Boots and Hearts kicks off for 2024

Previous winners included Tebey, The Reklaws, Shantaia, James Barker Band and more.

The 8 finalists were each given an opportunity to perform on the Front Porch stage with judges watching their every move. In the end Sarah Vanderzon and Blue Ridge Band were chosen as the top 2 finalists; for the first time ever both finalists are from Quebec which is testament to the growing popularity of country music in that province. On Sunday afternoon these two artists will perform on the main stage with the winner being selected shortly thereafter. The winner will also have the opportunity to release a single with Universal Music Canada and perform at the 2025 Boots and Hearts Kick-Off Party.

Lonestar took to the Boots and Hearts Front Porch stage for the kickoff party and the crowd just kept growing throughout their whole set playing hits like “I’m Already There” “No News” “Mr. Mom” and “Front Porch Looking In.” Halfway through the set they did a cover of “Walking In Memphis” and of course they closed out with everyone’s favorite and I’m sure a few couples wedding song “Amazed.” The band sounded great for the whole hour they played and for my 1st time seeing them live I was very impressed with the bands performance.

Once the sun had set and a brief sprinkle of rain that broke the humidity perfectly it was time for Midland to take the stage. Jess, Cameron and Mark made the long trip from Austin, Texas all the way to the Boots and Hearts stage to Headline the kickoff party and had the crowd dancing and singing along from the first song all the way to the final song. They played all the fan favorites like “Burn Out” and “Drinkin’ Problem” and also gave the crowd a preview of their next single Titled “Vegas” which is an ode to sin city. It will be on their upcoming album called Barely Blue which will come out on September 20th. Midland joked near the end of the set that they’d play Friday, Saturday and Sunday then looked towards side stage and said hell maybe we could be like the house band or something and we’ll even pitch a tent and drink with you guys all weekend. By the time the set was over the Boots crowd was already hoping and wishing Midland will have some more Canadian dates in the near future.