Sadly It Ends

Sunday began as the first day of the festival I was able to attend with my family. We arrived on the grounds to a very small and sparse crowd, probably due to the early hour and the weather. It took a while to make it to where I wanted to get to because my boy was slowly taking in all the sights and sounds that were unique to him. As a parent, we try to look through our child’s eyes but that becomes more of a presumptuous activity bordering on vanity than anything else. All I can say for sure is that he was very interested in the tuba player doubling as a kick drum while leading a parade around the side the food area was on and I realized soon enough this is a perfect kid-friendly festival. Bring your wee ones.

 

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A Swell Evening at the Ottawa Bluesfest

Glen Hansard - The Swell Season

Photos and Review By:André Bouchard

Coming on the heels of two of my favorite sets at the 2010 Ottawa Bluesfest that I have ever seen, multiple choices came to a crest last night as Rush, The Swell Season and The Levon Helm Band were all scheduled to perform at the same time on Sunday night. I should have known that the world cup final would provide a tell tale sign for the evening’s events. Disappointment abounded. I looked forward to see if finally seeing Rush live might give me a greater appreciation of their music but I was not in the mood to deal with  the crush of the crowd so I stayed towards the back just past the wacky wavy inflatable flailing arm man. Unfortunately, this performance did nothing more than confirm what I seemed to already know and if you are looking for a review of their show I recommend you immediately turn away. I am clearly not a fan but some of the poorest sound I have ever heard coming from the main stage for the hour I was there certainly didn’t help.

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