Now in her twenties, the Orillia-based country artist has decided to challenge that narrative.

“I’ve always had this really strong desire to go out on my own and travel, but I always thought that that wasn’t in the cards for me,” Frances said. “At some point I just got sick of it and I booked myself a train ticket.”

That ticket was to Montreal, where Frances attended the Folk Alliance International conference. While a six hour train ride doesn’t seem like a big deal to many, for Frances it helped her discover a part of herself that she didn’t even know existed.

“It really challenged my entire belief system about who I was. I ended up performing twice that weekend at the conference, which wasn’t even planned.” 

It was during this weekend trip that Frances began writing her latest song, fittingly titled ‘You Were Wrong About Me.’ She said that the title is for those who constructed the narrative about her fragility, but also how she saw herself.

“It came out of that whole experience [of traveling on my own], which was a huge revelation for me that I am more capable than I previously thought. 

Appreciating The Little Things

Growing up with severe allergies put Frances in a unique position. While most kids her age were out playing games or travelling around, Frances was becoming more and more aware of her mortality.

“It’s not a normal thing to be in contact with when you’re five or six,” Frances said. “But because of having that awareness of death at such a young age, I’ve also always had this very conscious desire to be fully alive in my life.” 

Frances said that much of her songwriting stems from that desire to live life to the fullest. She said that her songwriting tends to focus in on really tiny details that most people would just miss.

“My favourite thing to do is to go back in time and find a moment and blow it up. I have this song called ‘Letterman Jacket’ and in it there’s a line that says ‘You linger with the grocery store freezer door open. Go out of your way to ask me how it’s going’. It’s just those little moments that affected me, and honing in on that sense of aliveness.”

Frances said that being able to focus in on these little, specific moments in this current age of AI is really interesting. She said that having the ability to express something that you can feel from an actual perspective rather than regurgitated information is something that is really special.

“That was something that I really wanted to explore on this album. I’ve been working with the amazing Nixon Boyd over the last year on this EP. I really wanted to look at this whole craft of songwriting, that is, to me, what could be summed up as celebrating our aliveness.” 

From Childhood Idol To Musical Influence

Frances said that much of her recent songwriting has been influenced by The Chicks. But before them, there was a different influence that really kickstarted Frances’ love for songwriting.

“My first favourite artist was Taylor Swift when I was around 6 years old,” Frances said. “I think I heard ‘Love Story’ and I was like ‘What is this?’. At the time I was already starting to write poetry, and I loved dancing and performing, so when I came across Taylor I was like ‘Oh my god you can combine those things?’.

It was in that moment that it clicked for Frances that she could become a performing poet/singer if she wanted to. At the age of 12 she began writing songs of her own, and hasn’t stopped since.

Frances said from that moment on, she relentlessly listened to Taylor Swift’s music, especially her country writing. What she didn’t know was where Swift had gotten her influence: The Chicks. 

“I had never really listened to The Chicks growing up, you know they weren’t my childhood influence. But then I read that in an interview Taylor had talked about being influenced by The Chicks so I started listening to them.”

Frances said that she fell in love with their music. She said being able to listen to this “freedom seeking spunky trio of women” was really inspirational.

“The thing I really love about The Chicks is that they feel like freedom. As a songwriter, when I sit down with my guitar that’s what I’m searching for and I find it in music and self expression. I wanted to work that into this song. I want it to feel like freedom when you listen to it, and I hope it feels like liberation because that’s what it gave me.”

You can stream ‘You Were Wrong About Me’ here.

The post Local Country Artist Bella Frances Releases New Single ‘You Were Wrong About Me’ appeared first on Muskoka411.

James Barker (lead vocals/guitar), Connor Stephen (drums), Taylor Abram (guitar/vocals), and Bobby Martin (bass) all have roots in rural Ontario. Even though their world has grown larger, that grounding has remained steady at the centre of the band.

