bones to pick with dial613's scheduling?

Stay tuned for Part 2, where dial613 reveals 2 of this site's most anticipated acts of Bluesfest.
Spoiler: it's neither INXS nor Da T.R.U.T.H., despite the wonderfully capitalised names.

(ps: viol-indie-in ... you totally loved it.)

jump

Sure, they're stylin sunglasses, but do they really offer Van Morrison full UV protection?

A reminder that Bluesfest starts today, with a 7:30 PM show by caraVan Morrison and a late show with the Elmer Ferrer Band, whom dial613 stumbled upon last year at the Blacksheep stage and found really entertaining.
They added The Vanner long after the fest lineup had been announced, and tacked on an extra day at the beginning to accommodate the show, which is why you may be looking at your calendar, then back at your computer screen, then back at your calendar, etc. etc.

And remember, it's at Lebreton Flats this year, but dial613 is curious about going to City Hall just to take in the confusion of those that weren't paying close enough attention. The people there will be probably be those same kids in your class that always showed up on the PD/PA Days at school. Except you wouldn't know who those were unless you showed up yourself. Hmm...

Check back for a guide to the first few days, soon.

-->Van Morrison - Wild Night

jump