Every August, scores of fans dust off their cowboy boots and bolo ties to make the pilgrimage to Burl's Creek, ON, for the Boots and Hearts Music Festival.
This year's lineup brings big names and small acts alike to the stage, featuring veterans like Emerson Drive and Lonestar to up-and-comers like Saskatchewan’s Shantaia.
From stadium tours to dive bars, country artists know how to put on a show just about anywhere. Here are the must-see artists Exclaim! recommends checking out in the great Canadian outdoors from August 8 to 11.
Brothers Osborne
There’s a reason John and T.J. Osborne have established themselves as staples of the country music scene. They boast an impressive amount of hardware and always bring the house down. The duo are the reigning Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Duo of the Year winners. While "I'm Not for Everyone" is a great single, the opposite is true for seeing the Brothers Osborne live.
Bryan Martin
From the oil rigs of Louisiana, Bryan Martin is one of the more grounded self-taught country artists you’ll see at Burl's Creek this summer. He’s a talented songwriter whose modest roots inform his outlook — something that adds a level of grit and raw perseverance that outweighs his peers. It doesn’t hurt that he has a voice that brings it all home. "We Ride”" for Martin.
Jess Moskaluke
She’s been likened to Canada’s defining country queen, Shania Twain, and proven to have the vocal chops and stage presence to give credence to the hype. Moskaluke always puts on a good show and will no doubt delight festival attendees with her dynamic set.
Carly Pearce
Carly Pearce gained steady popularity for her impressive songwriting and take on bluegrass and contemporary country. She's also a proven collaborator with some of the industry’s most dynamic artists, like Chris Stapleton and Ashley McBryde. Pearce is a seasoned performer and has graced the stage 100 times at the Grand Ole Opry, and she remains the only female headliner at the festival. Needless to say, she's not one to be missed.
Lauren Watkins
Born in Nashville, the buzz around up-and-coming Music City resident Lauren Watkins intensified following the release of her debut album and follow-up EP in 2023. Her quiet confidence and authenticity shines through immediately; she's an artist who has clearly soaked up her history and is an avid student of country. She's the real deal who deserves her flowers on stage.
