First RBC Bluesfest dropped possibly their earliest concert announcement yet. Oh yeah, time to jump into the Wayback Machine with a course set to the 90s because Backstreet’s back…alright! Step by step to the side, NKOTB. The Backstreet Boys was the boy band that owned the decade and they’re making their Bluesfest debut on July 14th.
After popping that gift under our tree, the festival then decided to take us to Church…Eric Church, that is, with a second concert announcement sure to warm the festive cockles of O-town country fans. Church headlines the July 5th slot, a day for boots, cowboy hats, tight jeans and plaid! The night also includes performances by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and Colter Wall. Yee freakin’ haw!
Festival executive director, Mark Monahan, told the Ottawa Citizen earlier this month that the decision to reveal some top acts this early was prompted by competition. Other major festivals release line-up information months in advance, especially to inspire some holiday season buying.
Bluesfest, looking to stuff a few stockings with some passes, packaged a discount early bird price alongside the recent unwrapping of headliners.
The sale started on December 3rd which sees full passes dropping to $209.00 from the usual $275. The VIP Club, one that includes general admission plus access to exclusive areas at all outdoor stages fully equipped with lounge tables, chairs and washrooms (not to mention bar service without the long lineups!), is now $575. If you’re only wanting to check out the two acts currently slated for the fest a ticket for Eric Church is $75 and the Backstreet Boys $65.
Pretty good deal for the music lover in your life with the sale ending on Christmas Eve.
The entire shebang is expected to be announced by the beginning of March with lots of speculation already making the rounds online. And, if you want to pass the fest along some advice, they are holding a second town hall meeting next year where the public can praise, air grievances and/or offer up some suggested fixes.
RBC Bluesfest returns to LeBreton Flats July 4-14!