BY RACHAEL NEUMAYER
2014 will be an awesome year for concerts in Ottawa! This list of the Top 10 Concerts coming to Ottawa this year is by no means exhaustive, so check out www.capitaltickets.ca, www.bronsoncentre.ca, and http://www.songkick.com/metro_areas/27381-canada-ottawa for upcoming shows in Ottawa!
Katy Perry, July 16th, Canadian Tire CentreKaty Perry just recently announced her Prismatic world tour, and is planning on coming to Ottawa July 16th! Joining Katy Perry on the tour is Canada’s own indie rock duo Tegan and Sara, along with Capital Cities and Grammy-winner Kacey Musgraves. Tickets can be purchased through www.capitaltickets.ca.
Justin Timberlake, July 22nd, Canadian Tire CentreJT blew everyone away with his incredibly successful comeback album, The 20/20 Experience. Critics have been raving about JT’s 20/20 Experience Tour, claiming his 30 track set list along with his vocal capabilities and charisma make it for a truly captivating and entertaining evening. Coming to the CTC July 22nd, tickets can be purchased through www.capitaltickets.ca
Arcade Fire, March 14th, Canadian Tire CentreDespite recently coming under scrutiny for their “mandatory” dress code for their Reflektor tour (summed up in this article here: http://arts.nationalpost.com/2013/11/21/arcade-fire-asks-fans-to-relax-about-dress-code-at-concerts-its-not-mandatory/), Arcade Fire’s world tour that kicks off in Australia will reach Ottawa in March. Living up to its Reflektor theme, the show will be sure to please fans with a setlist mixed with both old and new hits.
Phillip Phillips, March 12, National Arts CentreAmerican Idol winner Phillip Phillips is heading on a three week tour across Canada and will be coming to Ottawa March 12th. Tickets can be purchased through www.phillipphillips.com
The Sheepdogs, March 14, Algonquin Commons TheatreOne of Canada’s hottest rock bands, The Sheepdogs, are coming to Ottawa as one of their few stops on a short Canadian tour in the Spring. Tickets are available for non-Algonquin students, and can be purchased at the Algonquin Commons Theatre Box Office.
Michael Buble, July 2, Canadian Tire CentreCanada’s favourite is back on the road again. After touring for a few months in Europe and Australia, new dad Michael Buble is among other big acts coming to the Canadian Tire Centre for a show promoting his new album To Be Loved.
The Belle Game, February 7th, National Arts CentreUp and coming Vancouver-based band The Belle Game has been described by Canada music magazine Exclaim! as “indie rock at its best: textually layered, with echoing guitars, infectious rhythms and horns, and lavished in hooks”. Coming to the National Arts Centre in Ottawa February 7, The Belle Game is definitely worth checking out (listen to their hit ‘Wait Up For You’ here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNyRFpnXQl0)
Bruno Mars, July 24th, Canadian Tire CentreIt’s definitely a busy year for Bruno Mars: he just won a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album, he’s performing at the Superbowl halftime show and just announced a tour extension for his ‘Moonshine Jungle World Tour’. Joining him on the tour will be Grammy winning Pharrell Williams! Tickets go on sale on February 3rd at www.capitaltickets.ca
Down With Webster, February 12th, Bronson CentreCanada’s rap-rock band Down With Webster just dropped their new album Party For Your Life, and within hours of its release it hit the #1 spot on iTunes Canada. Touring with hip-hop/alternative artist SonReal and rapper D-Pryde, tickets for their show can be purchased through their website: http://www.downwithwebster.com/tour/
Bluesfest, July 3-13Even though the Bluesfest lineup has not been released yet, Ottawa’s ten-day outdoor music festival has previously encompassed almost any and all genres of music, and this year should be no different. This year will mark the 20th anniversary of Bluesfest, and names such as Lady Gaga, Journey, Kings of Leon and Lady Antebellum are rumoured to be acts this year. No doubt there will be a killer line up this year, so stay tuned for the full line up which should be announced early Spring!
Image credits:
http://www.katyperry.com/image-galleries/prism/http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/music/Justin-Timberlake-announces-another-2020-tour.htmlhttp://www.stereogum.com/1498292/arcade-fire-snl-2013/video/http://www.michaelbuble.com/photoarchivehttp://thebellegame.com/photos/http://www.brunomars.com/photo/category/Tour-Picshttp://ottawarickshaws.ca/4-must-see-shows-at-rbc-bluesfest-2013/http://www.thesheepdogs.com/photo/sheepdogs-14381http://www.downwithwebster.com/biography/