Courtesy of the RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest
The build-up to all my excitement will finally be put to rest this week as the 2012 Bluesfest officially kicks off this Wednesday, July 4 at Lebreton Flats across from the Canadian War Museum. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, this is by far the most exciting time of year for me and one of the highlights of my summer. The Bluesfest organizers recently announced that this year’s logistical set-up has completely been re-designed for efficiency and security reasons. You can check out the new layout on the map here.
THE festival of the national capital launches with a first week that promises to please and impress festival-goers. Bluesfest opens tomorrow with electronic DJ and producer Tiesto making a strong statement on the first night that this year’s edition puts the focus on electronic dance music.
Tiesto
On the second day, July 5, highlights include party rockers LMFAO, Canadian singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen, Canadian electronic group Dragonette, Paul Oakenfold, and Montreal indie rock trio Plants and Animals who find themselves headlining the River Stage.
Dragonette
As fot Friday, July 6, festival-goers can expect performances by Canadian-favorite City and Colour, dance-punk duo Sleigh Bells, and Tommy Lee and DJ Aero (yes that’s right, as opposed to Tommy Lee and MÖTLEY CRÜE) just to name a few.
On Saturday July 7, the lineup includes Alice Cooper and legendary British group Iron Maiden, Marcia Ball, Toronto’s-own Philly Moves and DJ Illo of Ottawa along with electro Toronto-duo MSTRKFRFT (pronounced Master-Craft) concluding the night on the Electro Stage.
MSTRKRFT
Highlights for Sunday, July 8 include American singer-songwriter Norah Jones, British soul and R&B singer Seal, the Sierra Leone Refugee Allstars, Irish songwriter James Vincent McMorrow, Ottawa’s-own Aboriginal DJ trio A Tribe Called Red and a DJ set by Montreal-duo Chromeo.
Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars
Based on this sole selection, it’s basically guaranteed that the first week of Bluesfest will be electrifying! What bands and singers will you be checking out?
Be sure to read my review of days 4 and 5 next week! Until then enjoy Bluesfest to the fullest 
