Looking at the two big headliners for Thursday, Theory of A Deadman and Billy Talent, did not really encourage me to make the trip out to Lebreton Flats; what tipped the scales was a look at the video for Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, which is pretty funny. I also like that old country blues, and the weather was certainly looking fine.
Also, one of my favourite Ottawa bands, The Murder Plans, were playing. As usual they put on a really good show.
The Murder Plans at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 14, 2011
When they were done I traipsed over to the Subway Stage to see Al Wood and The Woodsmen, a band that has made many, many appearances in my show reminders. For some reason I thought they were country rockers, in fact they're harmonica blues-rockers.
Al Wood & The Woodsmen at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 14, 2011
Next up were Cancer Bats, a band well known in the metal-hardcore scene. They've played Ottawa a bunch of times, but I've never had a chance to see them. A DJ came out first to politely request the audience not kill anyone while moshing. Cancer Bats really kicked it out, with lots of running around (in half of my pictures frontman Liam Cormier is lunging out of the frame).
Cancer Bats at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 14, 2011
I had my Batfill after a half hour, which turned out to be the time that Rosie Ledet and The Zydeco Playboys were coming onto the National Bank Stage, so I walked over there to see what was what. Zydeco bands are always fun for at least a while, and the crowd was small but enthusiastic.
Rosie Ledet and The Zydeco Playboys at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 14, 2011
Then it was off to see Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. Peyton's band is actually a trio, including his wife Breezy on washboard, and as mentioned earlier they like their old time blues, although it comes with a bit of a wink and a nudge.
Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 14, 2011
I took a quick break from the Rev and Co. to check out the egregiously named Girls With Guitars. The 'girls' in questions are frequent Bluesfest performer Cassie Taylor (either solo or with pop Otis), Bristol blues-rocker Dani Wilde and Kansas City axewoman Samantha Fish. Cassie got a little jazzy on piano, throwing in some Dusty Springfield covers, while Wilde sang a tune of her own,
Red-Blooded Woman. Then I went back to listen to more of Peyton and eat some dinner.
Girls With Guitars at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 14, 2011
After that my choices came down to Billy Talent, The Tea Party, Tim Robbins and The Rogues Gallery Band and La-33. I plumped for La-33 since the festival's world music offerings are usually a cut above. The 13-man La-33 hail from Bogota and salsa-ed up a storm.
La-33 at Ottawa Bluesfest, July 14, 2011
A very fun day, though I can't recommend the barbecue.
- Show reminder: Common Enemy, Naughty Girls, Spitfist and Shot Nerves rock the Kent St. Legion; The Nailheads, RWR, The Beer Barons and the Mudplots are at 452 Gladston; David Gogo is at The Rainbow; The Yohawks perform at Irene's; there's post-Bluesfest action at the Elmdale with Rocket Rached and The Fat City 8; Jon Roy performs before Django Libre's regular Avant-Garde gig.
