Cisco Systems Ottawa Bluesfest Announces Stellar Line-Up!

As always the headliners on the Bluesfest’s Main Stage include some of the top draws in the music business today, including an opening night explosion of sound courtesy of WAR! The ‘fest will continue on a high note with the Black Eyed Peas and an appearance by hometown hero, Daniel Lanois on the Main Stage, plus performances by K-Os, ZZ Top, Alison Krauss & Union Station, India.Airie, Kid Rock, The New York Dolls, and John Prine. Other major acts include Bill Frisell, Neko Case, David Lindley, Mary Gauthier, Johnny Winter, John Mayall and many more!

Over the years Bluesfest has strived to include entertainment for all age groups. The 2005 edition is no different. For most of the acts, this will be their first-ever Bluesfest appearance. This is part of Bluesfest’s ongoing effort to constantly renew itself and live up to ever-growing expectations by standing tall on the international stage; the appearance of Simple Plan at Bluesfest on Monday, July 11, is one example. For young and old alike, appearances by Michael Franti & Spearhead who share the bill with the String Cheese Incident and others on Wednesday, July 13 will be a great addition to the weekday programming.

Recent years have seen the development and increased popularity of Bluesfest’s side stages. This has led organizers to add more internationally recognized names to the newly named MBNA Grassroots Stage (formerly the Roots Stage) and the Black Sheep Stage. Key acts include: The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, Rufus Wainwright, Alexisonfire, Stars, Metric, and Broken Social Scene, among others.

TWO NEW BLUESFEST STAGES

In addition to the Main Stage in Festival Plaza and the Black Sheep Stage south of City Hall, Bluesfest will be introducing two new stages in 2005.

THE MBNA GRASSROOTS STAGE

The new ‘MBNA Grassroots Stage,’ an extension of last year’s popular ‘Roots Stage,' is expected to generate even more enthusiasm. The MBNA Grassroots Stage, located near the southeast corner of City Hall and backing off Lisgar Street, will showcase over 40 acts representative of the origins and evolution of roots and blues music.

Cajun, Zydeco, roots-rock, and southern-style blues will be the focus once again. Add to that mix international guitar greats, jump-blues of the southwest and swamp sounds of the Bayou and the possibilities are endless! Festival patrons will experience the sights, sounds, and distinct flavours that they’ve have come to expect from this popular Bluesfest hangout while enjoying down-home comforts, cuisine, and hospitality.

Acoustic Days/Cuban Nights: ‘ADCN Stage’

Over the years, the Cisco Systems Bluesfest has become known for bringing in some of the best Cuban performers available. Due to the popularity of this initiative, the trend will continue in 2005 on a new stage, located on the west side of City Hall near Elgin Street. The stage will be known as the ADCN Stage, an acronym for Acoustic Days and Cuban nights. The ADCN Stage will be the setting for eclectic musical presentations during the day, and Cuban Jazz music, dance, and cultural attractions at night.

Tickets are on-sale now for all classes of passes.