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.

The festivities kicked off Wednesday night with the Boots and Hearts Barn Burner charity hockey game in Barrie featuring players from the NHL, PWHL and OHL. The event raised $408,352 and was the most successful Barn Burner event yet. The funds raised are going to local initiatives, including the RVH Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), John Tavares Foundation‘s programs for kids, PIE Education, Rotary Club and several other organizations.

By late Thursday afternoon, the gates were open. Everyone arrived with drinks and food, showing off their Boots gear. At 6:30 p.m., the night kicked off with some tunes from Muskoka on the Porch Stage. Cam Galloway, a 21-year-old singer/songwriter from Bracebridge, performed as part of the Emerging Artist Showcase. He has three new singles out this year: “Sober You”, “Repeat” and the recently released “Beer Might”.

For Miranda Regular and her friends who drove up from Barrie, it’s about having a good time. “I love all the artists that come here and put on a good show,” she said while taking photos with friends. Matchbox Twenty and Thomas Rhett were her two favourite artists over the weekend. It was Miranda’s second time at Boots, and she will be back.

The camping area is right out of a movie with the festival giving people prizes in exchange for their bags of trash to prevent litter and the health unit giving away condoms and naloxone kits for people who need them. The camping Olympics is quite a scene with slip-n-slides, beer pong and people jumping into pools with their full country outfits on.

Muskoka411 found a crew from Barrie relaxing and taking a quick break from partying. “My favourite part about Boots is coming together with friends and country music all weekend,” Jenna Hutchinson said with megaphone in hand, adding that Cody Johnson put on a heck of a show Friday night.

The Boots and Hearts Music Festival wouldn’t be possible without all the great people behind it, from organizers, ground staff and production staff to security and medical staff. But most of all, the volunteers made it happen.

Doug Shipley, member of Parliament for Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte, stopped by for a visit before the gates opened on Thursday. “I was fascinated to learn how many volunteers return year after year because they love their #bootsfamily so much. Volunteers and staff are a treasured commodity at this event and it was great to meet their volunteer coordinator and hear about how dedicated they are to a positive volunteer experience. Staff and volunteers alike are well cared for and clearly enjoy their experience,” he said on his Facebook account.

After a fantastic weekend, it’s time to rest up and get ready for Boots 2025. When the festival ended on Sunday night after Jason Aldean, fans agreed that there is no better family than the Boots family.

Avril Lavigne performed "Bulletproof" with Nate Smith at Boot and Hearts Music Festival#AvrilLavigne #NateSmith #Bulletproof #BootAndHeartsMusicFestival pic.twitter.com/Un7HBtL098

— Avril Lavigne Tribe (@AvrilTribe) August 12, 2024

Visit the Boots and Hearts website to learn more about the festival.

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Joining Boots first-timers Cody Johnson, Brothers Osborne, and Megan Moroney on the Main Stage Friday (8/9) are multiple CCMA and JUNO Award winning artists Jess Moskaluke and 2018 Emerging Artist Showcase talent Nate Haller. Friday’s Front Porch Stage will be headlined by Platinum-selling artist Chayce Beckham and will feature performances from Redferrin, and Canadians Kalsey Kulyk, Buck Twenty and Taylor-Rae.

After successfully blending rock and country music in 2023, 2024 will welcome GRAMMY®-nominated rock band, Matchbox Twenty to the Main Stage. The band’s appearance at Boots and Hearts will be their only Canadian date for the year, and they join Shaunavon, Saskatchewan’s, Hunter Brothers, and Peterborough’s Elyse Saunders in addition to previously announced rock act NEEDTOBREATHE, as well as CMA Award winning headliner Thomas Rhett on stage Saturday night (8/10). Bryan Martin, Lauren Watkins, Texas King and Alee will take the Front Porch Stage that day, which will be headlined by Music Row Magazine’s “Next Big Thing” Jackson Dean.

Boots and Hearts alumni Jason Aldean, Carly Pearce, Nate Smith and Madeline Merlo will be joined by breakout star Alexandra Kay on the Main Stage Sunday (8/11). Highly decorated Canadian group Emerson Drive will headline the Front Porch Stage Sunday night, making their last performance as a band before they retire after nearly 30 years together. In addition, the Front Porch Stage will showcase artists Alana Springsteen, Dillon James and locals, Dayna Reid (Elmvale) Brian John Harwood (Innisfil) throughout the day.

This year’s edition of Boots and Hearts music festival will commence with the annual Kick Off Party on Thursday night with GRAMMY®-nominated trio Midland, multi-award-winning band Lonestar, and 2023’s Emerging Artist Showcase winner Shantaia.

