Jason Matte

BistroFest starting today! 6pm to 9pm

613 Underground and BistroFest are collaborating this summer! 613 Underground is an Ottawa-based indie physical and digital DIY magazine giving an inside look into Ottawa and the 613 area’s underground music scene, its artists, and exclusive news. After meeting with them, it was obvious that this collaboration was meant to be ❤️‍🔥 I mean, look at the artists they’ve covered and who’s playing BistroFest this year! They’ll be with us this Saturday, May 16, at Hog’s Back Grill & Bistro from 6 PM to 9 PM, and they’ll be debuting their merch with us! You can see their merch in the 1st and 2nd pics 👀📸 The 3rd pic shows their April issue, Volume 3, with about 20 copies available. They’ll also have a limited number of March issues, Volume 2, shown in the fourth picture! They’ll be bringing about 20 shirts and 3 tote bags too, so come early, grab some merch, pick up a magazine, say hi, check out the bands, and support the amazing projects helping Ottawa’s local music scene grow ❤️ 613 Underground is going above and beyond, and we can’t thank them enough for being part of this with us!! See you this Saturday at Hog’s Back Grill & Bistro! 🌞 @613underground @ottawabistrofest @hogsbackgrill @al_sam_music @g5man @the.klifford.skies.project @ckcu931 @stolpmakingsense

WE GOT MERCH 👀 The events are free, we don’t yet have grants or sponsors, and donations go directly to the performing artists. So merch sales are the main ways we can keep building this thing without compromising what BistroFest is about ❤️ If you comfortably can, please support us and get some cool stuff in exchange :) Price rundown at the bottom! Huge thanks to Megan Landry @meganlandry96 for the amazing design work, and Natasha Liard @natashaliardphotographs for the photos 📸 We’ve got shirts on the way, and we’re looking into making some cool hats too 😎 Important: The 2026 merch is ONLY available in person at the events. We’ll eventually bring some merch online, but the 2026 material is exclusive to the people who were actually there for the first season. So if you want some and can’t make it, send your friends! MERCH INFO: 🖼️ Limited Posters (Pic 1) 48 available total // 50$ each BistroFest Logo Stickers (Pic 2,3,4) 3$ each Lil' Square Stickers (Pic 2,5) 2$ each Small Black Circle Stickers (Pic 6,7,8,9) 5$ for 6 And seriously… check out Picture 9 We thought that sticker placement idea was pretty fitting for a grassroots festival. See you all May 16 🌅 Also make sure to join our newsletter to stay in the loop for shows, surprise announcements, and potentially some smaller unannounced events around Ottawa before next season 👀 www.bistrofest.ca @al_sam_music @g5man @the.klifford.skies.project @hogsbackgrill @ckcu931 . . . . . #bistrofest #ottawalivemusic #ottawamerch #ottawamusic #indieottawa

We’re lucky to have such a strong music community in Ottawa, and it’s a pleasure to showcase it. You know when you hear a band and think, how have I never heard of them before? We’ve got a whole summer of that! Here’s the lineup for Sept 5, 6PM to 9PM, at the Hog’s Back Grill & Bistro: C.A. & Sonny (1st pic) An Ottawa-based duo focused on preserving the tradition of Folk music. Using stringed instruments, C.A. & Sonny sing songs, crack jokes, and tell tales of yesteryear. I hadn't personally seen C.A. & Sonny play, but I had heard so many good things about them, I was actually surprised they saw my message when I reached out to them, let alone accept to headline the last event of the season! It's an honor to get to host these two local favorites! Cattail Creek (2nd pic) Folk rock mixed with alt-country, blues, rockabilly, and bluegrass. Lively, foot-stomping music built for campfire sing-alongs and kitchen parties. Bram from Cattail Creek reached out to me as we started releasing our headliners this year and seemed like the perfect fit for our folk evening. I got to see them at the Black Sheep while learning the sound system there as a sound tech. Definitely a good time coming! Stephen Hardy Palmer (3rd pic) From opening for The Who and Led Zeppelin to earning a spin on Stuart McLean's Vinyl Café, Stephen Hardy Palmer has had a long career inspired by folk legends like Lightfoot, Tyson, and Joni Mitchell. Every performance I've seen from Stephen has been a delight. Seeing someone of his caliber casually joining jams and local open mics is always special, and I couldn't resist inviting him to open our final folk evening of the BistroFest season. Next week, May 16, BistroFest officially begins 🌅 All donations go directly to the artists ❤️ Donations and reminders via www.bistrofest.ca See you soon :) Alex 🪕 @caandsonny 🎻 @cattailcreekband 🌙 @stevepalmermusic 🍔 @hogsbackgrill 😎 @al_sam_music 🛠️ @g5man 🛠️ @the.klifford.skies.project 📻 @ckcu931 . . . . . #ottawa #folk #fest #free #familyfriendly

