The Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival brought racers from around the world for a weekend of competition and live, local and Canadian artists.
Kicking off the weekend at Ottawa’s Mooney’s Bay Beach + along the Rideau River on Thursday, Wakefield, QC rockers, Rebelle, brought the power and energy ahead of an electrifying performance by Vancouver duo, Dear Rouge; whose setlist was peppered with both old and new songs from their latest album, Spirit. Opening the evening was The New Hires, who we unfortunately missed.
Meanwhile, Friday night saw paddlers and spectators alike vibed and rocked right out to the colourful and eccentric, Alanna Sterling, whose positive, bright songs about mental health and healing reverberated through the audience ahead of celebrated St. John’s singer-songwriter, Tim Baker; who had the audience vibing to songs from his latest album, The Festival. Opening the night was The Gladsome Gentlemen, who we sadly missed.
Finally, Saturday night saw the Dragon Boat crowd introduced to Toronto art rockers, the Darcys; who then proceeded to rock the socks right off of the racers. Closing out the weekend, reggae/ska rockers, Bedouin Soundclash, had the racers dancing in celebration of their accomplishments. We, unfortunately, missed the opener, Sister Swire.
Although shades of the cancelled Ice Dragon Boat Festival reared their head on the final day of races, when the event was cancelled, this time due to poor air quality due to nearby forest fires, the success of the festival could definitely be felt throughout Mooney’s Bay.