“The growing popularity of country music not only attracts a wider audience but allows an opportunity for more creativity in curating our artist lineup. It’s important to us to unite fans and create lasting memories with an experience they can’t get any where else” says Brooke Dunford, Director of Talent Buying & Business Development. “Continuing with the tradition of creating a unique experience for our fans, we are ecstatic to welcome legendary rock band Matchbox Twenty to our stage. We always strive to curate a lineup that delivers electric energy for both fans and artists, and we’re confident this year’s lineup will do exactly that.”

Full lineup by day below.

Thursday August 8 – Front Porch Stage

Midland

Lonestar

Shantaia (CAN)

Friday August 9 – Main Stage

Cody Johnson

Brothers Osborne

Megan Moroney

Jess Moskaluke (CAN)

Nate Haller (CAN)

Friday August 9 – Front Porch Stage

Chayce Beckham

Redferrin

Kalsey Kulyk (CAN)

Buck Twenty (CAN)

Taylor-Rae (CAN)

Saturday August 10 – Main Stage

Thomas Rhett

Matchbox Twenty

NEEDTOBREATHE

Hunter Brothers (CAN)

Elyse Saunders (CAN)

Saturday August 10 – Front Porch Stage

Jackson Dean

Bryan Martin

Lauren Watkins

Texas King (CAN)

Alee (CAN)

Sunday August 11 – Main Stage

Jason Aldean

Carly Pearce

Nate Smith

Madeline Merlo (CAN)

Alexandra Kay

Sunday August 11 – Front Porch Stage

Emerson Drive (CAN)

Alana Springsteen

Dillon James

Dayna Reid (CAN)

Brian John Harwood (CAN)

After more than a decade of #BootsLife, the four-day, multi-stage festival is as known for featuring top artists from around the world as it is for providing unwavering support for emerging talent and has earned Republic Live multiple awards for their premiere event experiences. Adding new accolades to an ever-expanding resume which includes recognition from the Academy of Country Music for Festival of the Year, Boots and Hearts secured a sixth win for Country Festival of the Year at the 2023 CCMA Awards earlier this year, with Brooke Dunford (Director, of Talent Buying & Business Development) also taking home the Ron Sakamoto Talent Buyer or Promoter of the Year trophy.

Single day tickets will be available for sale on Friday, February 16 at www.bootsandhearts.com, in addition to tent and RV camping passes and full weekend admission passes that are already available. Please continue to visit the website for more exciting announcements, and information about the 2024 Boots and Hearts Music Festival.

CONNECT WITH BOOTS AND HEARTS

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Following a spectacular year with record-breaking attendance and a widely-celebrated cross-genre line-up, Republic Live, producers of the internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning music festival Boots and Hearts, unveil the headliners and first round of performers for the 2024 Boots and Hearts Music Festival, taking place August 8-11 at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte, Ontario.

2024’s edition of the festival will include CMA Award winning entertainer Cody Johnson, who makes his Boots and Hearts debut headlining Friday night, along with fan favourites and multi-award winning GRAMMY® Award nominated artists, Thomas Rhett and Jason Aldean who return to the festival for their third time to headline Saturday and Sunday night respectively.

“We are immensely grateful to the fans and the country community for embracing our continued growth and the achievement of new milestones year after year. We have just celebrated our two most successful years in the history of Boots and Hearts, and we eagerly anticipate the return of our loyal Boots family for yet another incredible year. I am extremely proud to be a member of a team that consistently pushes boundaries and continues to be recognized as a leading festival on an international scale. As they say, the harder you work, the luckier you get.” – Eva Dunford, Co-Founder.

Boots and Hearts has also confirmed the first round of performers including 2023’s CMA Duo of the Year Award winners Brothers Osborne, who will play the festival for their first time, and GRAMMY® Award winning artist Carly Pearce who returns for her second time. Additional artists set to take the stage in 2024 include Megan Moroney, NEEDTOBREATHE, Nate Smith, Lonestar and Madeline Merlo.

“We’re always striving to bring firsts to our festival, and this year is no exception with half of the artists announced today debuting for their first time at Boots and Hearts. Whether it’s new up and coming powerhouse artists like Megan Moroney, legendary acts like Lonestar or country’s new favourite headliner Cody Johnson; we can’t wait for the artists to experience the energy our crowd brings when they step on stage. We’re excited about our announcement today and we’re looking forward to sharing our full lineup in the new year.” – Brooke Dunford, Director of Talent Buying & Business Development.