Another week another lineup! September 5 is going to be the final event of the first BistroFest season ❤️ After a couple stressful days behind the scenes, everything is officially sorted out and BistroFest is happening at the Hog’s Back Grill & Bistro exactly as originally planned. And honestly… what a beautiful way to close the season. C.A. & Sonny, Cattail Creek, and Stephen Hardy Palmer are joining us for an evening of folk music, storytelling, and songs that feel timeless. FREE // 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Check out our website www.bistrofest.ca or the linktree in our bio to find out more and to donate to the bands! Next week, May 16, BistroFest officially kicks off 🌅 Bring your chairs and bring your friends! Food and drinks available on-site at the Hog's Back Grill & Bistro :) See you September 5 🔥 Alex 🪕 @caandsonny 🎻 @cattailcreekband 🌙 @stevepalmermusic 🍔 @hogsbackgrill 😎 @al_sam_music 🛠️ @g5man 🛠️ @the.klifford.skies.project 📻 @ckcu931 . . . . . #ottawafolk #freeevents #ottawafestivals #canadianfolk #communitiesottawa

We have such a strong music scene in the Ottawa region, and it’s a pleasure to showcase their talent! You know when you see a band and think, how have I never heard of them before? We’ve got a whole summer of that! Here’s the lineup for Aug 15, 6PM to 9PM, at the Hog’s Back Grill & Bistro: Baby Richman (1st pic) Rock driven, tight harmonies, and a classic influence pulled from bands like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Oasis. I first encountered Baby Richman in their early days at Pour Boy's Wednesday open mic. Their mind-blowing musical abilities weren’t enough, apparently they also had to write one of my new favorite songs. A true pillar of the Ottawa scene, they host a full band Karaoke every Tuesday at Lowertown Brewery, and I don’t see why they shouldn’t keep rising. Let’s enjoy them while they’re still in our hometown! Sun Dried Flies (2nd pic) ’90s alt rock with grunge and classic rock influences, built for high-energy, crowd-moving shows. I met Ben from Sun Dried Flies at Pour Boy too. Young guy with a lot of talent for songwriting. It was a coincidence that his band came under my radar as this whole lineup was recommended to me by the guys from Baby Richman (and by Noise Hotel!) Shirley (3rd pic) Bluesy riffs, 90’s grunge influence, and metal elements. Loud, raw, and straight to the point. It’s scrunge. I can’t wait to see them live. They were flying under my radar before booking BistroFest, but they embody what we love to showcase. Young, spirited, local, and brilliant on a stage. I’m really happy to see this unfold and I hope these moments will be remembered as more than just an evening. One more Lineup to go, next Friday, then we kick off the series! Free tickets via Eventbrite linktr.ee/bistrofest All donations go to the artists ❤️ www.bistrofest.ca See you Aug 15 😁 Alex 🎸 @babyrichmanband 🪰 @sundriedflies 🖤 @weareshirley 🍔 @hogsbackgrill 😎 @al_sam_music 🛠️ @g5man 🛠️ @the.klifford.skies.project . . . #live #613 #free #outside #events

Another week another lineup! August 15 is going to be the seventh event of the series at BistroFest. A night of rock, grunge, and raw energy. Baby Richman, Sun Dried Flies, and Shirley are playing at Hog’s Back for another evening of live music under the open sky. FREE // 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Check out our website www.bistrofest.ca Or! The linktree in our bio to find out more and to donate to the bands! New lineup announced every Friday throughout the summer. Bring your chairs and bring your friends! Food and drinks available on-site at the Hog's Back Grill & Bistro :) See you August 15 🔥 Alex 🎸 @babyrichmanband 🪰 @sundriedflies 🖤 @weareshirley 🍔 @hogsbackgrill 😎 @al_sam_music 🛠️ @g5man 🛠️ @the.klifford.skies.project . . . . . #ottawamusic #localscene #bands #free #outdoor

