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.
Updated September 2026 — check back for new artist opportunities.
Current Opportunities for Musicians
- 2027 Blues Music Awards Submission open: Any blues recording released between November 1, 2025 and October 31, 2026 is eligible for 2027 Blues Music Award consideration. More info at www.blues.org.
- Submissions are now open for the Canadian Blues Music Awards. Musicians may submit recordings, and prospective jury members may also apply. Canadian Blues Music Awards
- The Toronto Blues Society (TBS) will host a showcase during the annual Folk Canada Conference, which runs from October 14–18, 2026, at the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel in downtown Hamilton, Ontario - offering a unique platform for blues and roots artists to perform in front of festivals, media, and international talent buyers.
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 Roos 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
Audio Valley Recording Studio
Recording independent and major label artists, as well as voice overs for film, television and commercials for almost two decades. The doors are open to everyone who is passionate about music and sound recording.
Burrow Media Recording Studios
A state of the art production facility, with multi-room recording studios, video and photo studio, and editing suites
Granata Music
Clean, comfortable rooms for solo practice, small group rehearsals, and content creation. Book time for piano, vocals, guitar, band practice, podcasting, or filming.
Green Room Rehearsal Studios
Affordable, high quality rehearsal studios in the heart of Ottawa.
Pebble Studios
Specialize in providing superior audio recording, editing, mixing and mastering. Founded in 2001, they have spent over two decades delivering quality audio recordings that meet every budget.
Raven Street Studios
Ottawa’s largest and most established recording complex. Facility is 3500 square feet and hosts three studios to accommodate all clients’ budgets.
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.
The Cave Recording Studios
Ottawa’s leading full-service audio production facility, offering world-class recording, mixing, mastering, production, and creative consulting.
The Jam Barn
Fully equipped rehearsal spaces where musicians can plug in and play in a clean, comfortable, and acoustically optimized environment.
A professional multi-room facility helping musicians capture and develop their sound.
Viva Recording Studios
A creative home for artists, brands, and creators who refuse to settle. Whether you're recording your next track, launching a podcast, or producing a music video; they bring your vision to life.
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
Federal grant agencies providing funding for recording, demo creation, showcase travel, and professional development.
Canada Council For The Arts
The Canada Council for the Arts invests in artists, groups and arts organizations through grants, services, prizes and payments. This funding supports artists and arts workers, advances public engagement in the arts and contributes to the international recognition of artists and arts organizations from Canada.
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.
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.
Build climate-ready live music events one step at a time
Extreme weather events are becoming an increasingly common and costly challenge for live music across Canada. The Canadian Live Music Association has developed this roadmap with practical, sector-specific tools to help you anticipate, plan for, and respond to climate disruptions.
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