Bluesfest and CityFolk team up to bring live music to Lansdowne this September

OTTAWA -

RBC Bluesfest and CityFolk are teaming up to bring live music back to the capital in a big way this September, with acts including Our Lady Peace, Jann Arden, Barenaked Ladies, and Tom Cochrane.

Executive and artistic director Mark Monahan is announcing the launch of "RBC Presents Ottawa Fall Festivals – RBC Bluesfest & CityFolk", set to take place on the Great Lawn at Lansdowne Park from Sept. 16 to 18 and Sept. 23 to 25.

“We know it’s been difficult to be cooped up for more than a year, but finally we’ll be able to roll out two fantastic lineups of live acts that will reward the collective patience of so many music fans,” said Monahan in a press release. “We’re grateful for the ongoing support we’ve seen in recent years and we hope that these events will launch a new beginning for the live music industry in Ottawa—we’re certainly due.”

The CityFolk lineup will play from Sept. 16 to 18 and the RBC Bluesfest lineup will play from Sept. 23 to 25. Tickets will be available here during a one-day presale on Wednesday starting at 10 a.m. General admission sales begin Thursday at 10 a.m.

The show each night will be limited to 5,000 patrons to ensure enough space for physical distancing. Organizers say this is below 50 per cent of the Great Lawn's full capacity.

“RBC has long been a supporter of live music and emerging artists through programs like First Up with RBCxMusic,” said Marjolaine Hudon, Regional President, P&CB Regional Banking for Ontario North and East. “Our support of the Fall Festivals presented by RBC Bluesfest and CityFolk is how we can help bring live music back to the Capital Region in a safe way and support local business owners in the area too.”

MANDATORY COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY

Only fully vaccinated fans will be allowed to attend the two weekend festival, and you must wear a mask on-site at all times.

Organizers say all patrons eligible for a vaccine who are attending Fall Festivals must be double vaccinated.

"There are no exemptions (religious or medical reasons) without proof and will be required to prove status at the gates either through a digital or printed copy," says a message on the website.

Speaking on CTV Morning Live Wednesday morning, Monahan said they're hoping Ontario will release a vaccine passport.

"We are hoping for something like that," said Monahan, adding they're monitoring best practices by other organizations and festivals.

"People do also have a proof of vaccination that they're provided, so we'll do what's best and most efficient."

CTV Morning Live host Annette Goerner asked Monahan why unvaccinated patrons can't provide a negative COVID-19 test result to attend the festival.

"Given the fact this is sort of a weekend event we're trying to keep it as simple as possible. Honestly, we're looking at probably 75 per cent of eligible people are double vaccinated, so we're just sticking with the policy that we'd like you to be vaccinated."

Once you buy your tickets, you will receive details on how to provide proof of vaccination before attending the event.

Escapade Music Festival is also requiring all patrons to be fully vaccinated to attend the festival on Labour Day weekend.

LINEUP

Sept. 16: Charlotte Day Wilson; DVSN; Roy Woods; Töme

Sept. 17: Our Lady Peace; Moist

Sept. 18: Dean Brody; The Reklaws; Sacha

Sept. 23: Half Moon Run; Tokyo Police Club; Aysanabee; Lauryn MacFarlane

Sept. 24: Jann Arden; Barenaked Ladies; Ryland James

Sept. 25: Tom Cochrane; April Wine; MonkeyJunk