CityFolk Festival Day 3 Feat James, Kaia Kater, Mint Simon, Sam Stone, School House, The Devil Makes Three
CityFolk Ottawa: Friday Night Highlights
Review and Photos by Cole Lewis
If you wandered through Lansdowne around 5 p.m. on Friday, you might have stumbled upon Sam Stone, one of the free concert series performers kicking off the evening. With a mix of heartfelt originals and crowd-pleasing covers, Stone invited passersby to sing along, setting a joyful tone for the night: whether you were heading into CityFolk or simply enjoying dinner on a nearby patio.
Inside the festival grounds, buzz circulated not just about the music but the menu. Headliner Morrissey’s well-known dietary preferences prompted a shift among vendors, resulting in a wide array of vegetarian and vegan options that delighted many festival goers.
At the Fasken Stage, the folk lineup delivered a rich tapestry of sound. Ottawa locals School House, recently crowned Ottawa’s Group of the Year for 2024, opened the evening with a warm reception from the hometown crowd. Next up was Kaia Kater, whose roots span Ottawa, Wakefield, and Montreal. Her introspective set explored personal history and identity, resonating deeply with listeners. Closing out the stage was The Devil Makes Three, launching into their infectious track “Half as High” and keeping the energy high as the crowd swelled and danced into the night.
Meanwhile, the TD Stage offered a slower build. Montreal’s Mint Simon may not be a household name yet, but their set featured familiar tunes from popular TV shows, sparking recognition and singalongs. Then came James, whose charismatic frontman Tim Booth quickly forged a connection with the audience. During “Getting Away with It,” Booth danced through the crowd, twirling fans and grooving with groups, even performing from the front fence to ensure no one was left out—a true highlight for many.
Finally, Morrissey took the stage to roaring applause from devoted fans, some clad in themed t-shirts, others bearing tattoos and signs in homage to the British icon. Known for his unapologetic individuality, Morrissey brought his signature flair, accompanied by striking birds of paradise flowers in hand: an apt reflection of his singular presence in pop music.
