Ottawa's Own Is Taking the Bluesfest Stage
Ottawa has always punched above its weight when it comes to homegrown musical talent, and this summer, the city gets to cheer on one of its own in a big way. Alicia Kayley, an Ottawa-based Indigenous singer, is set to perform at RBC Bluesfest — and she's calling it a life-changing experience.
Kayley has earned a striking nickname in the Canadian music scene: the Indigenous Adele. It's not hard to see why. Her voice carries the kind of raw emotional power and sweeping range that stops people mid-conversation. She blends contemporary soul and pop with a distinctly Indigenous perspective, creating music that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
A First Bluesfest Moment Years in the Making
For Kayley, taking the Bluesfest stage isn't just another gig — it's a milestone. Playing one of Canada's biggest music festivals, in her own backyard, represents the kind of full-circle moment that artists dream about. She's spoken openly about how meaningful this opportunity is, not just for her career, but for what it represents for Indigenous artists in Canada.
Bluesfest, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Ottawa's LeBreton Flats each July, has long been a launching pad for emerging talent alongside global headliners. Landing a spot on that lineup is a real statement of artistic arrival.
Why Ottawa Should Show Up
If you're an Ottawa music fan, this is one of those sets you'll want to tell people you were at. Alicia Kayley is the kind of performer whose live show tends to convert casual listeners into devoted fans — the voice hits differently when it's live and right in front of you.
Beyond the music itself, supporting local Indigenous artists at major platforms like Bluesfest matters. Ottawa sits on unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory, and amplifying Indigenous voices in the city's cultural spaces is something the community has been increasingly rallying around.
How to Catch Her Set
Bluesfest runs across multiple stages at LeBreton Flats Park, with the full lineup and set times typically announced closer to the festival dates. Keep an eye on the official RBC Bluesfest website for Kayley's scheduled slot so you can plan your day around it.
In the meantime, do yourself a favour and look her up. A few songs in, you'll understand exactly why the Indigenous Adele nickname has been following her around.
Source: Ottawa Citizen — Bluesfest spotlight: Ottawa's Alicia Kayley nicknamed Indigenous Adele for her soaring voice
