Top 8 MBNA Stage Must-see Ottawa Bluesfest Acts

Once again, we're dumping some suggestions for acts to see at the 2011 Ottawa Bluesfest.  This list covers the MBNA Stage acts which will likely clash with other stage choices.  If you're teetering on one or the other, hopefully this list will help you make the decision.  Don't miss these acts if you can make it to the main stage at least 50% of the time.

Ben Harper

July 6, 2011 at 9:15 pm

Ben Harper brings a sense of soul to the Ottawa Bluesfest. If you missed his set in 2009, don't miss his grand return in 2011 when he brings his new album "Give Till It's Gone" to Ottawa. 

Steve Miller Band

July 7, 2011 at 9:30 pm

With 5 singles that made the top 10 charts in a career spanning 43 years, Steve Miller Band will be bringing some well known classics to Ottawa Bluesfest's MBNA stage.  Recently, the SMB played a string of small theatre dates with rock legend Greg Allman.  No word on whether the brother will be joining the SMB in Ottawa.

The Black Keys

July 8, 2011 at 9:30 pm

The Black Keys last played Ottawa Bluesfest in 2009 on one of the side stages.  After EXPLODING in the indie music scene and getting slots on

 and Saturday Night Live, these guys have grown up to the big stage.  Get there early kids, it's gonna be PACKED!

The Tragically Hip

July 9, 2011 at 9:30 pm

Originating in Kingston, Ontario, this band has rocked Canada and the US for nearly 30 years.  The Hip have played Ottawa Bluesfest before and they completely showed the crowd how to play a live show.  There's no need to go to work the next day, stay home and rest after this one.

Peter Frampton

July 10, 2011 at 5:30 pm

One of the best selling live albums ever released is from this guy.  Need any more reason to check this live show out?  Ok, here's another, Peter Frampton is one of Oprah's Favourite Things. One more thing...the show is EARRRRLY.  5:30 start time.

My Morning Jacket

July 13, 2011 at 9:00 pm

Kentucky-born musician Jim James (Yim Yames) is known for his band defining sound thanks to his incredible song writing and unique vocals.  This band knows how to create a hook, how to jam and how to give you a night of music that you'll never likely forget.

Cheap Trick

July 17, 2011 at 7:00 pm

If you love guitars, then you can't miss Cheap Trick's immense library of the instrument.  Not only have they been cranking out hits for the last 38 years, this band is probably well known over the most current generations of gamers by being part of Guitar Hero and Rock Band since the series started with one of the most played-tracks, "Surrender".

Death Cab For Cutie

July 17, 2011 at 9:30 pm

Indie band Death Cab For Cutie comes to us all the way from Washington state. This is another band that will be supporting a brand new album for 2011.