CityFolk’s parallel event, Marvest, showcases free music — over 60 local artists — on Bank Street in the Glebe between Sept. 16 and 17. The capital’s music scene often goes unsung in the rest of the country, so we count down the 10 cant-miss local artists performing at Marvest in 2016:

1. Future States

Watch this spellbinding Montreal-Ottawa act at CityFolk at the Clocktower Brew Pub Glebe on Friday, Sept. 16 from 9-9:45 p.m.

2. Average Times

Their upbeat brand of garage punk is far from average. See them at Clocktower Brew Pub Glebe on Friday, Sept. 16 from 10:15–11 p.m.

3. St. Stephens

Holy smokes! St. Stephens is an Ottawa-Chelsea band that delivers a classic rock sound with a modern twist. AUX-TV described them as “a whiskey soaked mix of Sloan, Iron and Wine, and The Mescaleros.” They play Irene’s Pub on Friday, Sept. 16, 11:30 p.m. – 12:15 a.m.

4. Old Man Grant
Old Man Grant is a multi-­instrumental trio that produces a timeless mix of blues, bluegrass and folk. They’ll enchant with their three-part harmony, daring you not to dance. They play the BMO Stage Friday, but you can also catch them for free at Irene’s Pub on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10:30–11:15 p.m.

5. Pony Girl

They may be the city’s best-kept secret. Their unique, compelling brand of pop rock is turning heads. One day you’ll be saying “I saw them when they were only…” at Wild Oat on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 3:30–4:15 p.m.

6. Saint Clare
Another musical miracle, driven by energetic front-man Matthew Saint Clare and the a rousing horn section. Clocktower Brew Pub Glebe, Saturday Sept. 17, 11:15 p.m. – 2 a.m.

7. Julie Corrigan

This Ottawa Valley singer-songwriter blends pop, roots, country and soul. She just released her first full length album The Language. See if she speaks yours at 757 Bank Street on Friday Sept. 16 from 9–9:45 p.m.

8. William Lamoureux

The 20-year-old violin virtuoso from Gatineau performs at FarmTeam Cookhouse Friday, Sept. 16 from 8:20–9:05 p.m.

9. The Rifle & The Writer

This country duo from nearby Brockville puts New County to shame. The brother-sister duo is influenced by real, legendary country – not modern pop pretending to be country. See them Saturday, Sept. 17, from 1:45–2:15 p.m. at Metro Music or, on the same afternoon, at FarmTeam Cookhouse from 3:25–3:55 p.m.

10. Dear Blackwolf

Their name sounds like a classic fairy tale, but this high-charged blues rock duo pays homage to the musical classics. Hear them at The Unrefined Olive Friday, Sept. 16, from 10:45–11:30 p.m.