CityFolk 2024 – Day 1

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CityFolk 2024 - Day 1

As Autumn leaves begin to paint the city in warm hues, CityFolk 2024 – Day 1 unfolds as Ottawa’s premier celebration of folk, roots, and indie tunes. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Lansdowne Park, the festival offers an unforgettable experience with an eclectic lineup featuring both international stars and local legends. The vibrant community of music lovers prepares to gather for a weekend filled with soulful melodies, eclectic performances, and shared moments of joy. From intimate acoustic sets to energetic full-band performances, CityFolk 2024 captures the spirit of the season in a melodic journey that leaves a lasting impression.

PÄTER

PÄTER - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (7)

PÄTER - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (6)

PÄTER - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (5)

PÄTER - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (4)

PÄTER - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (3)

PÄTER - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (2)

Kicking off Ottawa’s 2024 Folk Festival was none other than Toronto’s beloved alt pop-rock artist PÄTER. Blending atmospheric synths with introspective lyrics, PÄTER crafts a distinctive sounds that merges elements of indie pop, ambient and experimental genres. Their music often explores themes of personal reflection and emotional depth drawing listeners into a sonic landscape that is both haunting and evocative.

With a growing reputation for engaging live performances, PÄTER has quickly made a name for themselves in the modern music scene, captivating audiences with their unique blend of electronic textures and heartfelt melodies. Between their melodic story-driven songs evoking candid emotions to their energetic glow encapsulating all who listen – no one could have kicked the night off with a more positively creative tone.

Softcult

Softcult - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (2)

Softcult - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (10)

Softcult - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (7)

Softcult - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (6)

Softcult - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (9)

Softcult - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (1)

Softcult - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (8)

Softcult - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (5)

Next up to the stage was incredibly talented alternative indie-rock duo siblings Mercedes and Pheonix. Well known for their intricate gifting in weaving powerful and important themes (such as feminism, self-empowerment and inclusivity) into their works as well as displaying comfort with discomfort. Their debut EP, Year of the Snake, introduced their ability to merge ethereal vocals with raw driving instrumentals, earning them a reputation for both their emotive songwriting and immersive live performances.

Song after song, Softcults knack for crafting powerful anthems that address themes of self-discovery, resistance and emotional resilience ring true. As they continue to evolve and release new material, Softcult stands out as a fresh and impactful presence in alternative rock, captivating audiences with their unique blend of introspection and intensity.

Tonight’s set had the audience positively riled up, setting an energetic tone for the rest of the evening. Softcult has it all from talented musical talent and beautiful vocals to exquisite meanings woven into the thread of each song. Spirits were high after this raw and skilled display.

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley Workman - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (1)

Hawksley Workman - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (2)

Hawksley Workman - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (3)

Hawksley Workman - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (5)

Hawksley Workman - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (6)

Hawksley Workman - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (8)

Excitement only grew as Juno Award-winning Hawksley Workman took to the stage. Quickly gaining acclaim for his distinctive voice and inventive songwriting, Workman boasts an incredible style-fluid musical style, ensuring there was something for everyone in this talented display of melodic excellence.

Known for his engaging live performances and dynamic artistic vision, Workman continues to be a significant presence in the Canadian music industry, consistently pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with his creative flair.

Tonight was no different, blessing the crowd with his witty lyrics, rich melodies and playful spirit. Workman had the audience wrapped around his finger from the start to the end of his set, with people packed in shoulder to shoulder.

The Beaches

The Beaches - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (8)

The Beaches - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (9)

The Beaches - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (6)

The Beaches - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (2)

The Beaches - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (10)

The Beaches - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (7)

The Beaches - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (1)

The Beaches - City Folk Fest - Misty Meadows Photography (3)

Energy exploded as The Beaches whimsically danced onto stage. The incredible thunderous sound of thousands cheering and applauding the vibrant entrance was intense. The Beaches, an electrifying rock band hailing from Toronto, have been making waves in the music scene with their infectious blend of gritty rock and catchy pop hooks. They are best known for their high-energy performances and bold, unapologetic lyrics. The band has carved out a distinct niche with a sound that melds classic rock influences with a modern edge.

Their debut EP, The Beaches, introduced their raw talent and magnetic presence. It was their full-length albums like Late Show and The Professional that solidified their reputation as one of Canada’s most exciting rock acts. With a dynamic stage presence and a penchant for crafting anthems that resonate with youthful exuberance, The Beaches have become a force to be reckoned with in the contemporary rock landscape.

The Beaches vibrantly and cheerfully displayed their musical prowess, never forgetting to stop and engage with the crowd and crack jokes. It was an rousing set covering the themes of empowerment, personal growth, relational complexities – and of course, Blaming Brett.

As the crowd dispersed and the park returned to its tranquil state, the echoes of the festival’s magic lingered, reminding everyone of the rich tapestry of sounds and experiences that make CityFolk a cherished tradition. New melodies and memories are created each night at CityFolk 2024 – Day 1; lucky for us there are still an incredible few nights to come before the festival wraps up for the year!

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