Just over a year and a half ago, on a sunny Sunday afternoon, I saw Paul Brandt take the stage at Boots & Hearts 2012. It was the first year for the country music festival just outside of Bowmanville, Ontario, and people were excited. The rain had stopped from the night before. The music was on schedule, Carrie Underwood was headlining the final day of the show. It was damn near perfect.

And on that Sunday, before Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood, was Paul Brandt. Canadian Country Star. Owner of 13 Canadian Country Music Awards, 8 Junos, and 7 #1 singles. I’ve been listening to Paul’s music since the mid-90’s when he broke onto the scene with .

” href=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1BJkl_-Bqg” target=”_blank”>My Heart Has a History. And I’ve continued listening, with tracks from his live album, Small Towns and Big Dreams, living on my phone every day.

The truth is, as a Canadian country music fan, you’ve been listening to Paul Brandt just as long as I have. And if you were lucky enough to see him at Boots & Hearts in 2012, or if you’ve seen him at any other show in the last 2 decades, you know why I am excited that he’s coming back to Bowmanville for Boots & Hearts 2014.

In 2012 I was hanging out with Rannie and Sara as they were interviewing artists and fans for Ford Canada at the festival, and I was in the room, sitting quietly and listening, while they spoke with Paul. He was polite and well spoken. He gave them exactly what they were looking for. He was gracious when all of the interviewers that were lined up for him asked for photos. Really he just came across as a super genuine guy from Alberta who loves what he does for a living.

That afternoon Paul was asked a question about being at the Festival and if he was happy to be there, or something along those lines, and his answer is the one thing that I have remembered from that part of the afternoon almost 2 years later. He said that (with the kids at grandma’s house) it was a mini-vacation for he and his wife, who sings back up in the band, and a chance to see friends in the industry that they hadn’t seen in a long time. I don’t know why I love that answer so much. I think it goes back to the “he’s just a really regular dude who plays country music for a living” thing.

I’m not sure where Paul Brandt will fit into the 2014 Boots & Hearts schedule. But I would be very happy if he was there in the sunshine, on Sunday, with a crowd ready to see Blake Shelton end the festival. And if it’s anything like it was in 2012 (and I fully expect that it will be) I will be singing along and feeling the feels and loving every second of the set.

Update: Paul Brandt’s website is confirming that he will take the stage on Friday, August 1 from 7:30pm to 9pm. That spot would make him the lead-in to Toby Keith as Friday night’s headliner.

Be prepared to hear songs like Small Towns and Big Dreams, I Do, I Meant To Do That, Alberta Bound, Convoy, Together Again, Give It Away, Didn’t Even See The Dust, Canadian Man and more.

If you haven’t seen Paul Brandt in concert before, I assure you that this set will make you happy. You will not go home disappointed. And, if you’re like me, hearing Alberta Bound, live on the stage will make you want to pack a bag and head out west immediately.

There are still probably about 10 names left to add to the Boots & Hearts 2014 line up. But I can tell you right now that I’m already excited to get back out to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park for 4 days of country music. Including Paul Brandt.

Stay tuned for more previews, interviews and features as we get closer and closer to the festival.

And before you go, have a look at this video of Paul singing one of my favourite songs, When You Call My Name, with Boots & Hearts 2013 performers, High Valley.

Work Hard. Play Harder. Be Awesome.

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Joshua Murray

creator of content, daddy blogger, writer, coffee drinker, fan of the Batman. proud mo bro. prouder dad.