Whether you look at August as the turning point where summer begins it’s descent into fall August to us is a month that we look forward to every year because, of course, August is the month of one of our favourite country music festivals…Boots and Hearts. Yesterday a threat of rain passed and left in it’s wake conditions that would rival the talent on stage at the festival, HOT!

The Cory James Mitchell Band performing at Boots and Hearts 2018 in Oro Medonte @ Burl’s Creek. Photo: CJ

The Emerging Artist competition kicked things off where Corey James Mitchell and Kris Barclay came out as the top two finalists. The winner of the competition will be announced on Sunday afternoon and the winner will take to the stage ahead of Brett Young as well as get a single release through our friends at Warner Music Canada.

Jade Eagleson performing at Boots and Hearts 2018 in Oro Medonte @ Burl’s Creek. Photo: CJ

The kick-off party continued on the Front Porch stage, which has moved back to it’s old stomping ground at the south end of the grounds, where 2017 Emerging Artist winner, Jade Eagleson, kicked things off with the first official performance of the weekend.

Devin Dawson performing at Boots and Hearts 2018 in Oro Medonte @ Burl’s Creek. Photo: CJ

Following Jade was rising Warner Music recording artist, Devin Dawson, in his Canadian debut. Best known for his breakout smash hits “All on Me” and “Asking for A Friend” from his breakout album “Dark Horse”.

Blackjack Billy performing at Boots and Hearts 2018 in Oro Medonte @ Burl’s Creek. Photo: CJ

Blackjack Billy are no strangers to the Canadian country music scene. One could even say they are honorary members thanks to their collaborations with Canadian artists like Tim Hicks, The Road Hammers and most recently Madeline Merlo. It helps that founding member Jeff Coplan grew up in Montreal before relocating to Nashville. In 2017 BJB released their EP Show Out which featured the fun, upbeat new single titled “How to Get the Girl” featuring Madeline Merlo. The single showcases the powerful vocals of both BJB lead vocalist Noll Billings and Merlo, while playfully breaking down the right way to ‘read the signs’ and win over a girl in up-tempo, high-energy Blackjack Billy style. If you’ve never seen BJB perform live you’re always in for a treat and last night at Boots and Hearts was no different!

Locash performing at Boots and Hearts 2018 in Oro Medonte @ Burl’s Creek. Photo: CJ

Following Blackjack Billy was Locash. These guys should be no stranger to our readers, formerly known as the Locash Cowboys they’ve made quite the impact on the music scene since we were first introduced to them about 10 years ago. 2017 saw the band net 3 major award nominations (New Vocal Group or Duo at ACM Awards, Duo Video of the Year at CMT Awards for “I Know Somebody” and Vocal Duo of the Year at the CMA Awards). Last night Locash dropped their newest single “Feels Like A Party” while on stage be sure to go and get it on iTunes now!

That’s a wrap for the kick off party for 2018, 3 nights to go and they’re fully loaded with music and entertainment that will keep the party going well into the night!

For a full schedule visit www.bootsandhearts.com