Photos by Orest Dorosh, Review by Bailey Buck – Pull on your boots, rev up your hearts, and get ready to stomp! The dust has settled at Burl’s Creek, but the echoes of Day 1 of Boots and Hearts 2025 are still ringing in our ears like a perfect country-rock chorus. Over the next 4 days, we’re here to give you the lowdown on every high note, every thunderous beat, and every unforgettable moment that made this year’s festival a head-banging, boot-scootin’ blast. From chart-toppers to emerging artists, this festival truly had something for every “country” of music fan!
EMERGING ARTISTS:
Boots and Hearts 2025 kicked off the weekend with a boot stomping introduction to Canada’s amazing rising talents from coast to coast.
The Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase once again proved to be the place to discover the next generation of country music stars. With a lineup featuring Warren Hargreaves, Amanda Couture, Lowell Lawson, Jade Hilton, School House, Annika Katharina, Lake Porter, and Sean Michael Ryan, the stage was filled with a diverse range of talent. Each artist brought their own unique style, from heartfelt storytelling to high-energy anthems, making it clear that the future of Canadian country music is in good hands.
The performances were a testament to the hard work and dedication of these rising stars, who captivated the audience with a mix of original material and well-chosen cover songs.
One of the standout aspects of the showcase was the artists’ ability to honor country music history while putting their own spin on classic hits. The crowd was treated to nostalgic covers of Taylor Swift and the Dixie Chicks, The Band, along with other timeless country staples that had everyone singing along. These moments of shared musical appreciation, from the artists on stage to the fans in the crowd, was an impeccable way to launch the weekend.
The Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of talent and a vital platform for artists to connect with new fans. By the end of the night, the judges and fans spoke, crowning Lowell Lawson and School House as the 2 runners up who will showdown on the Main Stage tomorrow.
SARAH VANDERZON:
Fresh off her victory at last year’s Emerging Artist Showcase, Sarah Vanderzon returned to Boots and Hearts with a confident and compelling set on the side stage. The Quebec-based singer-songwriter has a unique ability to blend the introspective storytelling of folk music with the catchy, heart-on-your-sleeve energy of pop and country. Her performance was a showcase of this stylistic fusion, with songs from her EP Same Sad Eyes resonating with a crowd that was clearly there to support the rising star. She had a captivating stage presence, effortlessly shifting from powerful, belted choruses to intimate, acoustic moments, all while connecting with the audience with her warm and charming personality. The set felt like a victory lap, a testament to her hard work, and a promise of great things to come.
What made the performance so special was the clear sense of growth since her showcase win. Vanderzon’s voice was strong and assured, and her band provided a tight, polished backdrop for her engaging lyrics. The crowd sang along enthusiastically to fan favorites, creating an atmosphere that felt much bigger than the side stage. It was clear that she is no longer just an emerging artist; she is an artist who has arrived. Her set was a perfect example of what the Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase is all about—unearthing a genuine talent and giving them the platform to grow into a star. It was a memorable performance that left everyone excited to see what she does next.
TJ MILLER:
In a tight, high-energy set, Tyler Joe Miller proved exactly why he’s one of Canadian country music’s rising stars. Hitting the stage with a no-nonsense, gritty confidence, Miller wasted no time delivering a string of his most infectious hits. The crowd immediately latched on, singing along to every word of fan favorites like “Wild As Her” and the chart-topping “Pillow Talkin’.”
The performance was a masterclass in connecting with an audience, as Miller’s authentic, down-to-earth personality shined through in his banter and powerful vocal delivery. The sound was crisp, blending classic country storytelling with a modern edge that kept the energy high from start to finish.
The setlist was a well-crafted journey through his career highlights, balancing the feel-good anthems with the more introspective tracks that showcase his songwriting depth. He even threw in a crowd-pleasing cover of “Please Please Please” by Sabrina Carpenter which had the entire crowd lingering on every note, as well as an awesome upbeat rendition of “Shes So High” by Tal Bachman. This brief but impactful performance was a showcase of an artist at the top of his game, demonstrating his ability to command a stage and leave a lasting impression. It’s clear that whether he’s headlining a massive festival or playing a more intimate set like the Porch Stage, Tyler Joe Miller knows how to deliver an unforgettable show.
JUSTIN MOORE:
As the sun set, Boots and Hearts was treated to a true country experience as Justin Moore took the stage to close out opening night, delivering a performance that was both high-energy and deeply authentic. Moore, a veteran of the country music scene, wasted no time establishing a connection with the festival-goers, opening with a string of his well-known hits. His signature Arkansas twang and no-nonsense stage presence felt right at home amidst the dust and excitement of the festival grounds. The setlist was a perfect mix of fan favorites from his extensive catalog, showcasing his evolution from his early “Small Town USA” days to his more recent work. It was a performance that reminded everyone why Moore is a consistent force in country music—a reliable source of songs that speak directly to the heart of his audience.
What stood out most was Moore’s genuine interaction with the massive crowd. Between songs, he took moments to share stories and express his gratitude, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the vast open-air venue. He spoke candidly about his career and his appreciation for those who have supported him over the years, thanking not only the fans but also service members, first responders, and teachers. This heartfelt display of humility and gratitude resonated with the audience, turning a simple concert into a shared, communal experience. He even treated the crowd to a few classic rock covers, demonstrating his versatility and keeping the energy levels soaring.
The night culminated in a powerful encore that left the Boots and Hearts faithful wanting more. Moore closed the show with a stirring rendition of one of his biggest hits, a testament to his ability to deliver powerful, memorable performances. His band was tight and polished, providing the perfect backdrop for his vocals, which sounded just as good, if not better, than they do on record. By the time the final chords rang out, it was clear that Justin Moore had delivered exactly what the Boots and Hearts crowd came for: an unforgettable night of traditional country music, genuine emotion, and a whole lot of fun.
BUT WAIT, THERES MORE!
BAILEY ZIMMERMAN:
Name a better way to host an Album Release Party than at THE legendary Boots and Hearts Music Festival, we’ll wait.
Taking the stage during the Monster Late Night Party to celebrate his new Album “Different Night, Same Rodeo” – which comes out August 8th – Bailey Zimmerman launched into his classic crowd favourites before going full swing into some of his new songs.
The crowd, a sea of cowboy hats and t-shirts, hung on every word, singing along to every anthemic chorus with a fervor that matches Zimmerman’s own. His distinctive, gritty vocals, a hallmark of his sound, are even more powerful in person, cutting through the heavy guitar riffs and pulsating drums. It’s a performance that feels less like a concert and more like a collective release of emotion, with Zimmerman as the passionate ringleader.
We only got a small taste of what we are in store for tonight when Zimmerman takes on the Main Stage at 9:30pm.
Day 1 of the festival was an explosive start, setting an incredibly high bar for the rest of the weekend. The energy and passion from both the artists and the crowd promise that the next three days will be nothing short of unforgettable.
