*Originally published in the Ottawa Citizen, February 28th, 2025*
Why are we still calling this festival Bluesfest?
There was a time when the group responsible for this marquee summer festival ensured that the Blues genre would be front and centre. Those days are gone, and that’s fine. New mission, bigger draws, financial considerations, I get it. If that’s the case, then change the name of the festival and let the past be past.
Imagine if Suzy Q changed its main offering from doughnuts to tacos. I’d expect, at least, a one-page explanation and new branding as Ottawa’s newest taco provider.
Bluesfest isn’t any different. It’s grossly misleading at this point in time. Even artists who have graced the stage have commented, through social media and on-stage, on why they’re performing at a Bluesfest when their genre is anything but Blues.
I think we owe it to the artists, visitors and ourselves to have a moment of honesty.
It’s time to re-brand Ottawa’s biggest festival. A name that that fully encompasses the diversity of artists and talent that serenades this city.
Leave Bluesfest for the Blues. Time for a name that represents the amazing talent we take in every July.
*https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/letters-why-call-it-bluesfest*