Boots In The Park Festival: A Memorable Day in San Juan Capistrano

Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano hosted Boots In The Park Festival recently, packing in a huge crowd of country music fans — all ready for a day full of beers, dancing, games and some great live music. This year’s lineup includes Joe Peters, Will Jones, The Wilder Blue, Ian Musick, Justin Moore, and Miranda Lambert all taking over the same stage throughout the day. Along with the live music, there was ton of side activities to enjoy.

With beer and food stations all around the venue, it was easy for fans to fuel up for the event. For those looking for something a bit stronger, there was a tequila bar full of a wide variety of brands. A dance floor area was popping with demonstrations on how to line dance — for those looking to learn or for those looking to kick the dust off their boots and dance. Not a dancer? No problem, there’s also a section for people to play games like cornhole.

Though those things may be fun to check out throughout the day, the music is what most folks came for. The first artist to grace the stage is Joe Peters. “The Whiskey Will” singer Joe Peters hails from Bakersfield California — this man and his band are out their putting in the work: playing live shows organically with no TikTok rise to fame here. They have opened for some big names recently as well. “Chevy Nova” “The Highways Got Me Now” and “Break Before I Bend” are some originals that crowd got to hear. The band performed admirably in preparing the audience for the event. I would recommend giving this guy a listen and he is already on the line up for next year’s Boots In The Park.

Second up is the “Ride With Me” singer Will Jones. With a bit of a bluegrass storytelling, he seemed to get the fans attention right away, prompting them to move closer to the stage. Among his fan-favorite songs highlighted are “Devil’s Son,” “Come On In,” and “When It Rains.” The band performed with relaxed elegance and natural flair. Prior to this day, I was not familiar with this artist so his music was all new to me and very refreshing.

Next on the roster was a band I had been looking forward to finally getting the chance to see: The Wilder Blue. For those unfamiliar, just go listen to “Palomino Gold” and you will become an instant fan of The Wilder Blue. This is a band of troubadours — the way they harmonize makes you want to listen even more. Although the band was just recently formed in 2020, the members have been around the industry for years and know how to craft their art — boasting 4 albums already released. The band’s energetic performance impressed the crowd as they showcased a variety of instruments from banjos to accordion. “Dixie Darlin’” and “Adios” were among the crowd’s favorite songs performed. The Wilder Blue delivered an excellent performance and sound — I highly recommend seeing them and look forward to attending one of their headliner shows in the future.

Further on the lineup was Ian Munsick, known for his song “Cowboy Killer.” His performance appeared to attract a larger audience, suggesting he had a substantial fan base at the festival. The crowd was thrilled by his lively performance — and as the sun continued to shine — the fun showed no signs of stopping. He paused his original set to perform mashups featuring Christina Aguilera vs Britney Spears, Taylor Swift vs Katy Perry, and Sabrina Carpenter vs Camila Cabello. Many fans enjoyed while Ian and the band seemed to be having fun, but for me and some other sole country music fans, we could have done without this part of the set. Aside from that, his hits like “Horses Are Faster,” “Long Haul,” and “Cowshit In The Morning” were well received by the fans in the audience.

As the sun sets, Justin Moore steps on stage to perform for this hyped up crowd of cowboys and cowgirls. At this point, we’re introducing a performer from the lineup who boasts multiple popular tracks guaranteed to delight the audience. Justin Moore, known for his hit “Small Town USA,” released his self-titled album in 2008 and has since captivated country music fans. The set began with an exciting lineup of songs that set the tone for the evening like: “How I Got To Be This Way,” “Bait a Hook,” and “You Look Like I Need A Drink.” With these selections, the energy in the venue quickly built, and the night was officially underway. I have attended three of Justin’s performances prior to this occasion. Each time, both Justin and his band delivered exceptional shows. Their talent and energy have consistently impressed me, making every concert a memorable experience. I’m sure the rest of the crowd experienced similar emotions and energy after the show, feeling the same impact and enthusiasm generated by the event. “Til My Last Day,” “Kinda Don’t Care,” “Flying Down A Backroad” were especially meaningful to me as I grew up in a small town.

“Lettin’ The Night Roll” was also included in the set, which everyone loved. Among the others selections were a somber titles, such as “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” and “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home.” To wrap up the set, Justin energized the crowd with a selection of other upbeat songs. The performance featured “Hank It,” followed by “I Could Kick Your Ass,” both of which added a lively atmosphere to the event. The night concluded with “Point At You,” a track that stands out as another big fan favorite, leaving the audience on a high note. If Justin Moore is performing in your area, I highly recommend checking out his show.

Before the main act took the stage, fans were treated to a captivating drone light show in the sky. The impressive display drew up an exciting tone for the evening and built anticipation for the main performance. One of the most eagerly awaited moments of the event was the performance by country music icon Miranda Lambert. A queen of country music, her appearance generated the most excitement and anticipation throughout the audience, as expected. Fans and attendees looked forward to seeing her take the stage all day, fully expecting a memorable show that would showcase her renowned talent and stage presence. Although I was unable to capture a photograph of her, having the opportunity to witness her performance in person was truly an unforgettable experience. The chance to see her live was incredible, and it made a lasting impression on me. When Miranda sings, it appears and sounds completely effortless. Her voice carries the melody with ease, captivating listeners and making the performance seem natural and unforced. The lyrics flow seamlessly from Miranda as she performs. Each word transitions smoothly to the next, creating a sense of continuity and grace throughout her singing. Fans enjoyed a memorable night as the show concluded with an excellent setlist: