‘It brings people together’: Families take to the National Arts Centre for musical party

The Big Bang Festival has taken over the National Arts Centre, with a weekend of music and fun. CTV’s Camille Wilson reports.

The Big Bang Festival took centre stage at the National Arts Centre this weekend, celebrating music, dance, art and culture of all genres.

In its second year at the NAC, the music-focused event featured free or low-cost performances for the whole family to enjoy.

“It’s a good time for the whole family to see some great performers, great artists do what they do best here for close to free and if not just a little cheap fee just for some fun for this Family Day weekend,” says Oliver Burrell, super host ambassador with The Big Bang Festival.

The festival takes people on a colourful journey with musical sound installations, unique performances with instruments and drawings that fill every room and opened space and turn the NAC into a musical playground.

Simone Saint-Pierre is a big jazz and classical fan and says the arts are important.

“I really want my grandchildren to know music and arts in general,” Saint-Pierre says. “It brings people together and it makes the world a better place to be.”

Performances include Brass Traxx, Mamadou Koita, Thelonious, Music Under a Midnight Moon, the Sounds of Nothing and more.

“It’s evolved our evolution,” says Amber Kasseils, super host ambassador with The Big Bang Festival.

Alanna Brown, who attended the event with her family, is passing on the music tradition to her children.

“I’m a full-time musician in Ottawa and some of my friends are in the band playing, so we thought it’d be really fun to bring our three boys out to support the music and to have a fun concert,” Brown said.

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