U2 on rumour list for July’s Bluesfest

Bluesfest rumours flying. Elvis Costello performs at a past Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest. The blues festival isn't saying who might be in town this year until April 21. File photo

Melting snow means one thing: Bluesfest is approaching.

The Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest runs from July 7 to 18 this year, and while the schedule of performers won’t be officially announced until April 21, it’s certainly the season for rumours.

U2 fan site www.interference.com is suggesting Bono and the rest of the Irish band may land here in 2010. The timing looks good, with U2 playing Philadelphia on July 12 and Montreal on July 16 and 17. That leaves a handy gap of three days to swing by LeBreton Flats.

If U2 does show up at Bluesfest, it would likely be the biggest draw the festival has ever seen.

BIG NAMES

A search of other artists touring this summer turns up an interesting list of possibilities for Bluesfest’s 17th year. The following acts are on tour, and could fit an Ottawa date into their schedules:

* Santana.

* The Moody Blues.

* Lou Reed.

* Iron Maiden.

* Alice Cooper.

* Dave Matthews Band.

* Jethro Tull.

* John Hiatt.

* Levon Helm.

* Mavis Staples.

* Jimmy Cliff.

Bluesfest director of communications A.J. Sauve said he can’t confirm any bands until this year’s official lineup announcement in April.

Sauve said the festival is working to add some new wrinkles to the Bluesfest website at www.ottawabluesfest.ca, including a build-your-own-schedule so patrons can plan their day at the multiple stages.

He said he also hopes to have an onsite wireless network at this year’s festival.

“That way you can find your friends,” Sauve said. “There would be a site map (of the grounds at LeBreton Flats) on your phone and you can tell your friends ‘Here I am.’”

Tickets for this year’s Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest go on sale a few days after the April 21 lineup announcement.