Meet the bands of August 1st at BistroFest We have an incredible music community in the Ottawa region, and it’s a pleasure to showcase local talent that too often flies under the radar. You know when you hear a band and wonder how come you've never heard of them before? We have full line ups of that! Here’s the one for August 1, 6PM to 9PM, at the Hog’s Back Grill & Bistro: Finely Tuned Elephant (1st pic) Instrumental jazz-rock fusion with explosive live energy and serious musicianship. Technical, but catchy and fun to follow. Ever since I heard their name I was intrigued. Being a big fan of jazz and rock, and after seeing their bassist leading Valvehead as an outstanding singer and guitarist, I looked them up and couldn’t stop watching their live clips. The musicianship of this band really stands out. Having them headline August 1st is an absolute treat. Almyr Jules (2nd pic) Ballad-driven soul and R&B with smooth vocals and a strong emotional core. Warm, intimate, and easy to connect with. Almyr Jules’ presence on stage is undeniable and his ballad style soul is enjoyable at any time of day. What a lineup seriously. Wait to see the opening act... The Friendly Frogs Freak Show (3rd pic) Amphibian progressive funk with high energy. Bring out your inner frog. Have you seen these guys? I mean seriously?? I think I may just have a thing for frogs… They’re from Montreal but active around Ottawa, let’s give them a warm welcome August 1st! And this is just one evening. New lineup announced every Friday throughout the summer. Get your free tickets via Eventbrite (link below) to stay in the loop. linktr.ee/bistrofest All donations go directly to the artists and make a real difference ❤️ Find all events at: www.bistrofest.ca See you August 1 😁 Alex 🐘 @finely.tuned.elephant 🎤 @almyrjules 🐸 @friendlyfrogsfreakshow 🍔 @hogsbackgrill 😎 @al_sam_music 🛠️ @g5man 🛠️ @the.klifford.skies.project . . . . . #ottawafunk #livemusicottawa #ottawagatineau #ottawafest #jazzfusion

Meet the bands for July 18 at BistroFest 2026!! We’re lucky to have such a strong music community in the Ottawa region, and it’s such a pleasure to showcase local talent that too often flies under the radar. You know that feeling when you hear a band and think, how have I never heard of them before? Weel, we’ve got a whole summer of that! Here’s the lineup for July 18, 6PM to 9PM, at the Hog’s Back Grill & Bistro: Noise Hotel (1st pic) Indie rock with a nostalgic edge, infectious riffs, and a strong identity. I have been looking forward to seeing Noise Hotel live for quite some time now. It’s been difficult to catch them since they’ve moved to Toronto, so I’m super excited that they’re making the drive and headlining July 18 at BistroFest! Out by Lucy (2nd pic) Light-hearted, witty rock pulling from everything; history, cryptids, birding, and more. I keep seeing the name Out by Lucy and hearing good things about them, plus they were recommended to me by Noise Hotel. About time we go find out what the hype is about :) Austin Camp (3rd pic) Emo-leaning folk with a raw, intimate edge and strong delivery reminiscent of artists like Zach Bryan! I met Austin Camp this year. I was booked on a lineup with him and asked if he'd be willing to feature at our Monday Portage Orchard open mic. The timber of his voice, the choice of chords, the dynamics and honestly the skill level of this man blew me away. Come discover him opening July 18 at BistroFest! And this is just one evening. New lineup announced every Friday throughout the summer. Get your free tickets via Eventbrite (link below) to stay in the loop. All donations go directly to the artists and make a real difference ❤️ Find all events at: www.bistrofest.ca⁠ or linktr.ee/bistrofest See you July 18 😁 Alex 🏨 @noisehotel 🌀 @outbylucy 🌙 @austincxmpbell 🍔 @hogsbackgrill 😎 @al_sam_music 🛠️ @g5man 🛠️ @the.klifford.skies.project . . . . . #indieottawa #ottawaliveshows #whatsupottawa #freeeventsottawa #indie613

