CityFolk Festival – Day 4
CityFolk Day 4 Review
Review and Photos by Cole Lewis
Day 4 of CityFolk arrived with a sense of anticipation as festival goers came prepared for a cooler evening, many sporting extra layers after the previous night’s unexpected chill. While the energy around the grounds felt a little more subdued than earlier in the festival, the excitement for the evening’s lineup remained strong, and crowds gathered early at both stages in anticipation of another memorable night of music.
Opening the WestSide Stage was Teilhard Frost, the Wolfe Island singer-songwriter whose local roots were evident in the number of supporters gathered near the front. His set began on a quieter note, but by the second song, when he brought out the harmonica, the atmosphere shifted noticeably. Audience members were dancing and singing along, and his easygoing stage presence quickly won over those who may not have been familiar with his music. Frost’s desire to connect with the crowd was clear throughout the performance, sharing personal stories between songs and showcasing his impressive versatility as a multi-instrumentalist. One particularly memorable moment came during “Coo Coo,” when he used a bottle to create bird-like chirps and even sounds resembling a cat’s meow, adding a playful element to an already engaging set.
Jobi Riccio followed with a performance that steadily built momentum. While her songwriting impressed throughout, it was “Whiplash” that truly transformed the atmosphere. The song highlighted the bold indie-rock edge that has helped define her sound, injecting new energy into the crowd and drawing enthusiastic reactions from festivalgoers.
Closing out the WestSide Stage was Pokey LaFarge, welcomed by an adoring audience that included many longtime fans eager to experience his live show once again. His vintage-inspired style and timeless sound created a sense of nostalgia that resonated across generations. The combination of old-timey instrumentation, charismatic performance, and infectious rhythm made for an ideal festival set. When “Central Time” rang out, a small group of attendees started swing dancing near the side of the tent, providing a fitting moment for a performance that felt both joyful and celebratory.
Over on the TD Main Stage, Ken Presse opened the evening with a more laid-back set that gradually drew people closer as the crowd filled in around the stage. One of the evening’s most touching moments came when he paused to acknowledge his young son, who was seeing him perform live for the first time. The heartfelt dedication added a personal layer to the performance. Presse also introduced songs from an upcoming album, sparking curiosity and excitement among listeners eager to hear what comes next.
Australian siblings Angus & Julia Stone followed with a charming and captivating performance filled with storytelling, graceful melodies, and effortless chemistry. Their signature vocal harmonies blended beautifully throughout the set, while their multi-instrumental talents further demonstrated why they have built such a devoted international following. The duo’s relaxed stage presence and emotional songwriting provided one of the night’s most immersive musical experiences.
Closing the evening were Of Monsters and Men, delivering the soaring harmonies, energetic musicianship, and folk-rock sound that fans have come to expect. At times, the performance felt somewhat muted by limited stage lighting, with the band often obscured by darkness and haze. Despite that challenge, the music itself never lost its impact. The Icelandic group’s powerful vocals and dynamic arrangements gave festivalgoers exactly what they had come to hear, and judging by the enthusiastic response from the crowd, most would agree that the performance was well worth bundling up against the chilly September night.
Day 4 offered a balanced and enjoyable evening that blended intimate storytelling with festival-sized performances. As attendees made their way home under the cool night sky, there was a clear sense that CityFolk had successfully set the stage for one final energetic day to close out the weekend.
