Festival Updates and News
News about Ottawa Festivals and our Member festivals, special events and fairs.
Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest ByWard ready to rock!
Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest organizers today announced their LINE-UP for the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest Byward, which begins on July 9 and runs through July 13 at Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market. The new Bluesfest ByWard website has all the information needed to tap into this fantastic musical adventure. This new website is completely unique. Fans can watch videos of most performers, create their own calendar and invite friends to go to the shows, many of which are free! Visitors can also click ‘Events by Day’ and see who’s playing that day or click ‘All Performers’ to get a complete list.The Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest ByWard outdoor stage on the corner of York and William Streets will feature, among others, George Clinton & the P-Funk All-stars (July 9); Arrested Development (July 10); Lee Scratch Perry (July 11); Broken Social Scene (July 12); and Serena Ryder (July 13). Fans can also enjoy some outstanding talent on display during the late-night series at any of the 11 participating venues.
Visit the ViewTube pages on www.bluesfestbyward.com for a look at who is playing where, and when.
The Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest would like to recognize the generous support of the Government of Canada
Government of Canada Supports the TD Canada Trust Ottawa International Jazz Festival
Pierre Poilievre, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Member of Parliament for Nepean-Carleton, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), today announced the Government of Canada’s investment of close to $340 000 to support the TD Canada Trust Ottawa International Jazz Festival.”Every summer, the Ottawa Jazz Festival attracts thousands of tourists to our national capital, providing an economic boost to Ottawa businesses, restaurants and hotels,” said MP Poilievre. “Our government is proud to support this premiere event that brings big music names to our city while showcasing Ottawa’s local talent to international visitors.”
“We are delighted and extremely grateful to receive this important tourism investment from the Government of Canada,” said Catherine O’Grady, Executive Producer, TD Canada Trust Ottawa International Jazz Festival. “The TD Canada Trust Ottawa International Jazz Festival is recognized nationally for its positive impact on tourism to our fabulous capital city. Events of our size and scope are not only important artistically but also effective as tourism and marketing tools to improve the economic health of the whole community.”
The new investment will make it possible to expand the 11-day festival by 1 day and to increase daytime programming throughout the festival, offered free of charge to the public. Program enhancements will also include the addition of up to two marquee artists and daily jazz workshops designed to increase out-of-town and out-of-province visitors to Ottawa.
The Government of Canada, through the Marquee Tourism Events Program, is investing $100 million over two years to assist marquee events across the country. This budget funding will help event organizers expand their reach and promote Canada as a must-see tourist destination to visitors from around the globe.
Funding for TD Canada Trust Ottawa International Jazz Festival is conditional upon the completion of a contribution agreement satisfactory to the Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism). Additional projects are now being reviewed, and successful applicants are expected to be announced at a future date.
Funding is provided through the Marquee Tourism Events Program, which is one of several tourism-related programs in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. These programs provide measures to support Canada’s economy, stimulate the growth of tourism and contribute to the development of Canada’s visitor economy over the long term. They include the following:
- $150 million over two years for national parks and historic sites; and
- $40 million over two years to the Canadian Tourism Commission for domestic and international marketing.
For more information, please visit the Marquee Tourism Events Program website.(http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/dsib-tour.nsf/eng/home)
For additional information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
BACKGROUNDER
The Marquee Tourism Events Program (MTEP)
Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $100 million in funding over two years for marquee tourism events that draw a significant number of tourists to Canada.
Marquee tourism events provide significant cultural, sporting and recreational opportunities for Canadians and attract national and international audiences to all parts of the country. Support for these events contributes to Canada’s visitor economy by sustaining or increasing the level of tourism and tourism-related spending that benefits hotels, restaurants and a variety of small and medium-sized businesses.
As a result, the Marquee Tourism Events Program (MTEP) will provide funding to support annually recurring, world-class events that generate significant levels of tourism and that aim to attract a significant amount of international media attention to Canada as a tourism destination. Events must be well-established and have a tradition of programming excellence.