On Sunday, August 9th, James Barker Band will perform from 5:25 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. on the Main Stage at the Boots and Hearts Music Festival. It is a return years in the making.

“The first time we came to Boots was for the Emerging Artist Showcase. We didn’t even know who we were. It was pretty crazy because we had been to Boots in previous years as fans, and now to come back and play the Main Stage is pretty unbelievable. I feel like part of it won’t sink in until we’re actually living it,” Barker said.

The return also belongs, in part, to the people who have followed the band since those early appearances.

“It’s pretty cool because we can be proud of what we do, but it’s also cool how other people can be proud of it too,” Barker said.

That shared history gives Sunday’s performance its weight, bringing the distance between those early appearances and the present into full view.

A Song Best Served in Muskoka

The humid August heat of Boots and Hearts heightens everything familiar about a cottage country summer. James Barker Band’s new single, “After Dark,” embodies that essence. 

The track pairs melodic energy with lyrical depth, giving the band’s summer-ready sound a more reflective edge.

For those hearing the song for the first time, each band member had a different setting in mind for a first listen.

“Smoking a Marlboro Red, sitting in a garage with the lights off,” Connor Stephen said, placing the song within the quiet of a familiar setting.

Taylor Abram moved the first listen closer to a lakefront.

“Out on a dock looking at the water, in a nice Muskoka chair with a beer,” Abram said.

James Barker suggested The KEE to Bala, and Bobby Martin quickly agreed.

A garage, a dock, and The KEE offer three very different first listens, but together they place “After Dark” firmly within the rhythm of a Muskoka summer.

When asked to curate the perfect Muskoka day leading up to the song, the band’s plans came together just as quickly: a day on the boat, water sports, and time spent together.   

“We love Muskoka,” Martin said, prompting immediate agreement from the rest of the band.

Moving Forward, Staying Connected

“After Dark” signals a shift in James Barker Band’s writing. More reflective than some of the group’s earlier releases, it does not break from the past so much as observe it with greater perspective. The song allows struggle to sit beside gratitude, with neither cancelling out the other. Moving forward does not require rewriting what came before. Instead, “After Dark” holds the lighter and darker parts of human experience in the same frame, without asking one to erase the other.

That perspective is grounded in the history the band members share. After years of performing, travelling, and growing alongside one another, they remain relaxed and entirely comfortable in each other’s company, shaped by open communication and honest reflection.

When asked who gives the best advice during deeper, late-night conversations, the group agreed almost immediately that it was James Barker. The quick consensus said as much about their chemistry as the answer itself, revealing a familiarity that carries naturally into the music.

The bond at the heart of the band reaches well beyond its four members. Our interview paused briefly when a passerby broke into an enthusiastic chant of “JBB! JBB!” The members laughed, acknowledged the support, and continued the conversation.

The spontaneous moment reflected the genuine rapport between James Barker Band and its audience. While the band’s reach has grown, the openness and familiarity at the centre of that relationship have remained steady.

Longtime fans and first-time listeners alike can catch James Barker Band at Boots and Hearts Music Festival this weekend, as the band returns to a stage that remains a part of its story from the beginning. 

Listen to “After Dark” HERE. 

The post James Barker Band Comes Full Circle At Boots And Hearts 2026 appeared first on Muskoka411.

“I was so nervous, and it was pretty much my first experience performing in front of people other than my mom and dad. It was very intimidating, for sure, and I really enjoyed being surrounded by people who had the same passion as me.”

“It is still a pinch-me moment with that song because it was my first ever single as a solo artist, and you never know what’s going to happen with your songs. It did really great, and I was super amazed by that. It was the last thing I ever imagined would happen with that song.”

“Lots of fun, dancing, and nostalgia. I am all about making people have a good time, dance, and just have fun.”

“I’m doing lots of shows in Quebec near my hometown, but also in Ontario with Boots and Hearts. Also Smoke & Spurs, which I am really excited about. The CCMAs are in September, and I have some stuff I haven’t announced yet that I’m really excited about and that will be coming out soon!”

