Danielle Allard to perform at Bluesfest
Posted on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024
Algonquin College professor Danielle Allard is known for making beautiful music, art and videos. Instructor by day, musician by night, this
singer/songwriter will be performing at this summer’s annual Ottawa Bluesfest at the Barney Danson Theatre on July 5 at 8 p.m.
Allard’s musical style is a mix of jazz, folk, pop and blues. This is her second time on stage at Bluesfest; she previously performed in 2015.
“It’s a good lineup and fun to open for Canadian bands,” she said. “Mia Kelly and The Artichoke Hearts round out the evening’s lineup.”
She plays multiple instruments including piano, guitar, ukulele and percussion.
“I tried to keep my worlds separate,” Allard said. “I taught in the School of Business and School of Technology and trades, as well as Learning and Teaching Services, but I didn’t talk about my music. Now, teaching in the music industry and in arts and visual marketing departments, it doesn’t feel like separate areas of my life. I am running a music business and I can share that in class. That real-world experience makes my job easier,” she said.
She said her experience gives her students perspective on how to share and promote the things they make.
Allard is well-known in the Ottawa music scene. At the 2024 Capital Music Awards, she was nominated for Music Educator of the Year and at last year’s ceremony, she won a Solo Artist of the Year award.
She shares her music on her website and performs live online three times a week on Twitch.
Allard said she is looking forward to returning to the Bluesfest stage. “I’m really honoured that I did it before and get to do it again,” she said. “It’s incredible we have a huge Canadian festival here in our city. Years ago, [Ottawa] wasn’t considered a city that had fun stuff. In the last few years, there have been so many people working hard to make it a destination. It’s very cool that we have these local spots to put Ottawa talent on the stage.”
Tickets are available on the Bluesfest website. Supporters of Allard can visit her Patreon site where she often releases new music, or you can follow her on Instagram.
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