Another week another lineup! July 18 is going to be the fifth event of the series at BistroFest. An evening of indie rock and emotional folk. Noise Hotel, Out by Lucy, and Austin Camp are playing at Hog’s Back for another evening highlighting our amazing local scene! FREE // 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Check out our website www.bistrofest.ca or click the linktree in our bio to find out more and to donate to the bands! New lineup announced every Friday throughout the summer. Bring your chairs and bring your friends! Food and drinks available on-site at the Hog's Back Grill & Bistro :) See you July 18 🔥 Alex 🎸 @noisehotel 🎶 @outbylucy 🖤 @austincxmpbell 🍔 @hogsbackgrill 😎 @al_sam_music 🛠️ @g5man 🛠️ @the.klifford.skies.project . . . . . #ottawalocalmusic #ottawalivemusic #freeconcerts #indierockottawa #ottawafestivals

Meet the DJs! July 4 // BistroFest 2026 🪩 We’re lucky to have such a strong music community in Ottawa, and it’s an immense pleasure to be able to help connect Ottawa to its local scene. We've got a special DJ lineup for this year at BistroFest and we'd like for you to meet the DJs 🥳 July 4, 7PM to 10PM, at the Hog’s Back Grill & Bistro: Marèva (1st pic) Atmospheric, emotive, and dance-driven. Marèva blends melody with organic textures, pulling from a wide cultural palette to build sets that feel immersive and intentional. Beyond DJing, she’s deeply involved in shaping the scene, co-producing events and sound spaces across Ottawa and Ontario, including WNDR and PRSMTC, and co-founding the B4CKROOM collective. MoS (2nd pic) Indie dance, tech house, progressive, techno, dark disco. Groove-forward and tightly controlled, with punchy basslines, warm melodies, and moments that land exactly where they should. Also a key force behind Ottawa’s underground scene, co-producing WNDR, Capital Noir, and PRSMTC, and co-founding B4CKROOM alongside Marèva. Fembotttt (3rd pic) Groove-heavy, playful, and unapologetic. Fembotttt builds sets that pull you in and don’t really let go. She’s on a mission to bring out sounds you didn’t know you needed, creating dance floors where people drop the act and just move. You might’ve caught her at Pull Up, Congrego, Catalyst, BodyTalk, Future Novas, or CKCU’s Live Off The Floor. She’s also behind HIVE and co-creates BODYSYNC, a music-forward spin and fitness experience. I usually say something about how I met the artists, but I haven't met the DJs and I am very excited! They came recommended with high praise from the EDM folks :) This event is happening a bit later and we'll have DJ lights to move our body to the sound of house music with the Sun down :) Get free tickets via www.bistrofest.ca to stay in the loop! All donations go directly to the artists and make a real difference ❤️ See you July 4 😎 Alex 🌌 @mareva_dj 🔥 @mosamity 🤖 @fembotttt 🍔 @hogsbackgrill 😎 @al_sam_music 🛠️ @the.klifford.skies.project 🛠️ @g5man . . . . . #ottawadjs #electronicmusic #ottawadance #ottawafreeevent #outdoordance

Lineup Announcement (July 4 - Special DJ Event) 👀 Don’t miss the fourth event of the series, July 4 at BistroFest. A special DJ night built for movement, atmosphere, and a full evening of dancing under the open sky 🕺💃 Marèva, MoS, and Fembotttt are taking over Hog’s Back for a one-night shift into electronic, groove-driven energy. SPECIAL EVENT // 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Donations to the artists + all shows -> www.bistrofest.ca New lineup announced every Friday leading up to opening day (May 16). Bring your people and your moves! Food and drinks available on-site at @hogsbackgrill See you July 4 😎 Alex 🌌 @mareva_dj 🔥 @mosamity 🤖 @fembotttt 🍔 @hogsbackgrill 😎 @al_sam_music 🛠️ @the.klifford.skies.project 🛠️ @g5man . . . . . #ottawadjs #ottawalivemusic #danceparty #electronicmusic #ottawafreeevents