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Bluesfest fans are in for a holiday treat with the early announcement of two of the 10 headliners expected at next summer’s festival, plus an earlybird ticket special.

Enigmatic DJ/producer Marshmello and singer-songwriter-surfer Jack Johnson are the first major acts confirmed for the 2020 edition of RBC Bluesfest. For Johnson, it’s been three years since his Ottawa debut at CityFolk; he will headline Bluesfest on July 14, topping a bill that also includes Riptide singer Vance Joy and fast-rising British newcomer Jade Bird.

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Photo by HANDOUT / RBC BLUESFEST

Meanwhile, digital mega-star Marshmello, the EDM producer who wears a custom-made marshmallow helmet and was the first artist to perform a live, in-game concert on a virtual Fortnite stage this year, performs in real time on July 16, headlining a youth-oriented program that also features 17-year-old Queens rapper Lil Tecca.

It’s the second year in a row that Bluesfest has announced acts and a ticket deal before Christmas, a strategy that not only reflects the festival’s race to sign current artists but also a desire to benefit from the gift-giving season.