Record-Breaking Bluesfest 2023: Just Another Reason Why Major Artists Should Make Ottawa a Tour Stop

Ottawa Bluesfest has made a name for itself in the festival circuit over the years, and this year's record-setting performances have only cemented its reputation as a hub for music fans and artists alike. Big names like Pitbull, Foo Fighters, and Shania Twain graced the stages, putting on performances that will go down in Bluesfest history.

And yet, despite its success, some question why more big artists do not consider Ottawa a regular tour stop. The capital of Canada might not have the flashiness of Toronto or the artistic culture of Montreal, but it boasts a devoted fan base and an impressive history of successful concerts. Ottawa's size allows for more intimate concerts, while still drawing in big crowds - as this year's Bluesfest demonstrated with over 300,000 attendees.

Many artists choose tour stops based on a variety of factors, from fanbase size to the cost and logistics of moving their tour equipment. It's possible that Ottawa, being smaller than other Canadian cities, gets overlooked because it is thought not to have a large enough fanbase to support a major concert. But the numbers from Bluesfest should prove otherwise.

Additionally, the smaller size of Ottawa might actually be a benefit for artists. It's a city where a concert can make a big splash, capturing the attention of the local community in a way that might not be possible in larger cities. Plus, it can serve as a strategic stop between the larger markets of Toronto and Montreal.

The Bluesfest organizers should seize the opportunity to pitch Ottawa to more big-name artists in the future. The city's music scene is vibrant and alive, and it's clear that the fans are ready and eager for more.

In the end, the massive turnout and financial success of this year's Bluesfest is proof that Ottawa deserves its spot on the map of major tour destinations. It's time for artists to take note and make the most of the opportunities the city offers.

Now, let's look back at the amazing nine days that made up Ottawa Bluesfest 2023:

The 2023 Ottawa Bluesfest was a landmark event in the history of the festival. Shania Twain kicked things off with her country-pop performance, setting the tone for the days to follow. But it was the high-energy shows of Pitbull and Ludacris that thrilled the audience and made this year one of the most successful yet.

Pitbull proved to all that he is more than just a novelty act. Delivering a high-powered performance that combined elements of hip-hop, electronic dance music, and Vegas-style choreography, he had the audience hanging on to his every word. His message of empowerment and the addictive nature of social media was a refreshing take in a sea of tunes that otherwise tended to objectify women.

Ludacris's set also left a lasting impression. His ability to cover iconic hits such as Justin Bieber’s Baby, Usher’s Yeah and Fergie’s Glamourous alongside his own songs showcased his versatility as an artist. And it was clear from the crowd's response that they loved every minute of it.

It's worth noting that the success of the Bluesfest wasn't just in terms of attendance. Local businesses like the Aulde Dubliner and Pour House saw an influx of customers, indicating the positive economic impact that such an event can have on a city.

However, no event is without its hiccups. This year, the festival had to navigate through the unexpected closure of the Queensway to replace the Bronson Avenue bridge, leading to traffic chaos. In future, better communication will be necessary to ensure such issues are mitigated. But even with these hurdles, the festival was a roaring success.

As the curtain falls on Ottawa Bluesfest 2023, it leaves us looking forward to the next edition. This year proved that Ottawa is more than capable of hosting big-name artists, and the local fans are eager for more. As the festival continues to grow and evolve, it's clear that the future of Bluesfest is as bright as ever.