The Government of Canada recognizes that tourism is an important driver of economic activity in all regions of Canada and that further expansion of Canada’s tourism industry can increase tourism export revenues and provide stimulus to the economy at a critical time.
The program requirements are strict and targeted. All interested applicants for the MTEP must demonstrate how their event will contribute to the objectives of the program to help events deliver enhanced world-class programs and experiences, thereby increasing or sustaining the number of tourists from within and outside Canada. If funding is provided, all applicants will be required to provide annual audited financial statements for the years in which funding is received and the two years following the completion of the proposed project. An independent study examining the economic impact of the funding is also required. Applicants will also be subject to monitoring and independent audits for the funds received.
The economic impact of the tourism industry is significant, representing 2 percent of Canada’s gross domestic product, over 662 900 jobs in all regions across the country and $20 billion in government revenues.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan is intended to stimulate the economy and invest in our long-term growth. The tourism initiatives in this plan lay out a framework for branding Canada as a tourism destination of choice for domestic and international visitors.
Ottawa Folk Festival Schedule Announced
Main Stage Schedule
Friday Evening, August 21
- Steven Page
- Kinnie Starr
- Ellen McIlwaine
- Vishten
Saturday Evening, August 22
- Bruce Cockburn
- The Arrogant Worms
- The Good Lovelies
- James Keelaghan
Sunday Evening, August 23
- Joel Plaskett
- Amy Millan James Hill and Anne Davison
- 3rd Annual Cross-Cultural Artist Collaboration (15 artists)
- James Hill and Anne Davison
Dance Tent Schedule
Friday, August 21
- The Sadies
- Mihirangi
- DiggingRoots
Saturday, August 22
- Jah Youssouf, Abdoulaye Kone & the Woodchoppers (afternoon)
- The Sadies (afternoon)Cajun Saturday Night featuring…
- Balfa Toujours
- Michael Jerome Browne & His Electric Band
- Ball and Chain and the Wreckers
- Ray Bonneville
- Louisiana Joe Hall
- Michael Jerome Browne & His Electric Band
Sunday, August 23
- Sunday SWINGtacular Featuring Terra Hazelton & Her Easy Answers
- Swing Dance tips from Dance with Alana Idy Oulo
- Mr. Something Something
Ottawa Folk Festival Offers Many Ways To ‘Dig Your Roots!’
Headliners at the 2009 edition include Bruce Cockburn, Steven Page, The Sadies, Amy Millan, Joel Plaskett and Kinnie Starr
August 21- 23, 2009, Britannia Park, Ottawa
The Ottawa Folk Festival returns this year to the picturesque and historical Britannia Park, its long-established location. This August, the park will once again become a platform for musical diversity, interaction between cultures, the creation of artistic synergies, and loads of entertainment for the entire family to enjoy.
This year’s all-Canadian headliners lineup includes Canadian Music Hall of Famer Bruce Cockburn, former Barenaked Ladies frontman Steven Page, Legendary Canuck twang rockers The Sadies, Amy Millan of Broken Social Scene and Stars fame, renowned singer-songwriter Joel Plaskett (sponsored by Ravenlaw), and hip-hop aggro groove artist Kinnie Starr.
Complimenting these artists will be an additional 45 acts representing a wide range of musical styles, dancers, poets, and artisans.
Ottawa StoryTellers Story Swap: Open Stage Night
Thursday, July 2, 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Library and Archives Canada
Room 156, 7:00 p.m.
Free admissionOttawa StoryTellers offers Story Swap, an open stage night, on the first Thursday of every month at Library and Archives Canada (Room 156). This is an opportunity to experience the art of storytelling for the first time or for new storytellers to practice before an audience. The evenings also include stories by experienced tellers so that new tellers can learn the art.
People are welcome to come and listen, but anyone wishing to tell a story should register on arrival with the evening’s host, and s/he will be given a time slot. Stories should be no longer than ten minutes and must be told, not read. They may be traditional stories, folk tales, literary stories, or personal stories.
The evening runs from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. with a short break in the middle. Light refreshments are served during the break.
