The definition of a rebel is someone who goes against the grain. For close to thirty years now, Blue Rodeo has taken the road less travelled – and succeeded far beyond anyone’s expectations. The band emerged in the early 80’s as a countrified rock band in the era of hair metal and glossy pop. Despite sticking out like a sore thumb (or maybe because of it), their single “Try” became omni-present on radio across Canada and set in motion a three decade long career of headlining every club, theatre and arena in Canada. In 1993, when grunge rock was squeezing commercial rock off the radio, they recorded their most acoustic album, Five Days In July, and scored their biggest hit selling over a half million copies of that one record alone.
Now, with their 16th Warner Music Canada studio album – Many A Mile – Blue Rodeo’s successes are measured in terms that include induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame (2012), receiving a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award (2014) and acknowledgement that the band has steadfastly defined itself by its own terms, and in the years that ensued, sold in excess of four million records.
Reflecting back on three decades of successes and those early Blue Rodeo days, both Jim and Greg are able to fully appreciate where the band sits in the pantheon of music. “Success seemed really real when we were entertaining people at The Horseshoe. That was the top of the heap for us,” Cuddy says. “When you look back, you realize that it has just been this beautiful dream.”
ABOUT BLUE RODEO:
In the 35 years since forming, Blue Rodeo have sold over 4 million albums, received dozens of JUNO Award nominations and wins, played over 2,000 shows, been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, been named to the Order of Canada and have been honoured with the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award. And they’re still as strong as ever with the upcoming release of their 16th album Many A Mile, and a national tour on the horizon.
COVID Policy
The Ottawa Jazz Festival will align its Covid policy with any government safety regulations whether from civic, provincial, or federal authorities as they arise. At the moment (May 29th), there are no advisories mandating precautions for wearing masks or showing vaccination certificates for any festivals or indoor/outdoor performing arts events.
However, it is our practise to ask patrons, staff, and volunteers to wear masks while attending performances at indoor venues and wearing masks while outdoors in the Park is optional.
In addition, we will be going cashless at all our points of sale this year.
Our concern is everyone’s health and safety, naturally. Please do what’s best for you and makes you feel comfortable, except for masks indoors, you are free to do as you choose.
Catherine O’Grady
Executive Producer
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