Ottawa Bluesfest wraps up with big crowds, big names and a milestone for one volunteer

Organizers and volunteers look back on Ottawa’s largest music festival of the year ahead of the final night of Bluesfest. CTV’s Katelyn Wilson reports.

After nearly two weeks of live music, scorching temperatures and some of the biggest names in entertainment, Ottawa Bluesfest took its final bow Sunday night, closing out with Canadian artist Kaytranada on the main stage.

Before the final set began, organizers were already calling this year a banner edition of the beloved summer festival thanks to massive crowds, big performances and a personal milestone for one longtime volunteer.

“We’ve avoided a lot of weather and we’re very, very lucky,” said Mark Monahan, executive director of Ottawa Bluesfest. “Amazing crowds, great performances and just a great final day to wrap it up.”

For Glenna Gosewich, this year hits a little harder in the best way. It marked her 30th year volunteering with the festival.

“Some days, it feels like it’s been 50 years. Some days it feels like five,” she said. “I’ve been lucky to see the evolution of the festival, and I think about that a lot.”

Gosewich now leads the team responsible for artist transportation, making sure performers get to and from the venue.

“Sting was a big one for me, being able to drive Sting on the way in from the airport,” she said. “He was great and throughout the years, it’s been people who have achieved a lot of success.”

Despite soaring temperatures, more than 250,000 people made their way through the gates.

This year’s nine-day lineup stretched from country to classic rock, with top acts like Lainey Wilson, Shania Twain, Green Day, Def Leppard and Sean Paul drawing tens of thousands each night.

While the music draws the crowds, organizers say it’s the people behind the scenes who make it all possible.

“The volunteers are the backbone of the organization,” said Monahan. “There’s over 2,000 volunteers but it’s so many different people who have also been working here.”

The impact also stretches beyond the stage, with an estimated $40 million dollars in economic spin-off. Downtown businesses also saw a boost.

“After 11:30, whenever the train came in, we would see the rush come in so we’ve been preparing for that every night,” said Kirsten Larkin, a hostess at Aulde Dubliner & Pour House.

Fans are already speculating about next year’s lineup.

Monahan isn’t spilling any secrets yet but says roughly 70 per cent of Bluesfest performers are returning acts. As for Gosewich?

“I’m a classic rock person. If Mark brought in Springsteen, Don Henley, or Peter Gabriel… I’d be in heaven.”

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App