For those who are interested in becoming a storyteller, information about storytelling workshops will be provided.
Admission is free.
For more information, contact:
Pat Holloway
Coordinator of Publicity and Marketing
Ottawa StoryTellers
PR@ottawastorytellers.ca
www.ottawastorytellers.ca
Hip Hop, Blues-Rock and more added to Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest LeBreton Flats line-up
Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest organizers today announced the most recent acts to be added to their line-up at the LeBreton Flats site. Lynyrd Skynyrd (July 18), K’NANN (July 15), Silverstein (July 13), Gym Class Heroes (July 13); The King Khan and BBQ Show (July 12), and The Black Keys (July 8), have all been confirmed to join the festival’s already exceptional line-up.”In keeping with past years, we always aim to deliver an exciting line-up. We feel confident that these additional acts have helped to achieve that objective,” says Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest Executive and Artistic Director, Mark Monahan.
Lynyrd Skynyrd is the definitive Southern rock band, fusing the overdrive power of blues-rock with a rebellious Southern image and a hard rock-swagger. Skynyrd never relied on jazzy improvisations. Instead, they are a hard-driving rock & roll band whose music remains firmly entrenched in blues, rock, and country.
It’s been a long and thrilling trip for Silverstein. The band has fuelled their momentum by performing on a slew of major tours, from A Taste of Chaos and Warped in the States to the Give It a Name and Download festivals in England. They topped it all off with the sold-out Never Shave Again tour-and now, the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest.
If you heard that Gym Class Heroes were difficult to categorize in the past, with their latest release, The Quilt, it’s literally become impossible . . . and that’s meant in the best way imaginable. In fact, the follow-up to 2006’s gold-selling As Cruel As School Children doesn’t just see the band expanding on their unique blend of hip-hop, rock, soul and punk, but transcending it. This act will literally set the table for a night of mind-numbing music that will leave Bluesfest fans gasping for more!
In 2001, after gaining notoriety as a skilled MC and spoken word poet, K’NAAN was invited to Geneva to perform a spoken-word piece at the 50th anniversary of the UN Commission for Refugees. K’NAAN brought the house down. The audience was so moved by the piece that K’NAAN received a standing ovation and African superstar, Youssou N’Dour, who was also in attendance, invited K’NAAN to Senegal to record with him. K’NAAN’s, first full-length album, The Dusty Foot Philosopher, is the type of record you give to people who say they hate hip hop, then dare them to resist its charms.
With the King Khan & BBQ Show, the audience is drenched in raw energy, proving what so many music fanatics already know-this is easily one of the most highly regarded rock ‘n’ roll shows in the world.
And what more can be said about the one-two punch of the blues-rock music duo, The Black Keys other than that they have amassed a huge and loyal following-and with good reason. They put on an incredible LIVE show, attracting music fans of all stripes.
See www.ottawabluesfest.ca for complete schedule.
Rideau Canal Festival Volunteer Positions Available
“Now in its second year, the Rideau Canal Festival is a family-focused celebration, of one of our City’s national treasures: the Rideau Canal. Recognized by UNESCO as Ontario’s only World Heritage Site; we believe it is important that the community take pride in the value and intriguing history of one of our city’s most important historic assets. Our Festival is an Aim-for-Zero-Footprint celebration, those that come from near and far have the opportunity to celebrate our heritage in an environmentally friendly way.”
This year’s edition of the Rideau Canal Festival will take place from July 31 – August 3, 2009.
We are looking for volunteers, to make this festival happen! This is a wonderful opportunity to help us promote and to educate people on our heritage and the measures to a green environment, in and around the canal.
Volunteer positions are available now through the festival, to assist with everything from logistics and operations to our exciting Zero Squad, who will encourage visitors to recycle and compost throughout the event.
You can register to volunteer by visiting the Rideau Canal Festival website at www.rideaucanalfestival.ca/volunteer.html or by contacting volunteers@rideaucanalfestival.ca.
