The Emerging Artist Showcase contest returns to Boots & Hearts 2018, presented by Chevrolet and featuring seven up-and-coming country artists ready to make their mark.
In past years we've seen talent like Tebey, Tim Hicks, The Reklaws, Trinity Bradshaw, Johnson Crook, James Barker Band, Vanessa Marie Carter, and Jade Eagleson take the stage in the competition. And this year, Brad James, Cry James Mitchell, Dustin Bird, Julia Vos, Karli June, Nate Hall, and Kris Barclay will add their names to that list.
The opening rounds of the 2018 Emerging Artist Showcase will take place on Thursday, August 9 - kicking off the four-day country music festival at Burl's Creek Event Grounds. The showcase starts at 4:30 pm, and we encourage everyone headed to the festival on Thursday to get through the gates and to the stage to see these artists perform.
In past years artists have typically played one original song and one cover for the fans and judges. The two-song set may be short, but these artists know what's on the line, and we promise that you're going to see energy, enthusiasm and a whole lot of fun up on the stage.
The winner of this year's Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase will collect a grand prize that includes...
🏆 A chance to play the main stage, opening for Brett Young on Sunday at B&H 2018
🏆 A single release with Warner Music Canada
🏆 The opportunity to perform at Boots & Hearts events throughout the year
🏆 A trip to Nashville that includes
✈️ Flights
🏨 Hotels
🎵 Professional songwriting session
📸 Professional photoshoot
💵 $500 spending cash
To get everyone ready for the showcase, we've got some information about each of the finalists, including links to their websites and social channels so you can check them out before you see them play.
Check them all out (in alphabetical order) and leave a comment telling us if you have seen any of these emerging country artists play before, and who your favourite is going into the festival!
Boots & Hearts 2018 Emerging Artist Showcase Finalists
Kris Barclay
Dustin Bird
Nate Hall
Hometown: Waterloo, ON
Notes: Hall is a hungry young singer-songwriter, putting in work to get where he wants to be. He lists Kira Isabella as a collaborator.
Facebook: /officialnatehall
Instagram: @officialnatehall
Twitter: @natehallmusic
Brad James
Karli June
Cory James Mitchell
Julia Vos
Hometown: Edmonton, AB
Notes: Vos enters the contest as the only non-Ontarian, looking to show what Alberta brings to the party. The Sheridan University student recently sang the national anthems at Rogers Centre before the Blue Jays vs. Twins game.
Facebook: /juliavosmusic
Instagram: @juliavos
Twitter: @JuliaVos