“Boots and Hearts was on my checklist since I started. It’s a festival I have really looked forward to, and I am just so excited about it.”

“Get ready, people, because we are going to have a blast! This is going to be so fun. I am so excited about it!”

The post Rising Country Music Artist Savannah Jade Debuts At The 2026 Boots And Hearts Music Festival appeared first on Muskoka411.

Ryder describes music as “the language of the soul,” a perfect remedy to connect, uplift, and heal one’s self during a season that can be overwhelming.

“This time of year I feel can be very complicated for a lot of people. There’s a lot of pressure for everything to be perfect and good,” Ryder says. Her way of removing these seasonal stresses is by focusing on what she loves most. “My favorite things are to sing, make music, and be in community with people. That’s what this tour is all about. Getting together, having good memories and creating happiness through relationships, singing, and being around people you love.”

Ryder hopes to make her Merry Myths Tour a special time for everyone.

“When I’m on tour in general, there’s not always a lot of time to meet people, but on my Christmas tour I make sure we have the time and space to meet the audience members,” she says. “After every show I’ll go and hang out. I sign albums, take pictures, and talk to folks. And it’s just a lovely experience for me to be able to do that.”

In a recent CTV interview, Ryder shared that ‘the holidays should be less about physical gifts and more about being present with people and sharing joyful moments.’

The Merry Myths Tour made its first stop at the Bella Concert Hall in Calgary, AB, on November 28, 2025.

Her tour includes 13 stops across Canada, 9 of them being in Ontario.

Don’t worry! You still have time!

On December 10, 2025, Serena Ryder will start the Ontario leg of her tour at Knox Hall in Greater Sudbury, ON.

Ryder jokes that she’d love to add earlier dates, but that might cause people to start shouting, “Not yet! Not Christmas yet!”

For those who might not know, Serena Ryder has toured internationally across the United States, Europe, and Australia. Jumping on the coat tails of big rockstars. Ryder has opened for major artists such as Melissa Etheridge, OneRepublic, Sara Bareilles, and Needtobreathe. 

She shares that Canada still holds a special place in her heart, both as a Canadian artist performing from coast to coast and as a born Ontarian.

“There is something about the land here that is beautiful, grounding, and pure,” she says. “I’m very proud to be from this land.”

Ryder, who grew up in the small town of Millbrook, discovered her voice early. She recorded her first tape (Yes, a tape!) at age 15 using money she earned busking outside liquor stores. By 16, she had used those earnings to produce her first CD. Then continued to release CD’s at 17, and 18.

By the age of 21, Ryder had signed a record deal with Hawksley Workman and began traveling to Huntsville, ON, “I would make trips there often to his little one-room schoolhouse to record music,” she says. “I had made albums before but this (record deal) was my first full-band record.” Her Album ‘Unlikely Emergency’ was then released in 2005 under Workman’s label, Isadora Records.

“I love it in Muskoka. I’d hang out in the woods and the theater in Huntsville is really amazing. I’ve done a few shows there,” she says. “I love it out there. There are so many wonderful places.” 

Ryder also mentions that she had performed at Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival in Gravenhurst, ON, during its debut year.

Ryder’s unmistakable soulful sound has earned her multiple awards, including Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Adult Contemporary Album of the Year for ‘The Art of Falling Apart.’

“Music has been a part of my entire life and my ancestry,” she says. “My bio mom was a go-go dancer, a back-up singer, and a tambourine player. My uncle, Bob Carpenter, was an Ojibway singer-songwriter from out west. My bio father, from Trinidad, who I’ve never met, was in a calypso band, played steel drums, and was one of the people who started Caribana in Toronto. Spike, my dad who raised me since I was three was a huge music fan and loved listening to music. My sister that I grew up with was always listened to music. She introduced me to so much beautiful music, like Prince. So, music has been a huge part of my life. My soul has always been shaped by music and by where that music comes from.”

