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Bluesfest 2025 Day 9: Kaytranada Closes with Style and Soul
Bluesfest 2025 Day 9 wrapped up the festival with an electrifying mix of genres, emotions, and unforgettable performances. Headliner Kaytranada turned the final night into a groove-filled celebration, sending fans home with smiles, sore feet, and stories to tell. From indie intimacy to jazz-infused rhythms, the last day was a perfect reflection of the festival’s wide-open embrace of music in all its forms.
It felt like every corner of the festival grounds was alive with something special. Some sets pulled you in close with personal storytelling, while others demanded that you move with the beat. Let’s take a walk through the magic of Day 9.
Family Ties and Smooth Vibes with Lou Phelps
Lou Phelps, the brother of Kaytranada, set the tone for the day in the coolest way possible. Taking the stage with nothing but his DJ and his own infectious energy, he made the stripped-down setup work to his advantage. The crowd instantly connected to his smooth delivery on hits like “Call U Up,” “Come Inside,” and “Tell Me.” Each track rolled out like a conversation between artist and audience, easygoing yet packed with charisma.
What made Lou’s set stand out was its honesty. There were no flashy distractions—just pure flow, a tight beat, and a performer in complete command of his craft. People came for the music but stayed for the vibe he created. As the first notes of the day floated into the summer air, it was clear Lou Phelps was more than an opener. He was the warm-up for something big, a brother leading us toward the finale with a confident smile.
Heart on His Sleeve: Nolan Hubbard
Nolan Hubbard brought his pop-soul and indie charm to the River Stage in a way that felt like he was playing for a room full of friends. His vulnerable lyrics and genuine delivery had the audience leaning in, listening closely. He broke down the invisible barrier between stage and crowd by getting people to sing along, clap to the beat, and even laugh at little moments between songs.
It was one of those sets where you could see the music land deeply with people. Couples held hands during the slower tracks, friends swayed side by side, and strangers sang together like they’d known each other forever. Hubbard proved that intimacy can be just as powerful as a roaring guitar solo. By the end of his set, it was clear that his voice and storytelling had made a lasting impression on the final day of Bluesfest.
Rising Star Power: Elizabeth Royall
Elizabeth Royall stepped onto the Barney Theatre stage and immediately claimed the room. The space was packed, and it was easy to see why this SOCAN Young Canadian Songwriter Award winner has a presence that demands attention. Her set explored mental health with lyrical honesty, pairing it with melodies that could move a crowd without overwhelming them.
The audience responded with the kind of stillness that comes when people are fully listening. Heads nodded, eyes closed, and there was a shared sense of connection in the air. Royall’s authenticity was the kind of artistry that makes festivals like this more than just entertainment, they become experiences. The applause at the end of her set felt like more than appreciation. It was recognition.
Grooving with BADBADNOTGOOD
When BADBADNOTGOOD took over, the energy shifted to something hypnotic. The visuals on stage were stunning, creating a dreamlike atmosphere as the band launched into “Eyes on Me,” “Time Moves Slow,” and their fan-favorite “Running Away.” Their fusion of jazz and hip-hop isn’t just music—it’s an immersive experience.
Fans swayed, heads bobbed, and every beat seemed to ripple through the crowd. Each song flowed into the next like a perfectly crafted soundtrack, the kind you want to get lost in. There’s something about the way this band blends improvisation with precision that keeps you hooked. They didn’t just play a set, they created a space where nothing existed but rhythm and connection.
Emotion in Every Note: Darren Kiely
Darren Kiely brought heartfelt folk-pop to the festival with a performance steeped in love, family, and honest storytelling. His voice carried a kind of warmth that immediately drew the audience closer. The emotional weight of his lyrics was matched by his musicianship, especially during his guitar solo that had the crowd in awe.
When he sang “Sunrise,” the entire audience sang along word for word, their voices blending with his in a beautiful moment of unity. The size of the crowd spoke for itself and this was a set people didn’t want to miss. Kiely left the stage to roaring cheers, a clear sign he had made an impact on Bluesfest’s final day.
Humor and Harmonica with Catriona Sturton
Catriona Sturton, now in her third Bluesfest appearance, proved once again why she’s a festival favorite. Blending her sharp wit with her music, she had the audience laughing one moment and grooving the next. Her unique style, which included playful tracks like “Calling From My Pants,” had the theatre crowd engaged from start to finish.
Her harmonica work added a raw, soulful edge to her songs, while her storytelling kept things personal and real. It was the kind of set that leaves you with a smile long after it’s over. Sturton reminded everyone that music is not just about sound, it is about connection, joy, and the occasional laugh-out-loud moment.
Stories in Song: Tim Baker
Tim Baker stepped on stage and immediately drew the crowd into his world. Known for weaving stories into his songs, he delivered tracks like “All Hands” with a narrative flair that made every lyric feel cinematic. His band added richness to the performance, layering harmonies and rhythms that amplified the emotion of each piece.
Fans sang along, clapped to the beat, and shouted their appreciation between songs. Baker’s set was a reminder of how storytelling and melody can merge to create something deeply moving. By the end, it felt like we had all been taken on a journey together.
A Final Groove: Kaytranada
Kaytranada closed out Bluesfest 2025 Day 9 with a performance that was as much a light show as it was a sonic experience. His beats pulsed through the grounds, weaving together house, funk, and hip-hop influences into a seamless flow. The lighting effects transformed the stage into something almost otherworldly, while his natural groove kept die-hard fans moving from the first track to the last.
Though the crowd was smaller than some headliners earlier in the week, it was packed with dedicated fans who came for exactly this experience. It was my first time seeing him live, and the surprise wasn’t just how flawless he sounded—it was how much he connected with the audience through pure rhythm. Kaytranada didn’t just end the night. He ended the festival with style.
One Last Encore for the Books
Bluesfest 2025 Day 9 was the perfect closing chapter to a festival packed with incredible performances all week long. From Lou Phelps’ smooth opening to Kaytranada’s electrifying finale, the day offered a rich mix of sound and spirit.
The previous days gave us unforgettable shows across every genre, and Day 9 kept that magic alive until the very end. The festival may be over for this year, but the memories—and the music—will be playing in our heads for a long time.
Big thanks to our special guest today Oxxawa for the amazing coverage
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