Bonnie Doon. Photo credit: Alyssa Iswolsky
The Bluesfest locals series will introduce you to the talented music makers from the Ottawa area performing at this year’s RBC Bluesfest. Come on out early to Bluesfest and discover some great new music!
Bonnie Doon
Sunday, July 17
6:30pm to 7:30pm
River Stage
Bio
Bonnie Doon was born under the full moon in the eighth month of the twelfth year of the pizza. We came from outer space to wag the dog. 5 pieces of Ottawa femme punks with 2 basses.
The Talent
Lesley Demon – 2nd Bass
Gina Vinelli – 2nd Bass
Mad Dawg – Lead Guitar, Bass
Keltie “The Drummer” – Drums
Aymara Sanchez – Saxophone
Q&A
What was your reaction to the news you’d be a part of Bluesfest and who was the first person you told?
We were first told we were selected for Bluesfest in early 2020 and then when the pandemic hit and lockdown went into effect in Ottawa we knew it would be cancelled for that year. Our first reaction was – “This is awesome!” as this would be our second time playing bluesfest. The first time we played an opening set to a modest audience but were overjoyed to have fans show up who made signs for us out of pizza boxes – which is totally our thing. Our second time finding out we were going to play, was a bit of a mixed reaction of excitement and terror and confusion – more with ourselves. Who was Bonnie Doon after a 2 year pandemic hiatus? How were we going to practice now that some members had moved away? But we rose to the challenge because we love Ottawa and we are ready to climb out of the cave and rock out!!!
Please describe your sound.
We use the descriptors: spooky beach. Which is kind of like surf meets punk meets the Misfits.
How did you get started on your musical journey?
An alien spaceship came to Earth during the full moon on the eighth month of the twelfth year of the pizza. We brought yet to be known techniques to this world with something we call: Wag the dog, in which your tongue tries to tongue the pizza that you simultaneously tongue together. It’s truly an art.
In all seriousness, we are a group of friends who formed around our love of alternative music who wanted to create a collaborative space for making music that was fun and party fuelled. We did not see a lot of bands like ourselves and wanted to turn it into a reality for our Ottawa community and the world!
What can music fans expect from your show? Will you be playing any new music at Bluesfest and/or releasing new music ahead of your performance?
We will be cranking out a couple of our new tracks including a fun cover of a Breeders track. In early 2020, in anticipation for Bluesfest but also in hopes of making our second full-length album, we went to Fort William Sound where we workshopped our new tunes, the album has yet to happen so Bluesfest will be a great testing ground for this material. Getting together and rehearsing for Bluesfest has been a rip anyway bringing us together (sometimes via video streaming).
What artists are you hoping to catch during this year’s Bluesfest?
Rage Against the Machine, TLC, Alanis Morrisett