The Merry Myths Tour features a mix of classic Christmas songs from Ryder’s holiday album ‘Christmas Kisses,’ some original seasonal tracks, and even a few fan favourites like ‘What I Wouldn’t Do’ and ‘Stompa’

Joining Ryder on stage is a handpicked ensemble of some of Canada’s most exceptional musicians: Brian Kobayakawa on bass (Jill Barber, Charlie Kaufman), Miles Gibbons on drums (The Strumbellas, Aysanabee), Christine Bougie on guitar (solo artist, Bahamas), and Lydia Persaud on vocals and acoustic strings (solo artist, Dwayne Gretzky).

With so much heart and soul put into her songs, Ryder shares that she absolutely loves performing them with the crowd. “I’ve heard of so many people who get sick of playing their most popular songs, but I’m so into it. I’ll play them forever, because it’s really about the interaction of community and that energy of back-and-forth between the audience that changes everything.”

The tour also carries a philanthropic purpose. Ryder has partnered with Water First Education and Training Inc. (Water First), a charity that works with Indigenous communities across Canada to address water system challenges. Currently, 15% of Indigenous communities in Canada are affected by drinking water advisories. Since its founding in 2009, Water First has collaborated with more than 90 Indigenous communities through education, training, and hands-on programs.

“This tour has given me the opportunity to partner with Water First and to give my audience the chance to donate and do something really important this time of year,” she says.

The Merry Myths Tour wraps on December 21, giving her enough time to unwind with her family and friends for the holidays. When asked about her holiday traditions, she shares that this year she and a friend will be celebrating what she likes to call, “Craftmas.”

“We will make any kind of arts and crafts. They don’t even need to be Christmas crafts,” she laughs. “We’re going to do a mass of crafts and bow down to pipe cleaners.”

Moments shared with the people we love will forever be treasured—whether you’re elbow-deep in dried macaroni or singing along to your favourite Christmas classics.

Don’t miss your chance to see one of Canada’s most beloved artists live on stage, spreading the joy of soulful music this holiday season.

Tickets at https://www.serenaryder.com/tour

Serena Ryder’s Merry Myths Tour dates:

Nov 28, 2025 Calgary, AB — Bella Concert Hall 

Dec 1, 2025 Saskatoon, SK — TCU Place 

Dec 10, 2025 Greater Sudbury, ON — Knox Hall 

Dec 12, 2025 Guelph, ON — River Run Centre 

Dec 13, 2025 Markham, ON — Markham Theatre

Dec 14, 2025 Highgate (Ontario) — Mary Webb Centre

Dec 16, 2025 Parry Sound, ON — Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts 

Dec 17, 2025 Burlington, ON — Burlington Performing Arts Centre 

Dec 19, 2025 Brockville, ON — Brockville Arts Centre 

Dec 20, 2025 Belleville, ON — The Empire Theatre 

Dec 21 Orillia, ON  — Orillia Youth Center Fundraiser

The post Serena Ryder’s Merry Myths Tour Is Back! A Gift Of Music, Moments, And ‘Soulful’ Cheer! appeared first on Muskoka411.

“It feels amazing to finally have it out in the world,” Karli says. “I love the message behind it, and I think it is something we really need right now. I wanted to put something positive out there and celebrate the good guys, to truly celebrate the good.”

Co-written with Jason Blaine and Deric Ruttan, the track blends uplifting melodies with a bold, powerful sound inspired by one of Karli’s biggest influences, Carrie Underwood. Jason brought the title into the writing session, and together they shaped the song into something that matched her vision. The production captures a big, dynamic energy, with a team of accomplished players helping bring it to life. The song was recorded before her daughter was born last year, making its release an even more meaningful milestone.

Karli’s inspiration for Man Like Mine comes directly from her own love story. “I honestly feel like I found the best guy in the world. Ever since I met him, I felt it was too good to be true. He treats me so well and encourages me.”

