Ottawa

Aretha Franklin headlines June 28 at Ottawa Jazz Festival

One year after pulling out due to illness, Aretha Franklin has been rebooked for the Ottawa Jazz Festival.

Soul legend pulled out of 2013 festival due to illness

Aretha Franklin had to pull out of her 2013 Ottawa Jazz Festival headlining slot, along with many other dates, due to an illness.

One year after pulling out due to illness, Aretha Franklin has been rebooked for the Ottawa Jazz Festival.

The festival announced Friday morning the soul legend will headlines the main stage Saturday, June 28.

“It was truly unfortunate to have to cancel a performance we knew so many people were looking forward to,” said the festival’s executive producer Catherine O’Grady in a news release about the cancellation last year.

“Celebrity does not make you immune to illness though, and we’re so pleased to give our audience the satisfaction of seeing Aretha this year.”

The Jazz Festival, which runs June 20 to July 1 at Confederation Park in downtown Ottawa, also announced Natalie McMaster and special guest Donnell Leahy have been added to a June 30 Celtic-themed night, along with The Mahones.

Other acts announced earlier this month include Earth, Wind and Fire, Ben Harper and Steve Martin.

The festival said in a news release that another announcement will be made about a June 21 headliner and early-price passes have been extended until April 4.