After more than a decade of #BootsLife, the four-day, multi-stage festival is as known for featuring top artists from around the world as it is for providing unwavering support for emerging talent and has earned Republic Live multiple awards for their premiere event experiences. Adding new accolades to an ever-expanding resume which includes recognition from the Academy of Country Music for Festival of the Year, Boots and Hearts secured a sixth win for Country Festival of the Year at the 2023 CCMA Awards earlier this year, with Brooke Dunford (Director, of Talent Buying & Business Development) also taking home the Ron Sakamoto Talent Buyer or Promoter of the Year trophy.

Weekend passes and single day tickets are available for sale on Friday, December 8^th at www.bootsandhearts.com. Please continue to visit the website for more exciting announcements, and information about RV and tent camping for the 2024 Boots and Hearts Music Festival.

CONNECT WITH BOOTS AND HEARTS

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

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Celebrating the best in live entertainment and the ultimate festival experience, this year’s line-up features a number of Boots and Hearts firsts, including the introduction of rock artists Big Wreck and JJ Wilde to compliment global rockstars Nickelback as they make their first #BootsLife appearance. Boots alumni and fan favourite Keith Urban and country music superstar Tim McGraw round out the list of main stage headliners, while Breland, and Tyler Joe Miller are newly confirmed to headline the Front Porch Stage for the very first time.

“Since starting the festival in 2012, we’ve focused on delivering a premium festival experience and offering once in a lifetime moments,” says Eva Dunford, Founding Partner, Republic Live.  This year, we are expanding on the musical experience to ensure there is something for everyone. A day trip to see the hottest acts in country and rock or a weekend of nostalgia with Keith Urban, Tim McGraw and Nickelback. I believe there’s a genuine love affair with country and rock. We’re thrilled to host Nickelback’s only Ontario performance date and celebrate such a special moment with the global superstars.”

Previously announced artists included Riley Green who will make his Boots and Hearts debut along with Lauren Alainaand Blanco Brown, alongside Dallas Smith who returns to the main stage for 2023. Canada’s very own Tim Hicks kicks off the weekend, headlining the Thursday night Kick Off Party with rising star Josh Ross.

From global superstars to rising singer-songwriters to the latest hitmakers and trendsetters, Boots and Hearts prides itself on showcasing the leading artists in all areas of music while providing the ultimate festival experience – offering fans the very best of the best. This year, the festival will host over 24 first time artists at Canada’s award-winning camping festival including Nickelback (CAN), Riley Green, Bailey Zimmerman, Travis Denning, Tyler Joe Miller (CAN), Breland, Blanco Brown, Kylie Morgan, Adam Doleac, Big Wreck (CAN), JJ Wilde (CAN), Seaforth, Ashland Craft, Devon Cole (CAN), Tim & The Glory Boys (CAN), Teigen Gayse (CAN), Alli Walker (CAN), Dan Davidson (CAN), Manny Blu (CAN), YA’BOYZ, Graham Scott Fleming (CAN), Matt Lang (CAN), Raquel Cole (CAN) and Parker Gray (CAN).

“We’re so excited to welcome more than half of our 2023 roster to the Boots Fam for the first time,” shares Brooke Dunford, Talent Buyer, Republic Live. “Over the last few years many new and incredible artists have built their fanbase by connecting with fans at home, while concentrating on writing music and creating. With more music than ever ready for the main stage, artists have exploded on the scene becoming new fan favourites like Bailey Zimmerman and breakout artists   and we can’t wait to celebrate their Boots & Hearts debuts.”

With over a decade of #BootsLife under its belt, the four-day, multi-stage Boots and Hearts Music Festival is Canada’s largest camping music festival, known for featuring top artists from around the world and earning multiple awards for their premiere event experiences, including five Canadian Country Music Association Awards, in addition to international recognition from the Academy of Country Music nominated for Festival of the Year.

Thursday August 10 – Front Porch Stage

Ya’Boyz – Monster Energy Late Night Party

Tim Hicks

Josh Ross

Owen Riegling

Friday August 11 – Main Stage

Nickelback

Hardy

Bailey Zimmerman

Cory Marks

Manny Blu

Friday August 11 – Front Porch Stage

Big Wreck

JJ Wilde

Ashland Craft

Teigen Gayse

Parker Graye

Saturday August 12 – Main Stage

Keith Urban

Dallas Smith

Lauren Alaina

Blanco Brown

Adam Doleac

Saturday August 12 – Front Porch Stage

Breland

Seaforth

Devon Cole

Raquel Cole

Graham Scott Fleming

Sunday August 13 – Main Stage

Tim McGraw

Riley Green

Travis Denning

Kylie Morgan

Matt Lang

Sunday August 13 – Front Porch Stage

Tyler Joe Miller

Tim & The Glory Boys

Dan Davidson

Alli Walker

Nice Horse

Visit www.bootsandhearts.com for more information about artists, tickets, RV and tent camping, and parking.

