7th Annual Ottawa Grassroots Festival Launches March 1

The Ottawa Grassroots Festival (OGF) will hold its launch party on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Pressed, 750 Gladstone Avenue, from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Now in its 7th year, the festival will take place from April 26-29, 2018 at Southminster United Church, 15 Aylmer Avenue, in Old Ottawa South.  The headliners confirmed are Lynn Miles with Keith Glass, Sneezy Waters and His Very Fine Band and Jean-Marc Lalonde. The opening night of the festival will feature Francophone artists and is becoming a tradition with OGF. Leela Gilday, One World Choir: Immigrant Kids Group, Campbell Woods and Marc-Antoine Joly are confirmed opening artists for the evening performances. “The programming this year once again celebrates and reflects diversity”, said Bob Nesbitt, Founder and Festival Producer of Ottawa Grassroots. "It also celebrates the incredible local homegrown talent that exists in the region. We’ll be announcing the full line-up, including the daytime performers, at the launch. We are really excited to share the news with everyone.” At the launch, Francophone singer-songwriter, Marc-Antoine Joly (JOLY) will be the first to perform. He is also scheduled to open for headliner, Jean-Marc Lalonde on the debut evening of the festival.   His recent release, Au plus bas, offers listeners a folk sound with songs reflecting on personal experiences of hope and loss during life's challenging moments. When you hear this artist sing, it is no surprise this CD has reached No.7 on iTunes Francophone charts. CKCU Radio Host, Tonya Price, will MC the event.  Bob Nesbitt, will share the much anticipated full line-up for OGF2018 and news about the festival volunteers, sponsors and funders. Festival organizers have invited David Yazbeck to speak. He is an ardent music lover, CKCU radio host, FACTOR juror and sought after advisor to music festivals in the region. He will be speaking about the resurgence in the popularity of folk music and importance of live music in the community. David is also a partner at the law firm of Ravenlaw, specializing in labour and employment law. The launch will end with a song by Ottawa native, Emma Lamontagne.  In 2016, this extremely talented singer-songwriter, jumped onto the music scene, after winning the Bluesfest: She’s the One contest. She is a performer to watch. The Grassroots Festival is a family-friendly gathering of folk music, dance and spoken word. It’s called Grassroots because it is! This not-for-profit organization is run entirely by volunteers and prides itself for the participatory workshops it provides, cultivating community and nurturing inclusivity in a fun and friendly way. For more information: Website: ottawagrassrootsfestival.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ottawa-Grassroots-Festival/210912422324113 Twitter:     https://twitter.com/OttGrassroots