After recovering from an undisclosed illness which caused the cancellation of tour dates in 2013, Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, will perform at the 2014 TD Ottawa Jazz Festival. The Festival is pleased to make good on its promise to present the legendary soul singer after the unavoidable disappointment in 2013.
“It was truly unfortunate to have to cancel a performance we knew so many people were looking forward to,” said Festival Executive Producer Catherine O’Grady. “Celebrity does not make you immune to illness though, and we’re so pleased to give our audience the satisfaction of seeing Aretha this year.”
Aretha Franklin will perform on the Festival Main Stage on June 28, supported by a cast of local professional musicians, including saxophonist and Festival Programming Manager Petr Cancura who assembled the backing band in 2013.
Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy
The Festival is also proud to announce Natalie MacMaster with special guest Donnell Leahy headline the June 30 Celtic-themed celebration in Confederation Park. Celt-punk band The Mahones are also on the bill for the OLG After Dark Series. This evening is made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Ontario.
Montreal electro-klezmer outfit Socalled replace Lemon Bucket Orkestra in the OLG After Dark Series slot for June 24 at 10:30 p.m.
The Festival has also completed its new Club Series, Le Petit Chicago will host three shows; Cherry Chérie on June 21,Django Libre on Jun 25, and Gabriella Hook on June 28. Meanwhile The Peptides play Mercury Lounge on June 28.
The Early Pass sale has been extended. Until April 4 you can pick up a full-festival Bronze Pass for just $170.
The Festival will announce one further headliner slated to perform on June 21.
The TD Ottawa Jazz Festival runs from June 20 – July 1, 2014 with shows in Confederation Park and the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. For more information visit: www.ottawajazzfestival.com