History in the making

From its roots as Ottawa’s “Home of the Blues” to its current status as a legendary live music venue, The Rainbow Bistro has played host to many of North America’s most influential artists.   

Blues artists ‒ Koko Taylor, Son Seals, Albert Collins, Dr. John, Dutch Mason, Jeff Healey and John Hammond ‒ and iconic Canadian acts ‒ the Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo, Crash Test Dummies, Spirit of the West, Tom Wilson, Amanda Marshall, Colin James and k.d. lang ‒ have graced the stage of this ByWard Market venue.

For local artists, the Rainbow is an important gathering point and proving ground for up-and-coming talent.