Angelique Francis

Saturday Grierson Stage – Return of the J.E.D.I. (Justice, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion – 1:30 -2:45
Sunday Daytime Concert Bowl – Sunday Gospel – 10:00 – 11:15
Sunday Grierson – All Blues – 3:15 – 4:30
Sunday Concert Bowl – Concert – 7:15 – 8:15
2023 Juno Award Winner
Blues Album of the Year
“…Francis has serious star power. She played the audience like a revivalist preacher, telling stories, singing uplifting lyrics… Angelique’s vocals evoking shades of Bessie Smith or Muddy Waters. Also playing both double bass and electric bass as well as blues harmonica…”
~ Alayne McGregor, Ottawa Jazz Scene
This highly sought-after musician hosted the 2022 Maple Blues awards (Canadian blues music awards), was nominated for four 2023 Canadian Blues Music Awards, a 2023 Canadian folk music award, a 2022 Ontario folk music award, and was a feature act at the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea festival (Miami to Jamaica), Grolsch Blues Festival (Germany), Sighisoara Blues Festival (Romania), Massey Hall and the list goes on!
Born and raised in Ottawa, Angelique is a naturally gifted musician, who first garnered attention as a young prodigy. She first took to the stage at age 7 and at 13 years old she made her American national television debut on the Oprah Network, for writing and composing an original theme song for the Gayle King show. By age 13 she was proficient in playing other instruments such as the acoustic guitar, upright Bass, electric guitar and electric bass. By age 14 she was playing at music festivals across North America opening for a variety of acts such as Beth Hart, Trooper and Shameka Copeland.
Angelique’s soulful Smoky vocals and instrumental techniques are reminiscent of a bygone era, but with a unique and modern sensibility. Within her vocal style, you can hear influences of legends like Big Mama Thornton, Koko Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Bessie Smith and many more. Her instrumental abilities call to mind Willie Dixon on the bass, Sister Rosetta Thorpe on guitar, Big Mama Thornton on the Harmonica and Aretha on the piano.
Angelique Francis is one of the great Canadian Artists who will carry us into the future of the Blues!