Bluesfest returns in North Bay
Typically it’s an outdoor event, but this year due to weather, Bluesfest headed indoors.
But after a year hiatus due to COVID-19, Capitol Centre officials said the weather didn’t matter -- they’re just glad the festival could happen.
“We’re really happy we were able to do this, this year. Last year being so dark for everybody, we couldn’t do it,” said Capitol Centre marketing director Caroline Parnell-Barry.
“The artists were really excited to be coming to do a performance, and I think that’s the bigger thing. As much as it’s how they make their living and they’re really excited to get back to that in any capacity, the idea of performing and interacting with an audience is a really big deal for them.”
With plenty of health and safety protocols in place, guests were able to attend the indoor venue to take in some live music.
“Masks are required whenever you’re walking around,” said Parnell-Barry. "Also, hand sanitizing stations, and we are doing passive screening. We also have traffic flow coordination going on so there’s not people crossing paths."
Headlining Sunday evening is Juno-award-winning artist Crystal Shawanda. She told CTV News she’s been anticipating Bluesfest, after more than a year with limited shows.
“It feels amazing, we are so excited to be doing what we love, and that’s play music,” Shawanda said.
“It was a hard year being away from it because playing music isn’t just our job, but it’s a part of who we are.”
She’s from Manitoulin Island, a little more than three hours away from North Bay, and said she looks forward to playing for a northern crowd.
“It gives me a chance to get home, I really love it," Shawanda said. "Just the countryside up here is so beautiful -- it is its own thing. We’re always happy to play around here.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Trudeau's latest pre-budget pledge targets millennial moms, vowing $1B in loans for more child-care spaces
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
How do you navigate the social media minefield with your kids?
Growing fears about social media's harm have sparked lawsuits against social media companies from hundreds of school districts in the United States and now Canada. CTVNews.ca wants to know whether your children are addicted to social media or if you have concerns about their usage of platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and X.
BREAKING Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.