Pop boy band trio the Jonas Brothers kicked off the Boots and Hearts Music Festival at Burl’s Creek in Oro-Medonte as they headlined the mainstage. “Who’s an OG fan?” the boys asked the crowd, which was answered with loud cheers. The crowd was made up of everyone from kids on parents’ shoulders to seniors in lawn chairs. The boys kicked off their set with “Cool” and followed it up with hits like “What a Man Gotta Do” and “Waffle House.” Each brother took turns addressing the crowd, but Nick spoke the most, talking about the band’s time in Canada, including filming both Camp Rock movies. He also took the time to recognize the fact that a pop band was performing at a country music festival. “It doesn’t matter if you like pop music. It doesn’t matter if you like country music – we’re all in this together,” Nick Jonas told the crowd. Russell Dickerson brought the sizzle, getting the crowd pumped up for the headliners. Newer to the music scene was pop-country artist Dasha who dazzled the Boots crowd. Across the event grounds was Canadian country artist Brett Kissel on the Front Porch stage who kicked his set off with his hit, “Started With A Song.” 2025’s Emerging Artist Showcase winners School House kicked off day one on the Front Porch stage.
