Bluesfest relies on approximately 200 volunteers each year to operate smoothly, according to Roxanne Komuntare, a blue-shirted information volunteer. These volunteers, distinguished by coloured shirts, handle diverse roles ranging from answering questions to assisting festival-goers with disabilities.
Blue Shirts: Information Booth
Komuntare, celebrating her 10th year as an info volunteer, says she returns for the music, the people, and the outdoor experience. Alongside fellow volunteer Shaina Larocque, she fields a wide range of queries—some serious, some absurd. Larocque recalled a patron asking, “Why is the world round?” to which she replied, “Because it spins.” Despite the odd questions, both volunteers value the free full festival pass and the chance to discover new music. “I’ve always said the reason why the info booth is the best is that you get a full festival pass for free, and you get to listen to music that you may have never listened to,” Larocque said.
Light Blue Shirts: Gate Crew
Volunteers in light blue shirts, like Kirsty Dominique and Ella Wall, manage the festival gates, directing attendees to their destinations. Dominique noted that opening night ran smoothly, except for one incident where a patron left in a police car. Wall, excited about her schedule, said, “Tonight I’m working from 7:30 to 11, and then I have three more shifts. But tomorrow until Wednesday we’re off, and we can come in any time.”
Pink Shirts: Accessibility Assistance
Dean Calof, in his second year, volunteers in the accessibility section, identifiable by a bright pink shirt with a wheelchair print. He assists festival-goers with disabilities, ensuring they enjoy the experience. “I also love being able to help out patrons who need a bit more assistance than others. You see many of the same patrons, and you help them enjoy the experience as much as you can,” he said. The accessibility area offers a prime view of the RBC Stage, where Calof watched Ottawa band FITH and awaited Cypress Hill and Limp Bizkit.
Dark Green Shirts: Supervisors
Brett Duhaime, a dark-green-shirted supervisor, oversees the pink-shirt volunteers. In his second year but first as a supervisor, he described his role as “place people in places.” Duhaime, eagerly awaiting Limp Bizkit, said, “As long as I can hear it, I’m good.” He added, “I really enjoy being a part of things and helping people out.” He hoped the crowd would be less riotous than during Green Day’s performance.