Government of Canada Supports the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest
The Honourable John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and MP for Ottawa West-Nepean, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), today announced the Government of Canada’s investment of more than $1.5 million to support the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest.”Every summer, the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest attracts thousands of tourists to our national capital, providing an economic boost to Ottawa businesses, restaurants and hotels,” said Minister Baird. “Our government is proud to support this world-renowned festival that brings big music names to our city while showcasing Ottawa’s local talent to international visitors.”
“We are ecstatic about receiving this funding from the marquee festival program,” said Mark Monahan, Executive Director, Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest. “These funds will help boost the festival’s international reputation and draw significant numbers of tourists to the nation’s capital.”
The new investment will make it possible to expand the festival to a second site in the heart of downtown Ottawa’s premier tourism district – the ByWard Market. These funds will also help to enhance a domestic and international marketing campaign aimed at drawing visitors from the U.S. and European markets.
The Government of Canada, through the Marquis Tourism Events Program (MTEP), is investing $100 million over two years to assist marquee events across the country. This budget funding will help event organizers expand their reach and promote Canada as a must-see tourist destination to visitors from around the globe. Additional projects are now being reviewed, and successful applicants are expected to be announced at a future date.
Funding is provided through the MTEP, which is one of several tourism-related programs in the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. These programs provide measures to support Canada’s economy, stimulate the growth of tourism and contribute to the development of Canada’s visitor economy over the long term. They include:
- $150 million over two years for national parks and historic sites; and
- $40 million over two years to the Canadian Tourism Commission for domestic and international marketing.
For more information, please visit the Marquee Tourism Events Program website. For additional information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
BACKGROUNDER
The Marquee Tourism Events Program (MTEP)
Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $100 million in funding over two years for marquee tourism events that draw a significant number of tourists to Canada.
Marquee tourism events provide significant cultural, sporting and recreational opportunities for Canadians and attract national and international audiences to all parts of the country. Support for these events contributes to Canada’s visitor economy by sustaining or increasing the level of tourism and tourism-related spending that benefits hotels, restaurants and a variety of small and medium-sized businesses.
As a result, the Marquee Tourism Events Program (MTEP) will provide funding to support annually recurring, world-class events that generate significant levels of tourism and that aim to attract a significant amount of international media attention to Canada as a tourism destination. Events must be well-established and have a tradition of programming excellence.
The Government of Canada recognizes that tourism is an important driver of economic activity in all regions of Canada and that further expansion of Canada’s tourism industry can increase tourism export revenues and provide stimulus to the economy at a critical time.
The program requirements are strict and targeted. All interested applicants for the MTEP must demonstrate how their event will contribute to the objectives of the program to help events deliver enhanced world-class programs and experiences, thereby increasing or sustaining the number of tourists from within and outside Canada. If funding is provided, all applicants will be required to provide annual audited financial statements for the years in which funding is received and the two years following the completion of the proposed project. An independent study examining the economic impact of the funding is also required. Applicants will also be subject to monitoring and independent audits for the funds received.
The economic impact of the tourism industry is significant, representing 2 percent of Canada’s gross domestic product, over 662 900 jobs in all regions across the country and $20 billion in government revenues.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan is intended to stimulate the economy and invest in our long-term growth. The tourism initiatives in this plan lay out a framework for branding Canada as a tourism destination of choice for domestic and international visitors.
LA CCN DONNE LE COUP D’ENVOI À LA SÉRIE « MIDIS SUR LE PONT » LE 17 JUIN
Prestations musicales gratuites offertes au cœur de la capitaleRégion de la capitale du Canada – La Commission de la capitale nationale (CCN) est fière d’annoncer que la quatrième édition de Midis sur le pont (anciennement Midis sous le pont) débutera le mercredi 17 juin, à midi.
Présenté du 17 juin au 6 août, Midis sur le pont est une série estivale de musique et de théâtre tenue sur le pont Plaza au cœur de la capitale du Canada, à proximité du CNA et avec vue sur le canal Rideau, un site du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO. Les résidents et les visiteurs sont invités à apporter leur repas afin de profiter d’une heure de divertissement, présentée gratuitement, les mardis, mercredis et jeudis, de midi à 13 h (sauf lors de la première semaine, où il y aura une prestation le mercredi seulement).
