Yet another perfect night in the books, and one of the hardest rocking ones in the 30 year history of the festival. If you’re still sore from the mosh pit or the crowd surfing, fret not, as today’s lineup is a perfect mix of pop and indie rock to enjoy a little less aggressively. The odds of a mosh pit breaking out are pretty low.
While the weather has cooperated, unfortunately health has not, as yet another performer had to drop out, with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit joining Crown Lands on the illness list. Thus, Saturday is the last full slate day, so make sure to make the most of it.
CityFolk Day 4: Saturday
Main Stage:
6:00: Jamie Fine
7:20: Half Moon Run
8:45: Milky Chance
Rising to prominence with music partner Elijah Woods on The Launch in 2017, the Ottawa duo went their separate ways in 2020, and have since both had successful careers to date. As a solo artist, Fine has been able to showcase her powerful vocals and heartfelt songwriting to craft catchy pop songs with lasting, lingering lyrics. Her newest release, this summer’s if this is it… has already seen global success thanks to viral hit “If Anything’s Left,” and the follow-up singles have been just as solid.
Next is Ottawa favourites Half Moon Run taking to the main stage. Given how quickly they sold out both nights at the Algonquin Commons Theatre last November, you can expect a large crowd to turn up for this set, especially with singer Devon Portielje being a local product. The last time they played the Great Lawn back in 2021, the skies opened and the band soldiered through with the fans, making for an unforgettable set. That said, they’re due for good weather for tonight’s set, so fingers crossed for a much dryer set this year.
Half Moon Run at Algonquin Commons Theatre, November 2023. Photo: Landon Entwistle.
Headlining the evening is German indie-rock band Milky Chance. Having your debut single be certified multi-platinum in multiple countries may seem like a dream start, but it certainly adds pressure on a new artist—a pressure they have handled exceedingly well, as they’ve continued to churn out charting singles over the subsequent decade since “Stolen Dance” bounced to the top of the charts (and has surpassed 1.5 billion streams). They’ve also made frequent stops in Ottawa, including Bluesfest 2015 and 2022, and a stop at the Bronson Centre in May last year on their world tour. Fans will remember their fun cover of Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love,” one of numerous influences that can be found in their music, a blend of synth, indie rock, and even a hint of reggae. Whatever you want to call it, just know it’s fun.
Fasken Stage:
5:30: Alanna Sterling
6:30: John Muirhead
7:40: Katie Tupper
Saturday in the tent features a trio of artists that know how to draw out emotional connections with their fans.
First is Ottawa’s Alanna Sterling and their mesmerizing voice. 2022’s Mind/Matter was undefinable; every song was a surprise, veering from genre to genre—even mid-song—and in the end a perfectly manic representation of the mental health struggles Sterling was trying to encapsulate. The ensuing EP, Everything is gonna be just fine, dropped last May, and showcased a completely different, stripped down vibe with just the singer and their piano, and the result is a stark, emotional vocal performance that immediately captivates.
Alanna Sterling at Dragonboat Festival, June 2023. Photo: Marc Lepage.
Next is Toronto’s John Muirhead. Since his start in 2016, the troubadour has established himself on the folk scene, releasing a handful of singles and EPs before his debut album, Traveller, in 2021 cemented him as one to watch, and with another handful of singles released since, a follow-up album can’t be too far. The earnest voice of the singer-songwriter will draw listeners into singalongs to such catchy songs as “I Can Sleep Anywhere,” while his newest single “Same Old Ways” sees Muirhead trade in his acoustic guitar for an electric one, giving him a fully new sound.
Saskatoon’s Katie Tupper closes out the tent tonight with her sultry R&B-infused neosoul music. Given her memorable set in the Barney Danson Theatre at Bluesfest last year, performing in the tent should make for yet another great intimate venue in which to enthral new fans. Just make sure to grab your drink before her set, since you’ll immediately fall under her spell and find it impossible to tear yourself away. Consider yourself forewarned.
Keep checking apt613.ca for all your festival news, daily previews and pics!
Ottawa CityFolk takes place from Sept. 11 to 15, on The Great Lawn at Lansdowne Park, behind TD Place. Passes available here.
As a reminder, parking is extremely limited, so make sure to use your festival pass for free OC Transpo rides to and from the site.
