The 2018 Boots and Hearts Music Festival got a whole lot bigger with the announcement of 32 new names to this summer's lineup.
This is a big announcement, and one we've been waiting for since mid-November when headliners Florida Georgia Line, Alan Jackson, and Thomas Rhett were announced along with supporting acts Dallas Smith, Brett Young, and Billy Currington.
Note: It's important to remember that taste in music is subjective. So, if you are a country music fan that doesn't particularly care for one or more of the artists on the 2018 Boots & Hearts lineup, that's okay. It's also okay for you not to trash those artists or the people who like them. We can all get along just fine and love the music we love.
This announcement brings the total number of artists scheduled to play at Boots & Hearts to 38 (including 2017 Emerging Artist Showcase winner, Jade Eagleson). That might leave room for a few more names to be added as we get closer to August, but likely in the form of newer, lesser known artists.
What we do know and can say is that there are a bunch of very talented artists included in this announcement, and we know that they are going to put on good shows this summer.
With that said, here are some of the highlights on the list for us...
Female Representation!
Lindsay Ell, Meghan Patrick, Madeline Merlo, Kira Isabella, Maggie Rose, Runaway June, Natasha Zimbaro, Genevieve Fisher, Sacha, Kelsi Mayne, and Emma Wright make up just under 30% of the overall lineup. And while that number will hopefully continue to grow as we move toward a 50% mark, we're very happy to see these names on the lineup.
Meghan Patrick, Lindsay Ell, and Madeline Merlo were all nominated for the 2017 CCMA Female Artist of the Year award, with Patrick picking up the win. Kira Isabella is a long time favourite, and the emerging talent that makes up the remainder of this list is great to see.
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Midland is Back!
One of 2017's biggest breakout acts in country music are back to play Boots & Hearts for a second consecutive year. Last summer we watched them with a packed crowd on the side stage as they essentially introduced themselves to country music fans. This year, we expect a bigger, longer, louder, and more hyped set from Mark, Cameron, and Jess come back.
On The Rocks was one of our favourite country albums of last year, and the potential of new music to add to those 13 songs has us buzzing.
Canadian Talent!
Boots & Hearts has a strong history of supporting and booking Canadian artists at the festival, and that continues in 2018. With the addition of James Barker Band, The Washboard Union, Jason Blaine, Aaron Goodvin, River Town Saints, Bobby Wills, the women we mentioned earlier, and more, this is truly a Canadian country music festival.
We look forward to seeing the Canadian country fans supporting artists that they've been invested in since the earliest moments of their careers.
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Emerging Artists!
Another commitment over the years at the festival has been to emerging artists in country music. 2018 will bring acts like Sacha, Devin Dawson, Kelse Mayne, The Redhill Valleys, Jade Eagleson, and more.
Get ready to see some of these acts on stage, and don't be surprised if you find yourself cheering for a new favourite.
Now, have a look at the full Boots & Hearts 2018 lineup and leave a comment telling us who you are excited to see!
2018 Boots & Hearts Lineup
🎤 Florida Georgia Line
🎤 Alan Jackson
🎤 Thomas Rhett
🎤 Dallas Smith
🎤 Brett Young
🎤 Billy Currington
🎤 Midland *New Addition*
🎤 LOCASH *New Addition*
🎤 James Barker Band *New Addition*
🎤 The Washboard Union *New Addition*
🎤 Lindsay Ell *New Addition*
🎤 Russel Dickerson *New Addition*
🎤 Blackjack Billy *New Addition*
🎤 Meghan Patrick *New Addition*
🎤 Walker Hayes *New Addition*
🎤 Madeline Merlo *New Addition*
🎤 Jason Blaine *New Addition*
🎤 Aaron Goodvin *New Addition*
🎤 River Town Saints *New Addition*
🎤 Kira Isabella *New Addition*
🎤 Bobby Wills *New Addition*
🎤 Maggie Rose *New Addition*
🎤 Runaway June *New Addition*
🎤 Chris Buck Band *New Addition*
🎤 Petric *New Addition*
🎤 Jimmie Allen *New Addition*
🎤 Sons Of Daughters *New Addition*
🎤 Ryan Robinette *New Addition*
🎤 Devin Dawson *New Addition*
🎤 Natasha Zimbara *New Addition*
🎤 Genevieve Fisher *New Addition*
🎤 Sacha *New Addition*
🎤 The Red Hill Valleys *New Addition*
🎤 Cole Malone *New Addition*
🎤 Kelsi Mayne *New Addition*
🎤 Emma Wright *New Addition*
🎤 The Wheat Kings *New Addition*
🎤 Jade Eagleson *2017 Chevy Emerging Artist Showcase Winner*