Country superstars the Chicks hit the Boots and Hearts main stage to headline Saturday night. Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Robison are the three women who make up the group. Dressed all in white, side by the side, the trio harmonized in a capella, strummed and fiddled and sang out, hit after hit. It was pure musicianship as the women traded switched instruments after every song. They wowed the crowd with a catalogue of hits spanning decades. Fans sang along to favourites such as “Taking the Long Way Around,” “Cowboy, Take Me Away,” “Landslide” and “Goodbye Earl.” Some more of their modern hits made it into the set, like “Gaslighter” and “Manchild.” There was little chatter in between songs, leaving room for more of what the Boots crowd was craving – live music. The most Maines said was when she took the time to introduce every single band member. Other than addressing the crowd sporadically with things like “We love a sing-along – sing along to the ones you know” and “How’s everybody doing so far?” there wasn’t much banter or prompts for cheering. They clearly didn’t need it as the songs spoke for themselves. Classy and refined, it was a no-fluff, no-gimmicks kind of show, ending in a hand-holding bow. It was a packed day two at Boots and Hearts filled with unsettled weathered and festival goers questioning whether they’d be able to see their favourite artists or if they’d get cancelled. Buckle up, it’s the Boots ride. Fortunately, the weather system passed by after a brief evacuation of the grounds, making it possible for most shows to go on as planned, even if some were slightly delayed. The Jack Wharff Band got things back up and running on the Front Porch stage, followed by country couple Thelma and James. Jessie Murph got the crowd warmed up and cheering loud on the main stage while a stampede of fans headed over to the Front Porch stage to take in Sam Barber’s set.
