Review by Bailey Buck, Photos by Orest Dorosh – As the sun beats down on Burl’s Creek, we’re not just reporting on Day 3 of Boots and Hearts 2025—we’re living it, breathing in the dust, the scent of spilled beer, and the sweet, sweet sound of country music that’s been rattling our very bones. Our sunburned skin may be begging for a ceasefire, and our voices are a whisper of what they once were, but our boots are still kicking, and our hearts are still pounding to the rhythm of the biggest party north of the border. We’ve seen it all, from the epic singalongs to the questionable dance moves and outfits.
KELSI MAYNE
Kelsie Mayne kicked off day three of Boots and Hearts with a powerhouse performance that set the perfect, high-energy tone for the entire day. Her commanding stage presence and deeply personal songwriting immediately captivated the early crowd, drawing them in with a mix of raw emotion and infectious charisma. Mayne’s set was a masterclass in connecting with an audience, creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and electric. Throwing in a cover of “Sex is On Fire” as well as a hip hop mashup including “Gangsta’s Paradise ” , she was abe to showcase her incredible versatility effortlessly in genre blending . By the time her final note rang out, the festival grounds were buzzing with an energy that carried through every performance that followed, making her the perfect way to kick off the show.
KARLI JUNE
Karli June’s performance on the Front Porch Stage at this year’s Boots and Hearts was a standout moment, offering a captivating and intimate experience that felt both fresh and deeply rooted in country tradition. Bathed in the late afternoon sun, June’s powerful yet soulful vocals filled the space, effortlessly connecting with the growing crowd as she shared heartfelt stories and delivered her punchy, polished tracks. Her stage presence was confident and genuine, making every song feel like a personal conversation with a friend. Bringing out special guest Justin Legacy for a duet of her song “feel like home” was a special touch to an already incredible performance. This was a performance that proved her to be not just a talented singer-songwriter, but a magnetic performer ready to make her mark on a much bigger stage.
HAILEY BENEDICT
Hailey Benedict kicked off the main stage at Boots and Hearts day 3 by delivering an energetic performance which set the tone for the day. Her instant connection with the crowd continues to demonstrate why she is considered one of country music’s most promising rising stars. Her stage presence is a perfect balance of confidence and genuine humility, captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and authentic, relatable songwriting. Through songs like “Things My Mama Says,” she connects with listeners on a deeply personal level, showcasing a storytelling ability that is both mature and heartfelt. Covered sweet child of mine
NOELINE HOFMANN
Noeline Hofmann delivered a captivating set at Boots and Hearts, cementing her status as one of country music’s most compelling new voices. Her performance was a masterclass in honest storytelling and raw emotion, with her powerful vocals effortlessly commanding the stage. The setlist, which included tracks from her debut album Purple Gas, showcased her gift for crafting songs that are both personal and universally resonant. Hofmann’s authentic connection with the audience was captivating, creating an intimate atmosphere that felt both joyous and deeply heartfelt. It was a performance that highlighted her unique ability to blend traditional honky-tonk grit with a modern, vulnerable sensibility, leaving no doubt that she is a rising star to watch.
OWEN RIEGLING
Owen Riegling’s performance was, without a doubt, one of the most energetic of the entire weekend, with his energy never wavering throughout the show. His ability to connect with the crowd was phenomenal, as he moved with an infectious energy that had the entire audience captivated. The excitement peaked when he performed a cover of “Brand New Man,” which had the entire crowd singing along. A true showman, he even stepped out onto the stage speakers to get closer to the fans, a move that sent a jolt through the crowd. It was a perfect blend of high-octane stage presence and genuine fun, making it one of the most enjoyable performances to watch and dance along to.
HIGH VALLEY
High Valley’s main stage set at Boots and Hearts was a masterclass in energetic showmanship. The duo and their band delivered a performance that was not only sonically tight but also visually engaging, with a contagious enthusiasm that spread through the crowd. Their synchronization was particularly noteworthy; the band’s polished, subtle choreography, from synchronized guitar tilts to unified footwork, was woven seamlessly into the music, adding a distinct layer of visual depth that elevated the entire performance beyond a typical country music show. It was a dynamic and finely-tuned display of artistry that cemented their place as festival favorites through and through.
