CityFolk Festival – Day 2

CityFolk Day Two Review: Country Stars Shine Under Perfect Ottawa Skies

Review and Photos by Cole Lewis

Day two of CityFolk was set to be a big night from the moment the gates opened. Fans lined up early to catch two country favourites, with plenty of “Lefty” hats visible throughout the crowd and handmade signs declaring “Ottawa Loves Cam.” The positive energy was impossible to miss as concertgoers eagerly awaited an evening packed with great music.

The night kicked off on the Westside Stage with Montreal’s Fine Food Market. Showcasing her classically trained piano skills, she serenaded the crowd with beautiful melodies and an impressive vocal range. Her sweet, genuine stage presence resonated with the audience, effortlessly drawing people in and creating an intimate atmosphere despite the growing crowd.

Next up were The Codas from Kingston, Ontario, bringing their unique blend of folk and rock to the stage. Incorporating creative visual elements into their performance, the band delivered a solid set that was clearly familiar to many in attendance. While their stage presence may not have been the most animated of the evening, the crowd’s enthusiastic response proved their music has found a loyal following.

Meanwhile, over on the TD Stage, Toronto singer-songwriter Sam Drysdale got things started with a set featuring both original songs and well-loved covers. It was the perfect way to warm up the audience, and by the end of his performance, he likely left with more than a few new fans.

One of the night’s clear crowd favourites was Stella Lefty. Judging by the sea of Lefty hats throughout the venue, her popularity was never in doubt. From the moment she stepped on stage, waving individually to fans while dancing across the platform, she had the audience completely engaged. Performing fan favourites such as Thinking ‘Bout You, Why Wouldn’t We, and Good at Leaving, while weaving in Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten and other popular hits, she kept the crowd singing along word for word throughout her set.

Closing out the TD Stage was Cameron Whitcomb, who immediately made his presence known by flying onto the stage with a high backflip before launching into an energetic performance. From that moment on, he barely stopped moving, constantly working every corner of the stage to connect with fans wherever they were standing.

Closing out the Westside Stage was returning CityFolk favourite The White Buffalo. Having graced the festival stage three times before, Jake Smith once again demonstrated exactly why fans continue to show up in force. Audience members packed tightly to the front of the stage for a chance to catch a glimpse as he delivered a powerful set filled with rich vocals, crisp instrumentation, and captivating storytelling. His ability to connect with the crowd between songs only added to the memorable performance.

Opening with songs including Hundred Mile High, Pretty Little, and Shoot Me Dead, Whitcomb showcased the range of his musical talent. The audience featured longtime fans who knew every lyric as well as newcomers who eagerly awaited his hit The Hard Way. By the end of the set, it seemed safe to say those new listeners had become fans as well.

With beautiful weather, incredible performances, and an atmosphere full of excitement, day two of CityFolk delivered everything concertgoers could have hoped for. If this was any indication of what was still to come, the weekend promised even more unforgettable moments and outstanding live music.