Awesome, Bobby Wills, Boots and Hearts, Brett Kissel, Chris Stapleton, country music, Dallas Smith, Darius Rucker, Doc Walker, Endless Summer, James Barker Band, Jessica Mitchell, Johnson Crook, Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Runaway Angel, Shae Dupuy, Terri Clark Entertainment, Music
We're just under 9 months away from Boots & Hearts 2017 at Burl's Creek in Oro, ON - but it really doesn't feel like that long at all!
In fact, we've already been thinking about B&H a lot, and while we can't give you many details yet, we can tell you that we're going to have some very, very exciting things coming up between now and festival season next year.
But for now we want to talk about the potential lineup for the 6th annual country music extravaganza... we don't have any info that you don't have. We haven't talked to the Republic Live team for any tips or rumours. But I have come up with a list of 10 country artists that I think have a legit chance to play at Boots & Hearts next August.
This isn't an old fashioned wish list, which is why you won't see names like Garth Brooks, Shania, Reba, or Brooks & Dunn... although it would be really cool if any of those artists headlined. This list is made up of talent that we've either seen in the past and believe are a good fit for a return next year, or that we haven't seen yet, and have a good reason to play such a sweet gig.
This wasn't an easy list of 10 to make, which is why there are a few names at the bottom that could also be at B&H in 2017. And, I want you list too, so leave a comment!
Doc WalkerIn no particular order, here we go...
Bobby WillsWith the release of Echo Road (their greatest hits record) and an upcoming album of new music in March 2017, Doc Walker are the perfect fit for B&H 2017. Whether they play the main stage, or the front porch, there's no doubt that their collection of hits, and whatever new tunes they release will make for an entertaining set.
We've seen Bobby play some stages over the last few years, and we know that he has what it takes to pull a crowd in, have them singing along, and enjoying the party.
In 2015 LBT had to pull out of the Boots & Hearts lineup... and we're still waiting for them to come back and give us a show that we'll be talking about long after they leave the stage.
Maren MorrisWe've seen them before and we can't wait to see them again. Hopefully up on the main stage in front of 40,000 people.
We haven't seen Morris live, but I have a feeling that a few thousand of our best friends singing along to My Church could be a highlight of the weekend.
Love Me Like You Mean It, Dibs, and Peter Pan have been a strong start to Ballerini's career. And after her performance at the 2016 Canadian Country Music Awards (where Boots & Hearts won for Country Festival, Fair or Exhibition of the Year) we know that a Canuck crowd can get behind she when she sings.
James Barker BandWith another single sure to come soon, there's no doubting Kelsi's talent or popularity, or that she belongs at B&H 2017.
Chris Stapleton
I know from talking to executive members of the Republic Live team that Chris Stapleton is just as adored internally as he is by the rest of the world. And after the success of Traveller, it's impossible to think that the Boots & Hearts crowd wouldn't go wild for the country crooner.
Brett KisselStapleton played the main stage in 2014 - and he'd be welcome to do it again in 2017 we're sure!
In 2017, after winning the Fans' Choice, Male Artist, and Interactive Artist of the Year awards at the CCMA's this year, we know that thousands (tens of thousands) of Canadian country fans would be okay with the chance to sing along to Started With A Song, Airwaves, Come Pick Me Up, and 3, 2, 1. Bring it on Brett!
The first time we saw Runaway Angel they were on the Boots & Hearts stage in the Emerging Artist Showcase. And now, after having seen them grow and become more and more entertaining - we're ready to see them back on the B&H stage.
Jessica MitchellTake a listen to No End In Sight (the debut album from Runaway Angel), close your eyes and imagine the songs coming from the stage.
After opening for Kiefer Sutherland on his 2016 tour, playing a short set of her own on the Sirius XM stage at #BH5, and taking the stage as a special guest with Lindsay Ell, we know that Jessica is ready for an full sized audience of her own at Boots & Hearts in 2017.
Coming into the sixth year of the festival, it makes sense to try and lock up this guitar wizard for a headlining slot. If you've been at any other Boots & Hearts festival over the years you can expect the exact same kind of pandemonium for this set. Plus, there's Ripcord (March 2016) to sing along to!
Also on my list, but just outside the top 10...
Darius Rucker, Lady Antebellum, Dallas Smith, Shae Dupuy, Terri Clark, Endless Summer, and Johnson Crook.
Who do you think we'll see at Boots & Hearts 2017? Leave a comment telling us and we might just have some swag to send our favourite answers!
