Doylefest 2025: Three Days of Music, Culture, and Connection

Article and Photos by Andreea the Narrative

Doylefest 2025 had an absolute banger of a lineup that pleased even the most difficult to impress. Familiar favourites and exciting newcomers alike made for a diversely delicious time. In the spirit of growth—and celebrating the festival’s first year of its second decade—Doylefest added a cultural tent focused on reconciliation and education about Indigenous traditions.

Overall, the lineup for DF2025 showcased diversity, inclusion, and progress. The range of genres was impressive: everything from bluegrass to hip hop found its place on the bill. The sets were memorable and filled with high notes.

Some of the most memorable moments that warmed this cold, dead vampiric heart on Day One included:

• Michelle Lee Klassen bringing her son on stage to accompany her on cajón drum,

• Jordan Perry’s solo project set (Perry is mainly known as a session player for recording and drums, and for his work with Beau Nectar, who won SMA Pop Artist of the Year), and

• Familiar favourites Oscar’s Hollow rocking the main stage.

After that, Cupid’s Heart opened up the after-hours sessions at the Cabaret, followed by Ray the Nihilist, and finally The Steadies, who shut down the first night and got everyone dancing.

After a rather frigid, mostly awake “sleep” period spent shivering and wandering the park in a directionally impaired search for my campsite—which was not set up to my usual vampiric standards—I finally found it. After what felt like an eternity, a dark meditation (i.e. a few hours of sleep) took place. The blinding presence of sunlight heralded a jam-packed Day Two.

Day Two had many highs. Two stages were running simultaneously—the Main Stage and the newly added Bridge Stage. The Bridge Stage brought a more chill vibe with zero amplification and an intimate feeling. Some Bridge Stage highlights included Tubman Junction, Blackstrap Mountaineers, Jeremy and his Kazoo, Rob Nottenboom, and The Ukuleladies.

The Main Stage featured familiar favourites and some exciting newcomers. Zhe the Free w/ Big Tones absolutely brought the energy. Raven Reid delivered an introspective and honest set, delving into important topics like reconciliation, the impacts of the Sixties Scoop, and the Government of Canada’s treatment of Indigenous peoples. Around this time, a panel discussion and reconciliation workshop took place. Holding space for Indigenous voices, storytelling, and culture is vital for understanding the past and preventing harmful cycles from repeating.

Jasim & UG performed a set true to their Pakistani roots, entirely in Pakistani. One might classify their style as Pakistani Folk Popcore - complex melodies with a moderately fast tempo. They’re definitely a duo to watch in the future.

It wouldn’t be Doylefest without the woman of the hour hopping on stage: Eliza Mary Doyle, performing with her on-again, off-again early 2000s band Heartstrings. The set itself was an absolute banger—nostalgic for a pre-internet era before smartphones and streaming services. Closing out the Main Stage Saturday night were Former Lovers, with frontperson LJ Tyson rocking a “Hello Hugo Boss”-style silhouetted coat. The set was pure energy, an amuse-bouche for the senses.

The Saturday night indoor Cabaret kept the party going with Enderby, All Girl Chill, and The Fabian Minnema Band. Holy hell, it was a blast—so much after-hours fun that time flew by.

Following the Cabaret, a super-duper after-hours fire jam took place—unofficial and more of a vampiric exclusive. There were only a handful of people, plus one vampire. Notables in attendance included members of Blackstrap Mountaineers, Lachlan Neville, Ellen Froese, and Andreea the Narrative. This special jam session went well into the cold-as-fuck early morning.

Sunday Funday, the final day of Doylefest 2025, featured Mitch Dureault, fiddler and all-around amazing musician, plus Jackie K with bassist Tom Korczynski. A super special surprise set with Ellen Froese and Lachlan Neville playing as a duo was a once-in-a-mortal-lifetime experience—an absolute treat!

And of course, Doylefest wouldn’t be complete without its traditional closer: the Modeste McKenzie & Ashla Michel Jigging Workshop & Performance, emphasizing the festival’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation.

All in all, Doylefest 2025 was a good time—an experience that will last a mortal lifetime or two.