While Man Like Mine is her newest release, Karli’s catalogue is already filled with songs that hold deep personal meaning. Feel Like Home reflects on finding love that feels like returning to your roots, while Still Make Cowgirls draws on her upbringing on a dairy farm and her pride in coming from a long line of strong country women. “I am really proud to celebrate that community and those traditions,” she says.

Karli places a strong emphasis on clever writing and staying true to her storytelling. “I always appreciate a good clever hook at the end of the chorus. I am proud of all the songs because they are all authentic to me. I am able to be myself.”

Her music resonates well beyond Canada. She says Canadian fans often connect to her hometown stories, while Australian listeners are drawn to the anthemic, feel-good nature of many of her songs.

Motherhood has brought a new perspective to both her life and career. “It gave me new eyes and grounds me,” she says. “Your kids see how you handle challenges. I try to be really positive, and I hope my daughter has so much fun looking back on these moments.”

Boots and Hearts is a significant milestone for Karli. This will be her second time performing at the festival, and she intends to make the most of it. “I am just grateful, trying to take a moment and pause and soak it in,” she says. Her entire family will be there to watch, and she hopes the audience leaves her set feeling uplifted and encouraged.

From singing on her parents’ coffee table in Listowel, Ontario, to sharing stages with artists like Dierks Bentley and Brett Kissel, Karli remains grounded and grateful. “As an artist you are always focused on the next thing, but I am working on being present in the now. I want to make little me proud, to serve other people through music, and to make somebody’s day,” she says.

Following her Boots and Hearts performance, Karli will travel to Kelowna for the Canadian Country Music Awards and is set to release another single later this fall. For now, she is exactly where she wants to be, sharing her stories, her music, and her joy with the Boots and Hearts crowd.

The post Karli June Celebrates New Single “Man Like Mine” At Boots And Hearts appeared first on Muskoka411.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he says, relaxed and confident. “I love being on stage, especially with these types of crowds. People are just there to have a good time, and that’s what I’m about.”

Choclair is one of the few hip-hop names on this years lineup, but blending genres has always come naturally. “I’m that guy who grabs the aux cord, and people expect me to play hip-hop, but I’ll put on Bon Jovi, Quiet Riot, George Michael,” he laughs. “I just appreciate all kinds of music. Music connects with people because it’s all about feeling.”

Keeping It Real

Even after decades in the industry, Choclair’s philosophy stays the same: be yourself. “Anytime people ask me for advice, I always say, practice in front of the mirror,” he says. “It might feel weird, but it helps. Then perform for your friends and family, get comfortable. And don’t chase trends- just do you.”

That mindset has kept him going strong. From underground shows to JUNO wins, Choclair’s career is built on authenticity. “If you’re chasing trends, you’re following,” he says. “And when the trend changes, you’re just changing to catch up.”

Proudly Canadian

Choclair reflects on how far Canadian hip-hop has come. “Before, people in Toronto would wear Yankees or Philly hats, and someone would say, ‘Oh, this guy raps, he must be from the States,’” he says. “Now we’ve got our own identity. Canadian artists are headlining festivals by just being themselves.”

That pride in identity shines through in his live shows, especially on songs like Made to Move Mountains. “That track means a lot to me,” he says. “When the crowd’s singing it back, it locks me in.”

Still Going, Still Creating

With over two decades in the game, Choclair remains as active as ever. His upcoming project, Transit Music, arrives this summer, compiling tracks that many fans have not heard together in one collection.

“Everyone knows Let’s Ride, but there’s a lot of songs people haven’t heard,” he says. “Transit Music gives people a fuller picture.”

For fans of physical music, Choclair’s recent limited vinyl release of My Demo sold out quickly. “There’s just something about putting a record on,” he says. “That crackle when the needle hits- it’s a different feeling. You sit back, let the album play, and it hits different.”

