City Folk Night 1: Alabama Shakes, Steph Strings, & BLAKDENIM
The beloved City Folk Festival in the nation’s capital, kicked off the first of five nights on Thursday September 16, 2026.
Excitement was in the air. Maybe it was the new location of the festival, at the RA Center Grounds, or maybe it was the amazing weather that is rare to experience on a mid September evening. I like to think it was these two factors, plus an additional element. The opening night of City Folk had a line up that was important. The variety of acts and the commonality of a love for music across all genres, cultures, and generations, is one of the reasons City Folk sets itself apart from any festival. Night One coverage for this review will be on the Main Stage, titled TD Stage. Check out my Night One coverage for the Westside Stage, the next post, for more on there. You don’t want to miss it, what an incredible string of performances that was!
BLAKDENIM performer Freddy Creole on the TD Stage at City Folk, Ottawa.
Back to the TD Stage, we had Ottawa locals BLAKDENIM performing the very first show of the festival, on the main stage, at the new RA Center location. BLAKDENIM, a hip-hop group with an incredible connection. The connection to the early birds who made sure to secure themselves a spot on the grounds but also with one another. The musical connection the band had between one another was clear as day. From Robbie’s guitar solos to the angelic harmonies of Crystalena, Andrew’s Trumpet playing skills in between keys, to Freddy Creole’s impressive rapping. Along with some sax, keyboards, trumpets, and bass, the band was tight. They found their groove from the jump and were an absolute treat to be a part of the musical magic they were creating on stage, as an audience member. A local Ottawa group playing on the main stage to open up this beloved Ottawa Festival, wow, well done. In my mind, there could be no better way to kick off the evening.
Up next was Steph Strings. A fantastic guitarist who traveled across the globe to be here with the fans at City Folk. The Australian guitarist showed us how she got the name “Steph Strings’ with a powerful, energetic, and complex instrumental piece. I even found myself with my jaw open, almost on the floor, and had to stop for a moment in the pit while photographing, to fully appreciate what I was witnessing. Strings went on to share her experiences with traveling, music, and even invited the audience to sing along with her. Not only can she rock a guitar, her vocals and lyrics shone in their own right. Just one woman and her guitar on a big stage may seem like a tall task but Strings made us all feel like we were in a small room together, jamming out, beside a really super talented friend who just pulled up to the gathering with a guitar. And that, if you ask me, is a talent all in itself. It was a pleasure seeing an incredibly talented guitarist representing fellow female musicians all over the world, on stage in the nation’s capital.
Last but certainly not least, we arrive at our headliner for opening night of the festival. Alabama Shakes. A band from south of the border with the most, and I repeat the most, profound sound.
I’ve personally been a fan of the band since their breakout album ‘Sound and Color’. The band had over 10 years worth of material to give eager listeners. With the field packed all the way to the fences at the borders of the event, they gave us everything they had, and then some. ‘Future People’, ‘This Feeling, ‘Tea Time, ‘Dunes, ‘Hold On’, and even the iconic ‘Always Alright’.
Lead singer Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes on the TD Stage. City Folk, Ottawa, Night One.
Lead singer Brittany Howard came out as a force. A constellation of stars shining so bright and illuminating everyone within her reach. Seeing her come on stage, with the whole group behind her ready to rock, was breathtaking. It has been a while since I remember being at a show with such stage presence, such conviction, such meaning. Howard was born to perform, born to share, and born to connect people from all walks of life. Something I must share as it was truly a part of the larger experience, the stage looked like a slice of heaven. With clouds, beautiful textures, curtains and beautiful lighting.
A mention to the political climate south of the border within the first handful of songs made it clear. Her message was along the lines of music bringing people together, and people needing each other. Thoughtfully transitioning into the next song which was titled ‘I Feel Hope Coming’.
Ending where we began, connection.
What an incredible way to end the very first night of City Folk. Connecting people with the same commonality, the love for and importance of live music to bring people together. The impeccable lighting and set design needs to be mentioned.
Alabama Shakes truly gave us a show through all of our senses.
September 16 2026