Nothing ORDINARY about CityFolk on Night 1

There’s something about September in Ottawa that just feels right for live music. No blazing summer sun, no sweaty festival chaos—just that perfect early fall vibe.

That’s why CityFolk is hands down my favorite festival of the year. Lansdowne makes it easy with parking and restaurants right next door, and the smaller size compared to Bluesfest keeps things chill without losing the excitement. Mark Monahan and his crew also have a knack for booking acts right before they explode, and Night 1 was proof of that.

Local crooner Mia Kelly kicked things off, and honestly, her bluesy, breezy voice was the perfect way to ease into the night. She’s always a joy to see at festivals around here, and she set the tone beautifully.

Later, Tyler Shaw lit up the smaller stage. The place was packed to the point of being too packed—once someone with his popularity plays there, it gets tricky to even move. But nobody cared. People wedged themselves in, and Shaw delivered a set worth every second of the squeeze.

On the main stage, Tafari Anthony showed why he’s a rising star. His smooth R\&B-pop sound, combined with those Juno nods, gave the crowd something fresh and polished. Then Paul Russell took it up another level. His big hit “Boo Thang” had everyone moving, and when he asked the crowd to 2-step, they were all in. The energy was young, fun, and definitely leaned female—it was clear the main event was going to be huge.

And then came Alex Warren. Fresh off winning new artist at the VMAs, he stepped onto that stage like he belonged there. Knowing his backstory—losing his dad as a kid, his mom’s struggles, being forced out of his home, even living in his car—it’s impossible not to hear those experiences in his songs. That’s what makes him so authentic. Add in the fact that he’s built a massive online following (over 16 million on TikTok alone), and you can see why he’s blowing up right now.

His set was powerful, emotional, and raw in all the right ways. The crowd sang along to every word, phones in the air, tears in some eyes, and the merch tent was buzzing non-stop. When he wrapped things up with “Ordinary”, complete with his band and pyrotechnics, it felt like the perfect finale to Night 1.

CityFolk always hits different—it’s big enough to bring in stars but small enough to feel personal. The weather helps, the vibe helps, and the lineup is always on point. If last night was any indication, with Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls on deck for Night 2, we’re in for an incredible festival weekend.