Thank gawd for an indoor venue at Bluesfest
What a miserable afternoon. I was going to skip out on Saturday’s festivities because I couldn’t imagine Bluesfest being all that much fun in the pouring rain — but then I was publicly labeled a wuss and I hate being called names. So I biked from downtown in the rain and arrived at Lebreton Flats just in time for three concerts (all local musicians!) starting at 2:45.
Thankfully one of the first acts was indoors on the Barney Danson Stage in the War Museum. On most days, this would be a most unfortunate venue for performers because people attending this festival want to enjoy the sunshine. I can’t imagine too many people wanting to see these indoor acts unless they are die-hard fans, or are – I don’t know – allergic to sunlight. However, on a rainy days, this venue is a complete blessing.
Giant Hand
This first act was a solo performance by a young guitarist, Kirk Ramsey, who calls himself Giant Hand. His songs were about childhood, growing up, family, and other pleasant topics. In the publicity material his lyrics are described as “simple” and “honest” — maybe a little too simple, in my opinion, and not quite quirky enough to get away with it. He seemed really sweet, but a bit nervous conversing with the audience in between songs and probably still learning how to have a stage presence.
Meredith Luce
I braved the outdoors for a little while (the rain wasn’t too bad at this point) to catch the last couple of songs by Meredith Luce and her band. I remembered her name because I think she performed at the Ottawa Fringe Festival years ago, so she ended up on my mailing list for quite some time. Anyway, I wish I had arrived earlier because I really liked her music: catchy, evocative, entertaining.
Lucas Haneman
Then I went back indoors for another young (well, he’s my age…) musician named Lucas Haneman. And WOW. This guy is a sic guitar player. This might sound naive, but his fingers just moved SO FAST. And it was awesome being so up close in this intimate venue and watching him at work. I know this is not just me being easily impressed because the entire audience – and there were a lot of people – hollared after every number, clapped along to many of the songs, and he got a standing ovation at the end. Granted, he performed mostly covers — but it is unfair to say so because he really made them his own. Especially that Billy Jean song by Michael Jackson: I have never heard it played that way before, so many twists and turns, and man, it was exciting! Check this guy out for sure.
Tags: bluesfest
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