The 2018 Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase, presented by Chevrolet Canada took over the Front Porch Stage to kick off the four-day country music festival on Thursday afternoon. With seven talented and excited acts ready to roll, there was no shortage of electricity in the air under the tent.
After the performances (all fantastic) by Brad James, Dustin Bird, Julia Vos, Karli June, Nate Hall, Cory James Mitchell Band, and Kris Barclay, the judges had their big job ahead of them.
The 2018 judges, Boots & Hearts co-founder Stan Dunford, Warner Music Canada Vice President Steve Coady, and 2012 Emerging Artist Showcase winner / hit songwriter / award nominated singer Tebey put their heads together. They compared their notes and came up with Kris Barclay and the Cory James Mitchell Band as the grand prize finalists headed to the main stage on Sunday.
Throughout the weekend, leading up to the big stage moment for the final two, the Chevy Silverado Stage hosted the contestants for intimate acoustic sets. Fans stopped by to get a close up look at the emerging artists and loved every minute of it.
The artists loved it too. We saw them smiling and hanging out, meeting fans and playing songs. But when it came down to it, Sunday was calling.
With past winners including Tebey, The Reklaws, James Barker Band, and 2017 winner and Got Your Name On It singer, Jade Eagleson, the Emerging Artist Showcase has given some great opportunities to some very talented country music acts.
And after two great performances by Kris Barclay and the Cory James Mitchell Band on the main stage before The Washboard Union on Sunday - the 2018 winner was crowned.
Congratulations, Kris Barclay!
Barclay, the Ajax, ON native and former junior hockey player, took home the big prize.
After a whirlwind weekend, he'll now find himself planning for a trip for Nashville, TN with flight and hotel expenses, $500 spending cash, a professional songwriting session, and a professional photo shoot.
Barclay will also have the opportunity to release a single with Warner Music Canada. And if things go well there, who knows what the future will bring.
Congrats, Kris. Go get 'em!
Kris Barclay
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Cory James Mitchell Band
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