Every Summer at Boots & Hearts, the festival puts together a showcase of some of Canada’s top emerging artists. These artists all perform and compete for an amazing prize. The 8 finalists for this year’s showcase took to the stage to compete for the title of the 2019 Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist, presented by Chevy Music.
As always, this showcase introduced us to some amazing Canadian talent. All 8 finalists were competing for the ultimate prize – opening for Kane Brown, a single release with Warner Music Canada, an all expenses paid trip to Nashville for a professional writing session, a photoshoot, and the opportunity to perform at Boots & Hearts sponsored events throughout the year.
This prize is a huge deal for these artists! Even being part of the showcase allows for artists to increase their reach and grow their fanbase. Previous participants in this showcase have gone on to become some of the top talent in Canadian country music. Previous winners include: Tebey, James Barker Band, Jade Eagleson, Kris Barclay, and more. Clearly – this showcase provides a great opportunity for artists.
The artists involved in this year’s Emerging Artist Showcase were a diverse and incredibly talented group of artists. The showcase was started off by Amber-Jo Bowman, followed by Brad Saunders, Brady Kenneth, David Boyd Janes, Dylan Burk, Justin Tyler, Mackenzie Leigh Meyer, and finally Rebecca Rain, who was the wildcard winner. The competition was hosted by Shannon Ella from Pure Country Radio.
They all wowed and delighted the audience, but ultimately the judges decided on David Boyd Janes and Justin Tyler as the finalists for this year’s competition. These two will compete head to head Sunday August 11th to determine who the ultimate winner will be.
Both finalists for this year seem to be from similar sub-genres of the country genre. They’re both a little more rock-inspired. Both of their singles all seemed to be radio-ready. The judges are going to have a hard time making their final decision on who to crown this year’s winner. It’s going to be very interesting!
This isn’t the end though for the other contestants. They will continue to be showcased all weekend long throughout the festival on the Silverado Stage with meet and greets, performances, and other surprises.
Highlights From the 2019 Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase
All the performers were really great, and there was a good mix between original music and covers. Each artist had their own unique quality that set them all apart.
Amber-Jo Bowman rocked the stage with an acoustic guitar, and some fantastic pink boots. She brought such a fun energy to the showcase! The crowd really seemed to respond well to Brad Saunders – they screamed after almost every sentence he muttered. Brady Kenneth did a pretty great job at including the audience in his performance as well as attracting more people to the Front Porch stage. David Boyd Janes appeared on-stage in a leather jacket. A leather jacket! It must have been so hot on that stage. But it was a great performance! He ended his set by throwing his hat and sunglasses to the crowd. It was hard not to smile along with Dylan Burk as he performed in a traditional Canadian tuxedo (denim on denim). Justin Tyler had the audience go crazy! Mackenzie Leigh Meyer had an epic entrance, with her guitarists putting on a great pre-show introduction. Rebecca Rain finished us off with some amazing acoustic music, and sporting an incredibly sparkly dress!
Amber-Jo Bowman Performing at Boots & Hearts
Brad Saunders Performs in the Emerging Artist Showcase
Brady Kenneth Connects with the Crowd at the Boots & Hearts Showcase
David Boyd Janes Sweating in a Leather Jacket
Dylan Burk Performs at the 2019 Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase
Justin Tyler Becomes a Finalist at the Emerging Artist Showcase
Mackenzie Leigh Meyer brings the energy to Boots & Hearts
Rebecca Rain was a Great Finish to the Emerging Artist Showcase
In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.
