Ottawa Bluesfest Defends Blues Roots Amid Genre Diversity Debate
Angelique Francis has a clear message for critics who argue that Ottawa Bluesfest has strayed from its blues origins: Get over it. The acclaimed singer-songwriter insists that blues remains a vital part of the festival's programming, even as the event has expanded to include diverse musical genres.
The Perception Versus Reality of Blues Programming
"I think it's just because Bluesfest has so many other kinds of music that people may not realize how much blues there is," Francis explained in a recent interview. "It's usually a nine- or ten-day festival, and throughout those days there's a lot more blues than you'll find at some of the smaller, one- or two-day festivals."
Francis emphasizes that Bluesfest frequently features blues acts that rarely, if ever, perform in Ottawa otherwise. This commitment to the genre provides unique opportunities for local audiences to experience authentic blues performances.
Angelique Francis: A Blues Success Story
At just 28 years old, the Kanata-based musician has established a thriving career with the Angelique Francis Band. This family-oriented ensemble includes her sisters, their father on drums, and local musicians Dave Williamson on guitar and Ed Lister on trumpet.
The band's achievements are substantial:
- Juno Award winner
- Multiple Capital Music Awards recipient
- Eight nominations in the 2026 Canadian Blues Music Awards (formerly Maple Blues Awards)
Francis's rising international profile is further evidenced by her latest album, Not Defeated, which is nominated for a Blues Music Award as International Album of the Year. Additionally, her band has been invited to perform at Australia's prestigious Byron Bay Bluesfest, one of the world's premier blues events.
The Blues as Musical Foundation
For Francis, who grew up in a musical family, blues represents the fundamental building block of modern music. "It's such an incredible genre because it's something that is constantly growing and evolving," she said. "Also it's at the foundation of all modern North American music, so its influence is just so wide and so profound."
She notes that many contemporary genres contain blues elements, even if listeners don't always recognize them. "I am a multi-genre musician, but everything that I do stems from the blues and I love to combine it with elements of other genres," Francis added. "I'm always trying to expand the art form in different ways. For me, the blues will always be my home, and I feel like there's always room for exploration."
Defending the Bluesfest Name
Despite calls to rename the festival to better reflect its diverse offerings, Francis sees no need for such a change. She points to Bluesfest's history of booking major blues artists like Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Gary Clarke Jr., and Fantastic Negrito as evidence of the festival's commitment to the genre.
"These are some of the biggest names in blues," she emphasized, "and I think it's wonderful the festival can bring them here."
While Francis won't be performing with her band at this year's Bluesfest, she will participate as bassist for a women's blues showcase. Her perspective carries additional weight as a member of the Bluesfest board of directors.
The Festival Experience
T.J. Wheeler's experience exemplifies the festival's appeal. After attending Bluesfest in 2025 and having "such a good time," he received an invitation to return. This positive feedback loop between artists and audiences helps maintain the festival's reputation as a premier musical destination.
As Bluesfest continues to evolve, Francis remains confident that blues will maintain its central place in the festival's identity, even as other genres share the stage.