La série débutera le mercredi 17 juin avec un cercle d’auteurs-compositeurs sur le thème de l’eau, coïncidant avec la clôture, dans la région de la capitale, de la Conférence sur le patrimoine des rivières du Canada. Pour l’occasion, des artistes canadiens partageront la scène avec Les Acteurs de Parcs Canada. Du 23 au 25 juin, des prestations de musique de chambre classique seront présentées par l’Institut estival de musique du CNA (ces prestations sont déplacées au pavillon Pérez à l’Université d’Ottawa). Le 30 juin, le quintette Chic Gamine, gagnant d’un prix Juno en 2009, sera présent pour offrir une sérénade aux membres du public. De jeunes musiciens jazz monteront sur scène le 2 juillet dans le cadre du Sommet Jeunesse Jazz de 2009. Autres prestations lors de Midis sur le pont mettront en vedette une variété de styles musicaux, dont le blues, roots et folk. Veuillez noter qu’il n’y aura pas de prestation le mardi 1er juillet, en raison des célébrations de la fête du Canada.
La CCN est fière de travailler en collaboration avec les organisations suivantes, afin d’offrir la série Midis sur le pont : Parcs Canada, Centre national des Arts, Conférence sur le patrimoine des rivières du Canada, Association des professionnels de la chanson et de la musique, Festival international de Jazz d’Ottawa TD Canada Trust, Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest, Ottawa Turkish Festival et CHIN International Radio – TV.
Pour de plus amples renseignements sur la série Midis sur le pont, les membres du public sont priés de communiquer avec la CCN en composant le 613-239-5000 ou 1-800-465-1867, le numéro d’ATS 613 239-5090 ou 1-866-661-3530, ou encore consulter le site Web de la CCN au www.capitaleducanada.gc.ca/midissurlepont.
NCC’S ‘NOON ON THE BRIDGE’ SERIES KICKS OFF ON JUNE 17
Enjoy free music performances in the heart of the Capital
Canada’s Capital Region ¾ The National Capital Commission (NCC) is proud to announce that the fourth edition of Noon On the Bridge (previously known as Noon Under the Bridge) gets underway with its first performance of the season on Wednesday, June 17, at noon.
Presented from June 17 to August 6, Noon On the Bridge is a summer series of outdoor music and theatre performances on the Plaza Bridge in the heart of Canada’s Capital, near the NAC and overlooking the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Residents and visitors are invited to bring their lunch and enjoy a free hour of entertainment from noon to 1 pm, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (except for the first week, when there will be a performance only on the Wednesday).
The series will begin on Wednesday, June 17, with a songwriter’s circle themed around water as the Canadian Heritage River Conference will come to an end. For that special presentation, Canadian singer-songwriters will share the stage with Parks Canada Players. From June 23 to 25, classical chamber music performances will be presented by the NAC’s Summer Music Institute (these performances are moved to Perez Hall at the University of Ottawa). On June 30, the 2009 Juno award winner quintet Chic Gamine will serenade the audience. Young jazz musicians from across Canada will take the stage on July 2 as part of the Jazz Youth Summit 2009. Other performances during Noon On the Bridge will showcase a variety of musical styles, including blues, roots and folk. Note that due to the Canada Day celebrations, there will be no performance on Wednesday, July 1.
The NCC is pleased to work in collaboration with the following organizations to offer the Noon On the Bridge series: Parks Canada, National Arts Centre, Canadian Heritage River Conference, Association des professionnels de la chanson et de la musique, TD Canada Trust Ottawa International Jazz Festival, Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest, Ottawa Turkish Festival, and CHIN International Radio – TV.
For more information on the Noon On the Bridge series, members of the public may contact the NCC at 613-239-5000 or 1-800-465-1867, TTY: 613-239-5090 or 1-866-661-3530, or visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/noononthebridge.
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