Today’s letters: Why do we still call it Bluesfest?

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Time for Bluesfest to change its name

Re: Full 2025 Ottawa Bluesfest lineup announced, Feb. 25.

Why are we still calling this festival Bluesfest?

There was a time when the group responsible for this marquee summer festival ensured that the Blues genre would be front and centre. Those days are gone, and that’s fine. New mission, bigger draws, financial considerations, I get it. If that’s the case, then change the name of the festival and let the past be past.

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Imagine if Suzy Q changed its main offering from doughnuts to tacos. I’d expect, at least, a one-page explanation and new branding as Ottawa’s newest taco provider.

Bluesfest isn’t any different. It’s grossly misleading at this point in time. Even artists who have graced the stage have commented, through social media and on-stage, on why they’re performing at a Bluesfest when their genre is anything but Blues.

I think we owe it to the artists, visitors and ourselves to have a moment of honesty. It’s time to re-brand Ottawa’s biggest festival. A name that that fully encompasses the diversity of artists and talent that serenades this city.

Leave Bluesfest for the Blues. Time for a name that represents the amazing talent we take in every July.

Dalton Holloway, Ottawa

Bluesfest showed Ottawa how to have fun

The recent article covering Bluesfest, its success and this year’s upcoming event reminded me of something from the Citizen many years ago.

It was July 2009, some 15+ years ago. Some residents of Ottawa wanted Bluesfest moved out of the city: too noisy, too much traffic, too much fun (?).

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Just think if that move had taken place. How much the city and the many Bluesfest attendees would have missed, not only in entertainment, but the dollars brought to many businesses. Unfortunately, this attitude continues to exist and also unfortunately is often listened to.

Please, those in the decision-making process, have a good long look at how successful Bluesfest is and what the city would have lost had it been moved. Then please apply some thought to upcoming projects and endeavours; we just might save the city that fun forgot yet.

Pat Tierney, Cardinal

Canada, please annex the United States

May I respectfully suggest that Canada consider annexing the United States? We have plenty to offer: warm locales, for one. But we don’t have a mature leader, a coherent government, and we all hate each other.

We need the kind of respect for government that we see in Canada, and we could certainly benefit from your healthy discipline, leadership and patriotism.

Please look into it before we implode.

Bill Combs, Washington

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