OBS MUSICIAN Resources
A collection of venues, organizations, services, and opportunities supporting blues and live music in Ottawa and the surrounding region. This directory is intended as a helpful starting point for musicians, presenters, and music fans. Listings do not represent an endorsement by the Ottawa Blues Society.
Blues-Friendly Venues
The Rainbow Bistro
Ottawa's' iconic "Home of the Blues" in ByWard Market hosting local and touring acts alongside its legendary Sunday Afternoon Blues Jam.
Atomic Rooster
Centretown pub hosting regular live roots music and weekly jam sessions like The Roo's Blues Jam.
Irene's Pub
Long-running Bank Street venue in The Glebe featuring weekly Thursday Blues Sessions and live roots acts.
Red Bird Live
Intimate venue and community music space in Old Ottawa South dedicated to acoustic, roots, and blues showcases.
Festivals & presenters
Ottawa Bluesfest
One of North America’s largest outdoor music festivals at LeBreton Flats, showcasing world-class blues, roots, and mainstream artists.
Cranium Arts Project
Local presenter and support organization dedicated to amplifying diverse live music, R&B, and soul performances.
Ottawa Chamberfest
Major seasonal presenter offering diverse acoustic concert series and community outreach performances.
Rehearsal & Recording Services
Record Runner
Fully equipped hourly band rehearsal spaces and recording facilities in Ottawa.
Second Ave Studio
Sound-treated rehearsal and audio/podcast studio located in central Ottawa.
SoundLock Studios
Offers monthly lock-out rehearsal rooms tailored for gigging bands.
Raven Street Studios & Audio Valley
Full-service commercial recording, mixing, and mastering studios.
Music Organizations & Funding
Ottawa Music Industry Coalition
Member-based non-profit advocating for local musicians through career development, industry networking, and event opportunities.
City of Ottawa Cultural Funding
Municipal Creation and Production Fund offering direct grants to local artists and musical projects.
Ontario Creates
Provincial agency offering the Ontario Music Investment Fund for album production, marketing, and touring support.
FACTOR & Canada Council for the Arts
Federal grant agencies providing funding for recording, demo creation, showcase travel, and professional development.
Local Media & Community Radio
CKCU 93.1 FM
Canada's pioneer campus-community station at Carleton University, featuring dedicated specialty blues and local music broadcasts.
CHUO 89.1 FM
Independent Ottawa community radio highlighting local releases and indie music.
Apt613
Hyper-local arts blog covering Ottawa concert announcements, artist interviews, and local music news.
Resources for Working Musicians
Ottawa Musicians' Association (AFM Local 180)
Local chapter of the Canadian Federation of Musicians offering contract protection, standard wage scales, and pension benefits.
MusicOntario
Provincial trade association offering educational workshops, mentorship, and showcase opportunities for independent artists.
Unison Fund
Non-profit emergency relief fund providing free counseling and financial assistance to Canadian music professionals in times of need.
Know a resource we should include—or see something that needs updating?
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