Cityfolk 2025 Day 2 | Hidden Beats

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Cityfolk 2025 Day 2: Voices That Carried the Night

Cityfolk 2025 Day 2 was all about shared voices and timeless sounds. With a lineup rooted in folk, blues, and rock, the night unfolded as one long sing-along, every chorus lifted by the crowd as much as by the performers. From soulful ballads to foot-stomping beats, the festival grounds shook with warmth and connection, proving again that Cityfolk is as much about community as it is about music.

As the sun set over the grounds, audiences leaned into the magic of the evening. Families, friends, and longtime fans gathered shoulder to shoulder, creating a sense of unity that pulsed through every set. The mix of veteran performers and new discoveries gave the night a sense of discovery and nostalgia all at once.

Alex Nicol Sets a Gentle Tone

Ottawa-born and Nashville-based singer-songwriter Alex Nicol opened Cityfolk 2025 Day 2 with a set that felt both intimate and expansive. His vocals layered in melodic harmonies filled the festival as people trickled in, creating a calm but engaging energy. The slide guitar and harmonica paired beautifully with his voice, adding richness and depth that pulled the crowd closer.

What stood out most was the vulnerability of his delivery. Nicol’s performance was less about spectacle and more about connection. Each song felt like a conversation, easing the crowd into the night with honesty and grace. It was a welcome and grounding introduction to the energy that was still to come.

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Junkhouse Brings Grit and Soul

Hamilton’s own Junkhouse stormed the stage with their gritty southern Ontario sound, instantly pulling the audience into their orbit. Frontman Tom Wilson’s rugged voice carried a wealth of stories, each song landing like a piece of lived history. Between numbers, his easy humor and thoughtful banter turned the crowd into old friends, sharing laughs and nods of recognition.

The blues-rock backbone of their set was undeniable, with the keys driving song after song into a soulful groove. Each performance felt raw yet warm, proving once again that Junkhouse shines brightest in front of a live audience. They left the stage not just as performers but as storytellers whose music thrives when shared in the moment.

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Amble Charms With Celtic Fire

Making their Canadian festival debut, Irish trio Amble were greeted by cheers that grew louder with each passing song. Their mix of Celtic instruments and soaring harmonies created a sound both intimate and grand, transporting the audience beyond the festival grounds. Each banjo solo brought bursts of excitement, while the layered vocals turned every chorus into a communal experience.

Their passion was undeniable. Just two and a half years after leaving their day jobs to form the band, Amble played like seasoned veterans, weaving stories and sharing laughter between songs. By the end of their set, they had firmly established themselves as one of the most talked-about discoveries of the night.

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Indigo Girls Spark Full-Voice Sing-Alongs

From the moment Emily Saliers and Amy Ray stepped onto the stage, the Indigo Girls lit up Cityfolk with effortless charm. Their set flowed from gentle acoustic numbers to electrifying rock moments, giving the crowd everything they had hoped for and more. With decades of experience, they carried an ease and confidence that immediately drew festivalgoers rushing closer.

Each song became an anthem as the audience sang in full voice. The Indigo Girls reminded everyone why they remain beloved worldwide, blending artistry with authenticity. It was a performance that felt both timeless and urgent, leaving the crowd buzzing long after the final chord.

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Rum Ragged Unleashes East Coast Energy

Newfoundland’s Rum Ragged stormed into the spotlight with fiddles, accordion, and sheer joy in every note. Without a drummer, the trio relied on their instruments and voices to drive the rhythm, and the crowd eagerly clapped and stomped along. Their set felt like an authentic kitchen party transported to the festival grounds.

The mix of tradition and modern flair gave their music a spark that electrified the night. By the end, Rum Ragged had turned the stage into a celebration of East Coast spirit, leaving the audience breathless and exhilarated as they cheered for more.

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Melissa Etheridge Closes With Soul and Fire

Melissa Etheridge stepped onto the stage like an old friend, her warmth immediately felt across the crowd. She had just helped the Indigo Girls close their set before diving into her own, offering a seamless continuation of the night’s energy. Her guitar solos soared, her voice roared with power, and her presence was magnetic.

Her set was part reflection, part rock-and-roll firestorm. Sharing stories of her musical journey, Etheridge invited the audience into her world while giving them beloved hits to sing along to. When she teased her upcoming album Rise, fans erupted in excitement, knowing they were witnessing not just a legend but an artist still writing her story.

Cityfolk 2025 Day 2 Wraps in Harmony

Cityfolk 2025 Day 2 was a night of connection, energy, and community. From the quiet reflections of Alex Nicol to the East Coast fire of Rum Ragged and the legendary presence of Melissa Etheridge, the evening offered something unforgettable for everyone.

The festival proved once again that Cityfolk is more than just a stage. It is a place where voices rise together, stories are shared through music, and every fan leaves feeling like part of a larger family. Cityfolk 2025 Day 2 will be remembered not just for the songs but for the spirit it brought alive.

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