Well, it’s just as the headline says it was.  Last night was one hell of Kickoff Party for Boots & Hearts at their new home in Oro-Medonte.

Day 1 is in the books and have to say it was a rockin’ party from start to finish.   With the Reklaws kicking the night off it fine form.  And it kind of just steam rolled from there.   We didn’t get any pics of duo due to being stuck in a session with the boys from Blackjack Billy for our next instalment of The Mason Jar Sessions.   I can say we caught the tail end of the Reklaws set and are always impressed with these two.  I have to say I was more impressed in how the band had matured over the last 12 months and really hope to hear great things from them in the coming months.

Next up, one of our favorites (I think I can speak for all of us at SCE) MDM Recording artist Jess Moskaluke.  Jess is a true Canadian treasure at such a young age.  With a fantastic onstage presence that grows with each performance I have to say Jess rocked the stage hard last night.   For those of you that were at Boots last year you’ll recall that Jess had to cut her set short so I think last night was kind of payback for last year.  Jess really knows how to get the crowd movin’ and with a smile on her face tonight I am pretty sure she was having a good time.

Jess Moskaluke - Boots & Hearts 2015 - Photo: Corey Kelly

Jess Moskaluke – Boots & Hearts 2015 – Photo: Corey Kelly

Jess Moskaluke @ Boots and Hearts 2015 - Photo: Corey Kelly

Jess Moskaluke @ Boots and Hearts 2015 – Photo: Corey Kelly

And following the lovely Jess Moskaluke was a group making their Canadian debut and we had a chance to sit down and chat with earlier in the day all the way from Nashville, Tennessee Old Dominion.   As I had predicted earlier this week that the boys may have put on one of the best sets of the weekend.  After they got through the Mic issue of course.  With 2 hit singles under their belt and having written so many other great songs for other artists the set was full of great tunes.   Watch for our video interview coming soon.

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It didn’t stop there.  Up next might be the best “Party” band on the face of the earth.   Sorry folks but the set that Noll, Brad, Jeff & Rob put out last night may likely go down in the books as one of the best performances at Boots & Hearts in the last 3 years.  Blackjack Billy hit the stage cranked it to 10 and well, did it again and again.  Unreal how these guys really know how to get the crowd pumpin’ .  With a awesome rendition of Crazy Bitch by Buck Cherry to the current single Why God Made Summer Time the boys brought the shed down.  Oh and with a little help with some Tim Hicks tracks really started to please the crowd.

Jeff Coplan of Blackjack Billy  lookin' for a big hug from the crowd at Boots & Hearts 2015 - Photo: Corey Kelly

Jeff Coplan of Blackjack Billy lookin’ for a big hug from the crowd at Boots & Hearts 2015 – Photo: Corey Kelly

Jeff & Rob Bringing the party to Boots & Hearts 2015 - Photo: Corey Kelly

Jeff & Rob Bringing the party to Boots & Hearts 2015 – Photo: Corey Kelly

Noll Billing of Blackjack Billy Photo: Corey Kelly

Noll Billings of Blackjack Billy Photo: Corey Kelly

And of course the all-star band from, well, “Everywhere” The Road Hammers rolled up on stage to Wheels and they didn’t look back.   It was such a good time.   After seeing the guys for the 5th time in the last Month I just knew what they were all about.  I love chatting about any thing of interest.

The Road Hammers - Boots & Hearts 2015 - Photo: Corey Kelly

The Road Hammers – Boots & Hearts 2015 – Photo: Corey Kelly

The Road Hammers - Boots & Hearts 2015 - Photo: Corey Kelly

The Road Hammers – Boots & Hearts 2015 – Photo: Corey Kelly

 

So that’s the shake down on Day #1.  Lots of great music, and lots of great new friends.  Huge thanks to Laura and all the staff at Boots for making Day #1 a blast!  Here are some random shots from Day #1

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Fan Selfies in the pit with the Reklaws - Photo: Corey Kelly

Fan Selfies in the pit with the Reklaws – Photo: Corey Kelly

 

Love Birds @ Boots & Hearts - Photo: Corey Kelly

Love Birds @ Boots & Hearts – Photo: Corey Kelly

Best Friends hittin' up front row for the Kick Off Party - Photo: Corey Kelly

Best Friends hittin’ up front row for the Kick Off Party – Photo: Corey Kelly

Old Dominion On Stage Crowd Grows @ Boots & Hearts 2015 - Photo: Corey Kelly

Old Dominion On Stage Crowd Grows @ Boots & Hearts 2015 – Photo: Corey Kelly

Front Row Friends @ Boots & Hearts 2015 - Photo: Corey Kelly

Front Row Friends @ Boots & Hearts 2015 – Photo: Corey Kelly

Girls doin' the selfie thing @ Boots & Hearts 2015 - Photo: Corey Kelly

Girls doin’ the selfie thing @ Boots & Hearts 2015 – Photo: Corey Kelly

More Love @ Boots & Hearts 2015 - Photo: Corey Kelly

More Love @ Boots & Hearts 2015 – Photo: Corey Kelly

Looks Like Shelburne wants the Road Hammers to stop buy for the Coors Banquet Contest - Photo: Corey Kelly

Looks Like Shelburne wants the Road Hammers to stop buy for the Coors Banquet Contest – Photo: Corey Kelly