The weather was perfect Friday night as the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival kicked off its musical festivities. The enthusiastic crowd filled the hillside for the show featuring the Sam Roberts Band and Ottawa’s own The Balconies.
The Balconies kicked things off and they were in fine form. This was the first time I had managed to hear the band on a large stage outdoors. Jacquie was the typical ball of energy I’ve become accustomed to seeing, and the rest of the band was solid in pounding out the rhythm behind her. If you haven’t seen this band live yet, you are definitely missing out!
The Sam Roberts Band took the stage as the sun was starting to disappear beyond the horizon. It’s been a few years since I’ve seen them last. They ran through a set that featured a lot of my favorite songs from their growing catalogue of great albums. It didn’t take long for the crowd to start dancing along. The band had the crowd singing along with Where Have All the Good People Gone? and their breakthrough hit Brother Down. With fans screaming for more, the guys came back on stage for a short encore. During the show they did mention that a new album was in the works. I for one can’t wait!
I love seeing both these bands live. I really wish both sets could have been longer, but as they say, all good things must come to an end.
Sam Roberts Band
The Balconies
