It’s looking like Mother Nature is going to go three for three on perfect weather days for CityFolk. And while there won’t be any rain to dampen spirits, a lack of meat just might (more on that below).
Friday, Sept. 12, 2025
TD Stage:
6:00 pm – Mint Simon
7:05 pm – James
8:50 pm – Morrissey
While Wednesday and Thursday had lineups with common threads tying the artists together, today’s back end seems a tad disconnected with the opener.
Starting off with a modern artist before heading back in time, Montreal’s Mint Simon takes to the stage, and they might sound very familiar to indie pop fans, as they are also the lead singer for Caveboy. As a solo artist, the Caveboy synths are still quite present, but there’s a distinctively more NewRetroWave feel to their debut EP Chimera released in May. Their other collaborations with The G, and All The Damn Vampires also fit quite well in a catalog filled with ’80s inspired synths.
From the modern take on an ’80s synth sound, we then go to the ’80s and ’90s rock sound with artists that were actually there, first with James. While “Laid” has been one of the most enduring anthems from the era, and still appears in all forms of media today, the Manchester band is far from one-hit wonders. They’d already had almost a decade under their belt when they broke through with Gold Mother in 1990, and stayed at the forefront of the British rock scene, helping to transform the Madchester scene (with Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, etc.) into the Brit-pop genre that took over rock worldwide in the mid ’90s. After a brief hiatus in the 2000s, they’ve been back and releasing albums regularly, which have all had significant chart success in the UK, including their latest Yummy reaching #1, their very first chart topping album. Attaining that with their 18th studio album is a testament to their tenacity, and quality.
A contemporary of James (they toured together in 1985), The Smiths helped define pre-grunge alternative rock. However, unlike James, they were much too combustible to ever last. Out of that short-lived but hugely influential band, lead singer Morrissey had his own successful turn as a solo artist. And while The Smiths never quite crossed over the Atlantic, the groundwork they laid helped launch Morrissey’s solo career which saw much more success on this continent through the ’90s and early millennium than his previous band in their heyday. Part crooner, part poet, his charisma on stage is undeniable. His commitment to his performance is unequivocal, as is his commitment to his beliefs off stage, which has led to controversy throughout his career. Case in point, he uses his platform to promote his unwavering dedication to animal rights by ensuring venues do not sell meat when he performs. That includes CityFolk — so plan accordingly!
FASKEN Stage:
5:30 pm – School House
6:30 pm – Kaia Kater
7:45 pm – The Devil Makes Three
While the main stage is dedicated to legendary rockers of various sub-genres, the side stage tonight will take care of putting the ‘Folk’ at the forefront.
If ever there was a band made for Ottawa CityFolk, it’s School House. Locals, the trio quickly garnered attention and the Capital Music Award for Group of the Year in 2024. Initially their focus on acoustic instruments (with the occasional electric guitar) and impeccable harmonies showcased their talents within the folk genre, including folk re-workings of rock hits “High and Dry” and “Life is a Highway”, but the latest release, last month’s “Interstate” expands on that stripped down sound, with a more folk-rock feel. Clearly these guys are just scratching the surface, increasing the anticipation for what impressive surprises will be hiding on their sophomore album.
Next up is Montreal’s Kaia Kater and her much less traditional take on folk. A banjo virtuoso, her arrangements fall neatly in Americana, but her vocals and lyrics bring a fresh perspective to a genre that can sometimes feel a bit too staid. Five albums in, she has expanded in every aspect of her craft, with last year’s Strange Medicine the latest step in that evolution. The experimentation, both musically and lyrically, and bringing in collaborators including Allison Russell and Taj Mahal, the result is a much more varied album that blends folk with everything from R&B grooves to flutes. The blend earned a spot on the Polaris Prize long list.
California (by way of Vermont) bluegrass punks are about as non-traditional as you can get. The arrangements can seem fairly straightforward Americana, the song themes couldn’t be any further than what you’d expect from the genre. With songs like “I Love Doing Drugs”, you can be sure to expect the unexpected in their songs. Along the same lines as The Dead South, their instrumental prowess can easily draw listeners in, as their Live at Red Rocks album showcases, before they realize just how dark the lyrics actually are.
BONUS! Free Show on the Plaza!
5:00 pm – Sam Stone
Make sure to show up early and catch Ottawa’s own Sam Stone performing in the TD Plaza at Lansdowne before making your way into the festival. Having worked with other local artists including Tony D and Jessica Pearson and the East Wind, Stone is carving out her own space, and her Capital Music Award nominations are a testament to the quality of her performance backed by her powerful soulful voice.
CityFolk takes place on the Great Lawn at Lansdowne Park Sept. 10 – 14. Keep an eye on apt613.ca for daily coverage and photos!
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