The post Boots And Hearts Unveils Full 2023 Line-Up appeared first on Muskoka411.

“As we approach our twelfth year of Boots and Hearts, we continue to move forward, trying new things and opening new doors. This allows us to grow and ultimately give our fans the best of the best,” says Eva Dunford, Founding Partner, Republic Live. “We work hard and aspire to be the Canadian flagship of music and experience. This includes artists, fans, partners, vendors, and our dedicated staff. Our BootsLife fans are some of the best in the world with their larger-than-life energy that we feel so grateful to celebrate year after year. Similarly, Nickelback brings a loyal, timeless fanbase and an unforgettable live show that has allowed them to soar to the top of the charts for decades and continue to break barriers. It makes it extra special to welcome them to Boots and Hearts and into our festival family. We look forward to celebrating their incredible talent and amazing rock show. Next summer will certainly be an exciting moment in the history of Boots and Hearts.”

With over a decade of #BootsLife under their belt, the four-day, multi-stage Boots and Hearts Music Festival is Canada’s largest camping music festival, known for featuring top artists from around the world and earning multiple awards for their premiere event experiences, including five Canadian Country Music Association Awards, as well as international recognition from the Academy of Country Music for Festival of the Year.

“Music festivals have always been known to create once in a lifetime experiences, moments in time you can’t relive and memories that last forever. The ‘I remember when’s’ and the ‘saw it there firsts’ are something we as a company strive for and work hard to deliver to our fans year after year. We saw it with Shania at Boots and Hearts last year and we can’t wait to create another iconic Canadian moment celebrating Nickelback alongside country music icons Tim McGraw and Keith Urban.” Shares Brooke Dunford, Director of Booking and Brand Strategy, Republic Live. “The roster also includes new artists paving their way within the genre and beyond. Watching an artist like Hardy, who made his Canadian debut at Boots and Hearts in 2019 who will now open for Nickelback is extremely special for us. Transcending a new wave of country music and taking fans on a journey blending rock and country is something we’re extremely excited to celebrate and embrace as fans of live music and unforgettable moments.”

Additional confirmed performers include Travis Denning and Lauren Alaina, with many more exciting artist announcements to come. Weekend passes and single day tickets will be available for the 2023 festival, allowing guests to spend the day or experience the festival in its entirety from the first note to the last. Ticket pre-sale begins Wednesday, November 16 at 10:00AM EST and public on-sale starts Friday, November 18 at 10:00AM EST.

Visit www.bootsandhearts.com for more information about artists, tickets, RV and tent camping, and parking.

CONNECT WITH BOOTS AND HEARTS

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

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this week, multi-platinum entertainer Jake Owen cruises to another career milestone with “made-for-radio head-bopper” (Taste of Country)  “Best Thing Since Backroads” landing in the #1 spot on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart.

“Let’s go! Boys and girls, the #1 song in all the land of country music,” Owen exclaimed celebrating on social media last night. “Thank you so much, holy frickin’ cow. It’s a Monday and having the #1 song in America is unbelievable. I could not do this first and foremost without the songwriters; you guys wrote an incredible song that’s only elevating my career. I have 10 #1 songs – I can’t even wrap my head around that. It took me seven years to get my first #1, and to think all these summers later we’re still cranking them out. To the fans – oh my gosh, the fans. You are the best thing since backroads, you have given me this life, I love you guys. You make country music what it is and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

A “sunny, wind-in-your-hair jam” (Sounds Like Nashville) written by Ben Johnson, Jordan Minton, Hunter Phelps, and Geoff Warburton, “Backroads” launched a new chapter of Jake Owen signatures, followed up by toe tappers “Fishin’ On A River,” “Up There Down Here,” and latest “1×1,” whose official music video released last month. Watch the sentimental clip here.

This Friday night, Owen will pack up his on-fire live show and take it up north to Canada’s famous Boots and Hearts Music Festival for a hotly anticipated headline set. He’ll then head back to the states to pick up his Up There Down Here Tour, which has been met with “rapturous reception” (The Lincoln Journal Star) all summer long.

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