Cody Johnson delivered a boot-stomping performance at the Ottawa Bluesfest RBC Main Stage on Thursday, July 9, 2026, launching the 32nd edition of the festival with a generous helping of country music that was as American as apple pie. The 39-year-old Texas native, known for his traditional country sound, captivated the crowd at LeBreton Flats on the front lawn of the Canadian War Museum.
A Down-to-Earth Show
Johnson's set was refreshingly down to earth, featuring musical imagery of horses, trucks, cowgirls, and Jesus. Instead of relying on auto-tuning and electro beats, the former rodeo-riding Republican delivered his songs with a top-notch band, a confident swagger, and a manly baritone that no software could replicate. “By the way, this is live music up here,” he told the audience. “There ain’t no computers. If it sucks, it sucks.” Happily, it didn’t suck.
Highlights and Hits
Dressed in a white shirt, blue jeans, and a cowboy hat, Johnson dug into his saddle bag of hits, including the twang-filled latest single Horseback, the romantic ballad The Painter written for his wife, the song of persistence 'Til You Can't, and the church-drenched By Your Grace. He took his time between songs to establish a rapport with fans, and the night was gimmick-free until a surprise fireworks show capped it off.
Gratitude to Canadian Fans
Johnson expressed his gratitude to Canadian country-music fans, saying, “I remember thinking I’m so far away from home, and nobody’s gonna care that I’m here. For the last 20 years, every time I stepped foot across the border, you guys have made me feel right at home.”
Supporting Acts
Earlier in the evening, American singer Jessie Murph introduced herself to the Bluesfest audience with an eccentric, offbeat style that reminded many of Amy Winehouse or Janis Joplin. Her set included a performance art moment where she invited a fan named Curtis on stage, applied blue paint to his chest while singing, and then hugged him, leaving blue paint on her frilly white dress. The main stage was opened by Toronto country singer Jade Hilton, a Chinese-Canadian with a big voice and a touch of sass, who entertained the soggy crowd and recalled her first Ottawa concert at the Rainbow Bistro two years ago.
Country Music's Growing Popularity
Johnson's debut at Bluesfest highlighted the immense popularity of country music in Ottawa. According to festival organizers, the genre has seen a significant surge in attendance and fan engagement in recent years, with this year's opening night drawing one of the largest crowds for a country headliner in the festival's history.