More to Come

Choclair does not miss a beat when it comes to dream collaborations. “I’d love to do a track with Shania Twain,” he says. “That would definitely catch people off guard, but I think it’d be a vibe.”

Between new projects, festival performances, and classic tracks, Choclair’s set at Tall Pines promises to be a highlight of the weekend. “At the end of the day, it’s about the energy,” he says. “And that’s what I’m showing up with.”

The post Choclair On Legacy, Staying True, And His Tall Pines Festival Debut appeared first on Muskoka411.

Beth Nicole Torbert is a singer and multi-talented artist best known by her stage name Bif Naked. Her music is a blend of rock, punk and EDM. Despite growing up in Manitoba, she struggled to get a recording contract in Canada early on, so she established herself in the US and the UK first. Her 1998 album I, Bificus went platinum in Canada and changed the course of her career. To celebrate the album’s 25th anniversary, she’s releasing an expanded edition alongside her new release, Champion.

“The first single from this album actually came out in 2020, and the record was supposed to be coming out around the same time, but the pandemic changed everything and set it back,” Bif said. “I’m glad that it did because it enabled us to keep writing and tinkering and changing things, and now it’s a very different record.”

The album release party will also feature Everclear and Sister Hazel. Bif said she’s a fan of both artists, so she and her band are excited to head to Orillia for the show.

Champion features a mix of hard rock and punk sound, dramatic emotional songs, and a few dance remixes. She’s proud of the record they put together. She hopes her fans will like the development in her writing and her sound, especially since so many of them have grown older alongside her.

“I’ve always been very, very fortunate to make really eclectic records and for that to be accepted as the norm for me as an artist and as a performer,” she said. “This album is no different. It’s very stylistically all over the map.”

Bif’s life has also been all over the map. She was born in India to a Canadian girl and a British boy, both boarding school students. Missionaries adopted her and moved her to North America. She lived in Kentucky and several other places before ending up in Manitoba.

Bif has a few Canadian shows coming up, including one in Muskoka. She will bring her genre-bending sound to the Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 28. She and her band are excited to be playing shows at all, but she particularly loves coming to Northern Ontario.

“I fully believe there’s no place that’s more beautiful, and I’ve been all over Canada,” Bif said. “There’s a lot of tours that don’t come to every area, they stay in the GTA, so it becomes really magical when we get up there, and it’s really fun to meet all the fans.”

Her fans will also get the chance to know her better through an upcoming documentary “Bif Naked: One of a Kind”. The film is currently in editing and slated for release next spring.

Along with adoption, Bif has faced breast cancer, kidney failure, drug problems and divorce, so the documentary will be an intimate look at Bif’s life from her origins in India to her current creative endeavours. The content comes from multiple years of filming on three or four continents.

“My birth mom’s never been interviewed before, so this will be the first time she’s been able to tell her entire story and her story from India onwards, and that’s something that’s just very special,” Bif said. “I’m so happy that they were able to capture her truth for the first time.” 

Bif can’t wait for the documentary to come out. Her history with adoption has led her to a chosen family, and her fans often feel like part of that family. She’s made lifelong connections nearing friendships with them after being in the business for so long, so she can’t wait for those people to see the film and hear her new album.

Despite her past hardships, she feels lucky in life. She’s been a performance artist from the age of 18, and since then, she’s also become an actress, an author, a poet, an activist and more. Between her film, the expanded anniversary album and her new release, everything feels “very magical and very full circle” for Bif right now. 

I, Bificus catapulted her into music success, and while it’s a pivotal record for her, she’s even more excited for her future.

“It’s always going to be really special, but, creatively, I feel like my future is still unfolding in many ways,” Bif said. “I feel like the best is yet to come.”

To get tickets to Bif’s upcoming shows, visit Casino Rama and the Algonquin Theatre online. Follow Bif Naked’s website, Facebook and Instagram for updates.

The post Bif Naked To Play Casino Rama On September 7 Ahead Of Muskoka Concert appeared first on Muskoka411.

