The Ottawa Grassroots Festival wants Open Mic performers!

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On Sunday April 26, 2026, the Ottawa Grassroots festival will hold an Open Mic event from 1PM to 5PM. Hosted by Quiet Sky (Pam and Jeff Gleeson) the session will provide some information on the Open Mic scene in Ottawa and display the talents of a range of local musicians. Artists who want to participate should read this post completely and register on-line at:

Ottawa Grassroots Festival Open Mic SIGN UP

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This year the Ottawa Grassroots Festival is trying something new!

On Sunday, April 26th from 1PM to 5PM we will present an Open Mic event at the First Unitarian Congregation, 30 Cleary St, Ottawa. The OGF is well known for celebrating local artists, and this year we’re going to give lesser-known artists an opportunity to play in front of an OGF audience and who knows? Maybe they will even earn a spot in next year’s lineup!

Here’s what you need to know whether you want to be a participant or just an audience member.

“Resonating Roots” – Open Mic

The roots of this festival are all of you! At this open mic, our hosts Quiet Sky, will provide an opportunity for the Ottawa Grassroots folk music community to come together and resonate with the sound of many voices.

The afternoon will start off with performers who either host or regularly attend local open mics around town and will provide information on what’s out there and how open mics support the music community in Ottawa. The rest of the afternoon will feature performers who signed up online and who will wow us with their original songs and/or cover songs. Songs that include an element of audience participation are encouraged! Join us for the afternoon as a performer, a listener, or both!

If you want to be a performer at Resonating Roots

Please review the following:

  • You must sign-up ahead of time online using our Resonating Roots application form. You will get a confirmation email that your information was received.
  • On Sunday, April 26th, arrive at the venue (First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, 30 Cleary St.) between 12:30PM and 1:00PM to confirm your attendance. At that time, we can give you your slot in the order of performers and an approximate stage time.
  • Please bring your own instrument and a cord to connect it if it requires amplification. We’ll have a managed room where you can leave your instrument while you watch others play.
  • Performers will have 10 min each (2-3 songs) on stage in the NOW Room.
  • Note that if you don’t manage to register on-line there may be a few spots available for a last-minute sign-up at the event between 12:30PM -1PM,
  • If you cannot perform at the open mic after you have registered, please let us know as quickly as possible by emailing [email protected]
  • If you have any questions, please send them to [email protected]

And if you’re not a performer

Please come to the Ottawa Grassroots Festival at 1 PM on Sunday, April 26th, for an afternoon of great music and an opportunity to hear, encourage and applaud some talented musicians. Food and beverages will be available for sale.