Sept. 19 at The Gladstone Theatre featured the 6th annual, award-winning Ottawa Blues for Youth (OBFY) musical fundraiser in support of youth suicide prevention through The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre.
The vibe was electric with Jesse Greene and “Trombone” Charlotte McAfee-Brunner, who made the trip from Toronto to perform as headliners. Ottawa singer-songwriter Jake DeMarsh was the opening act.
Guest performers included violinist Dr. Zach Kaminsky (The Royal), vocalist Megan Laurence, award-winning guitarist Lucas Haneman, and Kyle Ulvr. Katherine Dines (Move 100) returned for her sixth year as emcee. Opening remarks were delivered by MP Yasir Naqvi.
The evening of fundraising was topped off with Richard Flohil, the 92-year-old music promoter, sharing stories about working with k.d. lang, Ray Charles, Muddy Waters and others with OBFY volunteers in the lobby before the show. Richard returned to the stage to introduce Greene and McAfee-Brunner. Ottawa Blues for Youth has raised more than $200,00 over its six years of existence.
Emcee Katherine Dines (Move 100) and Anita Manley (OBFY) at Ottawa Blues for Youth at The Gladstone Theatre, Sept. 19, 2026. Photos by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for Ottawa Blues for Youth.Guest performer Dr. Zach Kaminsky (The Royal) at Ottawa Blues for Youth at The Gladstone Theatre, Sept. 19, 2026. Photos by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for Ottawa Blues for Youth.Megan Laurence at Ottawa Blues for Youth at The Gladstone Theatre, Sept. 19, 2026. Photos by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for Ottawa Blues for Youth.MP Yasir Naqvi and Katherine Dines at Ottawa Blues for Youth at The Gladstone Theatre, Sept. 19, 2026. Photos by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for Ottawa Blues for Youth.Dr. Zach Kaminsky, Katie Musleh, Megan Laurence and Katherine Dines at Ottawa Blues for Youth at The Gladstone Theatre, Sept. 19, 2026. Photos by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for Ottawa Blues for Youth.Emily Grant and Anita Manley at Ottawa Blues for Youth at The Gladstone Theatre, Sept. 19, 2026. Photos by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for Ottawa Blues for Youth.Jake DeMarsh at Ottawa Blues for Youth at The Gladstone Theatre, Sept. 19, 2026. Photos by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for Ottawa Blues for Youth.Trombone Charlotte, bassist Dave Schroeder and guitarist Jesse Greene at Ottawa Blues for Youth at The Gladstone Theatre, Sept. 19, 2026. Photos by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for Ottawa Blues for Youth.Guest speaker Richard Flohil at Ottawa Blues for Youth at The Gladstone Theatre, Sept. 19, 2026. Photos by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for Ottawa Blues for Youth.Dancers at Ottawa Blues for Youth at The Gladstone Theatre, Sept. 19, 2026. Photos by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for Ottawa Blues for Youth.Kyle Ulvr, Trombone Charlotte and drummer Jeff Asselin at Ottawa Blues for Youth at The Gladstone Theatre, Sept. 19, 2026. Photos by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for Ottawa Blues for Youth.
