Well day #3 is in the books for Boots and Hearts.
Another AMAZING Day of music, interviews and meeting new friends. I have to say the people who come to Boots and Hearts are pretty special people. With over 40,000 people in attendance I have to hand it to Republic Live this experience in the new digs has been unbelievable. From the fantastic lay of the land to the killer line up they have put together its just been an experience that any country music lover should take in.
Now for the music yesterday things were hoppin' Lets start with the Emerging Artists showcase. This is something in previous years we have covered in detail but we missed the boat this year having a chance to interview all the contestants but I know we did get a couple posted to the site before the big competition started. And a competition it was. With 8 artists vying for that opening slot for Thomas Rhett on Sunday night all 8 brought the best they had and it was damn good. However only 2 finalists could be named. With a solid performance Eric Etheridge of Sarnia Ontario was the first to make the cut. Followed by Lindsay Ontario farm boy James Barker Band who actually lead the original voting leading up to the event. They will announce the winner early this afternoon to find out who has that opening spot.
Next up we headed over to the main stage to catch our good friend and MDM Recording artist Chad Brownlee. And boy did the crowd love Chad. From the opening song to his final song in the set the crowd just swelled. Knowing Chad and the smile he had on his face we are pretty sure he had a fantastic time up on stage yesterday.
Next up was Missouri native David Nail. Now I didn't get to see David's entire set because I had to rush back to interview The Stella's along with Lennon & Maisy. He was a little slow from the start with a pretty small crowd. To David's defence it's tough audience when one of Canada's top performers (Chad Brownlee) is performing on the Main Stage at the same time as your set.
Next up... DALLAS SMITH! I had a chance earlier in the day to sit down and chat with Dallas and as usual it's not really an interview. It was more just catching up. I will have that interview (Video) posted hopefully early this week. Dallas Smith has that IT factor. He steps on stage and he seems to kick it up a notch. I have been a Dallas Smith fan for years and to see him play a crowd this large was just awesome. The energy from the crowd was contagious to the guys on stage you could tell this was a party for them.
Then we get to the headliner. Eric "Fu#kin" Church. And yes Eric is my Country Music Jesus with out a doubt. Opening the set with Cold One and then what seems like every hit he has followed. I honestly don't know what to say. It was a life experience to see Chief perform in front of so many fellow Canadians.
And we did a little venturing as well into the campgrounds this weekend and found some pretty excited people. This is the #BootsLife these folks know how to have a good time!
Last Day... Man I can't wait for Trinity Bradshaw, Thomas Rhett & Florida Georgia Line rock the stage today!
Thanks to Ray Williams for helping with some of the fan shots! So many people asking for pictures!
Corey Kelly / @CoreyKelly76
Well if your reading this you must really be bored... So I was born and raised in a small town and have a thirst for good Canadian Whiskey and amazing Country Music.