After the success of the first Cookout with Cuddy last year, the CNIB team was excited to bring back the Jim Cuddy Trio on Aug. 17. The event was held at the campgrounds in MacTier and offered attractions like a hot air balloon, a puppy pit and a silent auction in addition to the headlining act. The money raised at the event will subsidize the cost of attending camp at CNIB Lake Joe for blind people of all ages. 

“We are thrilled with the turnout and the overwhelming support we received this year,” said Monique Pilkington, executive director at CNIB Lake Joe, in a press release. “Events like Cookout with Cuddy are vital not only for raising funds but also for increasing awareness about the challenges faced by individuals experiencing vision loss.”

CNIB provides a wide range of free services to blind and partially sighted Canadians and their families. Their programs include support groups, employment workshops, tech training and more. 

CNIB Lake Joe offers camps for children, adults and families in fully-accessible facilities. A week of camp typically costs $2,500 for participants, but thanks to fundraising, families often pay just $150 per camper. 

A major component of the Cookout with Cuddy fundraising came from the silent auction. Items included guitars signed by Jim Cuddy and Taylor Swift, autographed sports jerseys, event tickets, and vacations like resort stays and cruises. 

Retired Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Wendell Clark and HGTV’s Brian McCourt attended as celebrity guests alongside sports commentator Rod Black. Black said the event brought in more than 400,000 reasons to say thank you to all who came, donated and partied together.

“I’ve been part of the CNIB Lake Joe summer gala for a few years now, and this one was the biggest and best yet,” he said. “Not even Mother Nature could spoil a night to remember.  Great entertainment, great food, great people and a great result.” 

Headliner Jim Cuddy brought in enough fans to sell out the event quickly two years in a row, according to organizers. He’s a Muskoka favourite, and the fond feelings are mutual.

“It’s always a pleasure to come to the Lake Joseph CNIB camp and play for the generous donors,” Cuddy said. “I love seeing the improvements each year. It is a very inspiring place.”

To learn more about CNIB Lake Joe, visit the camp’s website.

With files from Stefan Ottenbrite

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The post Cookout With Cuddy Raises Over $430,000 For CNIB Lake Joe appeared first on Muskoka411.

Recognized for her powerhouse vocals, one-of-a-kind lyrics, and a tenacious attitude, Reid was one of 14 Canadian artists featured in this year’s lineup.

“Being able to perform at Boots and Hearts was a full circle moment for me,” said Reid. “I’m a local girl, and I’ve been going to the festival for years to watch all the amazing artists. I used to dream about being up on that stage and singing my songs one day, so it was definitely a ‘pinch me’ moment when I finally got the opportunity to do so. It was pretty surreal to go from staying in the camping section a few years ago to being behind the scenes and up on that stage.”

Reid, a native of Elmvale, Ontario, performed her singles This House, Love Nowadays, and Still Believe in Love, as well as her Top 40 radio single She’s Me, on The Front Porch Stage

“I always say that [Elmvale] is a small town with a big heart,” said Reid. “It’s the kind of town where basically everyone knows each other, and I’m really lucky for all the support it has given me.”

She’s Me, from her debut EP, put Reid on the map and earned her the titles of iHeartRadio’s Future Star and Stingray Radio’s Trending Track. She was also selected for the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition this year, and has opened tours for major artists including Tim Hicks and the Hunter Brothers.

Reid is currently working on her new album, which will be released within the year. She will also be performing at Lucknow’s Music In The Fields on August 23.

“2024 has been an amazing year,” said Reid. “And there’s still so many good things to come!”

The post Elmvale’s Dayna Reid Debuts At Boots And Hearts appeared first on Muskoka411.

Now in its 12th year, Boots and Hearts has become the largest country music festival in Canada. This year’s event ran from August 8 to 11 at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte. Jason Aldean, Matchbox Twenty and Cody Johnson were among the headliners for the festival, which kicked off with an emerging artist showcase on Thursday evening. Goldie, a Kingston, Ont. native who moved to Nashville, was one of seven finalists in the showcase.

