Legends turn up Bluesfest heat

July 16, 2010 · Filed Under Festivals in the News, News

Santana, Winwood pack plaza at War Museum

By Lynn Saxberg, The Ottawa Citizen

Santana played the MBNA stage Wednesday July 14, 2010 during the 2010 Bluesfest held at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

“This is home, baby,” Carlos Santana proclaimed as he looked out over the thousands of fans jammed onto the front lawn of the Canadian War Museum at Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest last night, the biggest crowd in the 17-year history of the festival. An estimated 35,000 fans packed the LeBreton Flats site.

“Take a deep breath,” he added, urging the crowd to summon all their happiness in order to create a beautiful experience.

Or something like that. Whatever the exact message, the 62-year-old rock legend was the preacher at the centre of a huge gathering that was more of a party than a sermon.

The fun started with the spicy Latin rock of Yaleo, a celebratory song that made a great introduction to the abundance of talent on stage. The 10-piece band included horns, backup singers, a second guitarist, a bassist and no less than three percussionists (none of whom were Santana’s new finance, Cindy Blackman.)

Tags: Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest, Santana, Steve Winwood