CHASE RICE
As the sun began to set on day 3, Chase Rice delivered a spectacular performance at Boots and Hearts, commanding the stage and every single inch of the catwalk with an effortless energy. His band mirrored this swagger, strutting around the stage as if they owned the place, and by the end of the set, they did. The entire show was a masterclass in engaging a crowd, with Rice’s dynamic stage presence and the band’s tight performance creating an atmosphere of pure, unadulterated fun. It was clear from the first note that this was a group of musicians who love what they do and were there to put on an incredible show.
The setlist was a perfectly curated journey through Rice’s career, expertly weaving together his chart-topping classics with fresh new releases. The addition of playful covers added an extra layer of enjoyment and showed the band’s versatility. But the true highlight of the night was, of course, the performance of “Eyes on You.” As the song began, a hush fell over the crowd and a wave of pure emotion swept through the festival grounds. Couples wrapped their arms around each other, and the sense of love and connection was so huge it could be felt all across the sprawling, 600-acre venue. It was a truly magical moment that solidified the performance as one for the books.
SAM HUNT
Sam Hunt’s highly anticipated closing performance for the 2025 Boots and Hearts Music Festival was a testament to his electrifying stage presence and the sheer power of his music—so much so that the main stage seemed unable to contain it. The energy was incredibly intense from the very first chord, but just as the crowd was lost in the rhythm of the third song, a sudden power outage plunged the stage into darkness. The roar of the crowd momentarily turned to confusion, but after a short delay, the lights flickered back on and Hunt, a consummate professional, picked up right where he left off. He didn’t miss a beat, and the audience, even more energized than before, hung on his every word as he delivered hit after hit, proving why he was the perfect artist to close out the festival.
The performance continued with a string of fan favorites, each one met with a thunderous singalong from the massive crowd. Just as it seemed the night couldn’t get any better, history repeated itself. Another surge of power, or perhaps the raw energy of the performance itself, once again proved too much for the stage’s electrical system to handle. With an abrupt silence, the music cut out and the stage went dark for a second time, this time for good. It was a bittersweet and sadly premature end to what was shaping up to be a legendary set. Despite the unfortunate technical difficulties, Sam Hunt left no doubt that his performance was one for the books, a thrilling, unforgettable, and powerful display of country music at its finest.
DOWN WITH WEBSTER
It’s an understatement to say Down with Webster brought the party to the Boots and Hearts late-night dance party in 2025—they revitalized the entire festival. After a long, hot day of sun, dust, and non-stop music, the crowd was a collective of the sunburned and exhausted. Yet, as the legendary Canadian band took the stage, it seemed almost humanly impossible, but they managed to get the crowd to move more in their short, explosive performance than they had all weekend. A memorable shout-out has to go to Dan + Shay, who graciously gave up their performance slot and moved to the late night, creating a unique and unforgettable atmosphere. This was, without a doubt, the best and most memorable dance party to ever take place at Boots and Hearts.
From the first beat to the last, Down with Webster delivered a masterclass in entertainment. They seamlessly blended their new tracks with iconic, chart-topping classics that the crowd knew by heart. The energy was electric and chaotic, but the most unforgettable moment came with their truly one-of-a-kind cover of “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton. They transformed the piano ballad into a bass-heavy, high-energy anthem that had everyone jumping, a testament to their incredible versatility and showmanship. The band’s ability to command a crowd, breathe life into tired bodies, and create such a unique experience cemented their performance as a highlight of the entire festivals history.
With the last echoes of tonight’s headliner still ringing in our ears, we’ll trade our cowboy hats for a few hours of much-needed rest, only to rise again with the dawn. Because tomorrow isn’t just another day—it’s the final chapter of our Boots and Hearts story. The day we bid a bittersweet farewell to the dust, the denim, and the unforgettable moments that have defined our weekend. We’ll be here, boots laced tight, ready to savor every last note, every final chorus, and every last bit of magic this festival has to offer before the curtain falls on our Boots and Hearts 2025.