“Any chance to perform at Boots and Hearts on one of those stages was a dream for me,” Goldie said. “I had been to the festival [for the] six years prior, so this was my seventh year going and being able to be on the stage alongside so many talented artists is so cool.”

Goldie said it was wild to be able to open for Lonestar, Midland and Shantaia as part of the showcase. Before she went out on stage, the crowd started chanting her name. It felt surreal standing backstage, nerves building.  

The anxiety turned to excitement when she saw people wearing her merch and singing along to her songs, including her recent single “Bad Boy”. She even had fans say they’d been following her from festival to festival throughout the summer. She said she’d love to do it all again, but she hopes in the future to be part of the main lineup.

“Being a part of a competition is a little bit different than being called back as an artist, so that’s on my bucket list for the next few years,” she said. “I would love to do it.”

She enjoyed the rest of the festival weekend with her mom, a tradition they had made in the years before she took the stage. They went back and forth between the two stages, aiming to catch every artist. They took in as much of the festival as possible with the exception of the rides, as Goldie admits she’s scared of them.

Though she’s familiar with the festival, being a performer has changed the experience. Fans asked her for photos and autographs as she walked around, and an artist pass got her backstage at the shows.

The excitement from fans is what defined the festival for her, especially during her set. Energy from the audience is what drives her performance, and the crowd at Boots and Hearts was up to the task.

“I was probably the highest energy I’ve ever been just because of them,” Goldie said. “Looking out, everyone was jumping, their arms were up in the air, everyone was hooting and hollering. We have loudspeakers up there on stage, but you could hear straight through them with all the audience singing along.”

Goldie is heading to a few more festivals to round out the summer, opening for Jade Eagleson and Gord Bamford. She also has a new single, “Cheat Time”, coming out later this month and a music video to follow soon after.

Elyse Saunders, a singer-songwriter from Peterborough, also started out in the audience at Boots and Hearts.

“I was on the other side, in the audience, several years ago watching Thomas Rhett, and I imagined playing the stage one day,” Saunders said. “It was cool to be officially on the lineup these years later, and Thomas Rhett was the headliner.”

Saunders said it was a dream and a full-circle moment. Being an artist at the event is different, of course, since she got the chance to see behind the scenes, but the energy at Boots and Hearts is “awesome on both sides of the stage.”

She and her band had a blast and want to keep coming back every year. They pay a great deal of credit to the event staff who made the festival happen. Along with being a well-oiled machine that kept things running smoothly, the team went above and beyond to make the artists feel welcome.

“It seems really evident that they pick a staff of people that are really easy to work with, very friendly, very accommodating,” she said. “They really put a lot of effort into the small touches that really do go a long way to make us feel at home and comfortable, and when that happens, it makes us ready for the stage and puts us in the right mindset.”

After her set, she ran down to the gate to meet fans and give autographs. She ended up signing several pairs of boots, a fitting way to commemorate the festival. Her family tagged along for the performance, so she said it was special to see new and familiar fans in the crowd alongside her loved ones.

During the rest of the festival, she talked to members of the media, spent time with other artists and enjoyed the live music. She got to see another Thomas Rhett show, this time with an artist pass. She was running on adrenaline after some sleepless nights leading up to the festival, but she was determined to make the most of it.

Saunders said country music has some of the best fans out there, and the sweet people she’s encountered are no exception. She has a new song coming out in September and an exciting tour announcement to make in the near future. For now, she’s riding on the high of hearing the audience sing her song, “Never Have I Ever”, back to her.

“As a songwriter and as an artist, that’s how I know I’m doing my job is [if] my music is connecting to people and making them feel something,” Saunders said. “I love being an entertainer and giving people that experience, and then to have them give that back to me, that was definitely a gift and something I won’t forget.”

For more information on Boots and Hearts, visit the festival website.

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