On a hot and muggy Wednesday evening, three generations of music fans from Montreal descended onto LeBreton Flats ready to rock out all night
at Bluesfest
.
Joel Perron, son Gabriel Perron and grandson Victor Perron came to watch Def Leppard play on the RBC Stage.
All three wore the band’s T-shirts as they posed for a photo in front of the food stalls near the festival entrance and held up the sign of the horns.
For Joel, this was an opportunity to share his love for the band and to make lasting memories with his family.
“We’re here because of a Def Leppard show as three generations of fans who like this group,” Joel said.
“My children listened to this band when they were children, and now it’s the same thing for my grandson.”
The Perrons were one of many families at Bluesfest on Wednesday night, sharing their
love for rock music and live concerts
with the younger generation despite the sweltering weather.
Some pushed strollers with young children in the main area near the RBC Stage as they filled up water bottles and bought food. Others tried to corral their toddlers to prevent them from getting lost in the crowd. Teens huddled inside the air-conditioned Canadian War Museum and discussed which acts they wanted to see with their parents.
“I think it will be a nice memory for sure. Victor is too young to speak, but I know he will remember the show for sure,” Gabriel Perron said with a smile from ear to ear.
Sloane Hilderley-Barr, 6, came to Bluesfest on Wednesday evening with parents Alicia Hilderley and Andrew Barr. It was Sloane’s first concert ever.
“Andrew and I have been coming most nights so far, and Sloane was jealous and wanted to come, too, so we’re here for her first show tonight. She really likes rock music,” Hilderley said.
Barr, who plays in a rock band, said his daughter wanted to see a real live rock drummer.
“We love concerts. We go to a lot. She wanted to be part of it, and we figured it was time,” he said.
Sureen Gosal brought his two young sons Arjun Gosal, 6, and Jeevan Gosal, 4, to Bluesfest on Wednesday after he volunteered in its first week.
Sureen said he wanted to see Def Leppard, but would be going home with them early because the band’s performance was only going to start past the kids’ bedtimes. The three of them would instead spend their time exploring the grounds and
discovering new artists
.
“We’re going to head over to the stages on the far side and see what they like,” he said. “It’s not as hot as it was supposed to be. There’s a nice breeze today. It’s good weather to be making memories with your family.”
Even so, Bluesfest was as much of an experience for the kids as it was for the parents. Many of the kids who spoke to the Ottawa Citizen were excited about exploring the grounds and listening to music with their parents.
“I’m feeling good, and I’m excited to spend time with my family,” Sloane Hilderley-Barr said while holding her parents’ hands.
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