By: Marc DesRosiers, Greg Kolz, and Landon Entwistle –
Ottawa Bluesfest 2026 continued last night (July 12th) at Lebreton Flats in Ottawa, ON., and featured performances by Denver-based folk-rock band The Lumineers, who released their newest album, Automatic, on February 14th, 2025 via Dualtone, which featured the singles “Same Old Song”, and “You’re All I Got / So Long”, Canadian hip-hop artist bbno$, who released his self-titled seventh album on October 17, 2025 via Broke, Canadian indie folk artist Leif Vollebekk, and Australian indie folk artist Hazlett.
See our July 10th coverage here.
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The Lumineers
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bbno$
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Tik Tok sensation bbno$ played the Hard Rock stage on Sunday night.
Canadian Alexander Leon Gumichian, a.k.a bbno$ (sort for Baby no Money), is currently on his “Internet Explorer” world tour prior to releasing his 9th album in October. He has come a long way from his heydays of posting track on SoundCloud where he gained a large following. His music which he describes as as “oxymoronic rap”; a mix of of “hip house” and electronic rap sound, which are described as ridiculous, sarcastic, and filled with hyper-online references.
His 2019 hit ‘Lalala’ having gone 10x Platinum was the starting point for this independent artist with a series of hits and appearances at the JUNO, Coachella, and late night TV.
He’s been feature in Billboard, Rolling Stone, SPIN, and Euphoria and has become a case study in how to succeed as an independent artist and labeled as one to watch.
The audience, featuring many attending a concert for the first-time, filled the area to near capacity. The atmosphere was energetic and the excitement was palpable as the build-up prior to the start of the show.
It was an entertaining set enjoyed by everyone that attended.
Setlist
bag TF up
come to Brazil
yezzir
i see london i see france
antidepressants
edamame
1-800
bing bong
pump it
two
boom
lalala (Y2K & bbno$ song)
pogo
check
gigolo
C’est La Vie (Yung Gravy cover)
Closing out with hot topic
Leif Vollebekk
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Ottawa-born singer-songwriter Leiff Vollebekk played on the RBC Main stage ahead of the Lumineers.
Following “Twin Solitude” his first release with Secret City Records, “New Ways” confirmed his undying talent with stream-of-consciousness verses that bear the marks of long nights spent alone on the road. His music is widely celebrated as intimate, soul-stirring and profoundly transcendent.
His performance moves casually between piano, acoustic and electric guitar, and harmonica.
The emotionally charged music feels less like a traditional show but more alike to a private, living room performance with his conversational stage presence that builds a connection with the audience.
As the crowd grew larger in advance of the later performance by the Lumineers, they were treated to an intimate experience by an artist who really feels the music and finds a way to connect with his audience.
Accompanying Vollebekk this evening was Cindy Cashdollar, a 70-year-old steel-guitar legend who’s played with Levon Helm, Van Morrisson, and Bob Dylan, who also features in his latest album “Revelation”.
Now living in Montreal, this performance served as a beautiful homecoming that created perfect conditions, setting the tone for the evening.
Hazlett
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Indie songwriter Hazlett performed at the LeBreton stage on Sunday night.
Born in Australia, living abroad for many year before returning home helped develop the unique brand of “Indie Ballroom Folk” which delivers an intimate, reflective experience that soothes the soul.
His 2023 debut album “Bloom Mountain”, was soon followed by “Goodbye to the Valley Low” in 2024 before releasing “Last night you said you missed me” in 2025, his third full length studio album.
The artist’s self-deprecating stage presence creates a personal connection, giving off a warm hug vibe with hypnotic vocals matched to lush instrumentation featuring pedal steel and keyboards that feels like a genuine intimate conversation with his audience.
The audience was subdued, with a calm but present energy. No distractions, not phones (for. The most part); just people sharing a moment with the artist and enjoying the musical journey.
Once again on this evening, the LeBreton tent was filled beyond capacity with an overflow standing on the outside, left to watch the performance on the large screen adjacent to the stage. The set included a few songs from his latest album, mixed in with other fan favourites including some laid back acoustic pieces.
All in all, a great performance!
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