Douglas Watson is the real deal. We were completely blown away the first time we heard Douglas Watson in Waterloo... and yes, we're importing the band all the way from Waterloo! Raised in Chicago, Douglas Watson was born to sing the Blues. At an early age, he learned to love music and performing from his father (otherwise known as Lovie Lee). Douglas has been noted for his "full throated vocal style... (that) is matched by few." His sweet harmonies make it a pleasure for all that sing with Douglas. His full range and style have brought him much acclaim from some of the most respected blues vocalists in the industry. It has recently been written about Douglas that "he is one of the finest Blues vocalists and frontmen on the Canadian Scene." James Brown, Godfather of Soul, even acknowledged to Douglas: "I heard you out there. You're good, real good." Douglas has played with many well-known artists, such as Koko Taylor, Albert Collins, B.B. King, Johnny Lee Hooker, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Lonnie Brooks, Bonnie Raite, and has toured with A.C. Reed and the Sparkplugs for nine years. His talents have taken him across Europe, Japan, Canada, and the United States... and now right here to Ottawa! More on Douglas Watson
[Douglas's] energetic stage performance will leave you breathless and his gospel harmonies alone will touch your soul. Louise Cottrell, Heliope Magazine
Watson has one of the best blues voices you will hear. Tim Holek, Big City Blues Magazine
When you hear Douglas sing the blues, there's nowhere else you'd rather be. Steve Bellamy, Canadian Blues Artist
Douglas Watson?! All your heads will explode with musical goodness on Saturday. That's a promise. Joe Lin, Blues DJ
As a special treat included in your workshop pass, music pass, or Saturday night admission, we'll be having another Saturday night "rent party"! Originally, rent parties were a tradition long ago of holding a party and charging entrance in order to pay the rent. Rent parties usually had booze, live music, and a lot of people in a little bit of room.
Our "rent party" will be held after the main Saturday night dance, a blues house party open exclusively to weekend pass holders and Saturday night attendees.
As a special treat only for full weekend workshop or music pass holders, we'll be having live music at our Saturday night "rent party"! Originally, rent parties were a tradition long ago of holding a party and charging entrance in order to pay the rent. Rent parties usually had booze, live music, and a lot of people in a little bit of room.
Our "rent party" will be held after the main Saturday night dance, a blues house party open only to attendees of the Saturday night dance. Location: to be announced at Blues Blast
While most of the music at Blues Blast will be live, we'll also treat you to some awesome selections of recorded music with some of the best blues DJs!
Claudia Petrilli (Ottawa, ON) - Specializing in vintage blues and swing music as well as gospel, her tasteful selections have drawn her invitations to spin in Toronto, Montreal and Quebec city. She's been invited to DJ for numerous national blues and swing events Claudia's local DJing has been featured at all of Ottawa's major swing and blues nights, including Saturday Night Swing, the OSDS and the Boathouse and local dancers can hear her almost every week at Saturday Night Swing! Read more.
Byron Alley (Ottawa, ON) — Byron grew up with the blues, with his dad playing blues guitar and mom literally putting him to sleep as a baby to records of blues greats ranging from Robert Johnson to Taj Mahal. As House DJ in Montreal at the Petit Medley, Jello Bar and Studio 88-Swing's Swing Fever nights as well as special events, Byron sometimes clocked more than 15 hours behind the turntables in a single week. He's known for his versatility in playing many styles of blues, swing and jazz music, but he has a sweet spot for the entire family of blues music, especially the old stuff. For him, the main criteria is to play music that has soul. He's also DJed at a number of national blues and swing events in Canada and the US. Read more.