How does a former pro hockey player from Peterborough wind up leading one of the most successful country music festivals in Ontario?
If you ask Shannon McNevan, executive director of the live music production company Republic Live Inc. and the now famous Boots and Hearts Music Festival, he’ll tell you his achievement results from believing in yourself and loving what you do.
“If you stand on your faith and are willing to work hard, anything is possible.”
McNevan attended Bowdoin College in Maine (famous for its liberal arts and science programs) on a hockey scholarship.
After he graduated, McNevan travelled to Germany where he spent five years breathing new life into a professional hockey franchise on the brink of bankruptcy. In a relatively short time, the franchise became one of only three teams in the country to turn a profit three years in a row.
As a result, McNevan quickly established himself as an industry-leading general manager. During the 2009-2010 season, McNevan was managing three separate professional hockey teams — including the Cologne Sharks, one of the top five franchises in the world outside the NHL.
But it was in 2011 that McNevan wagered his entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his extensive business acumen, to embark on a bold and daring journey as the founder of Boots and Hearts, an all-star country music festival unlike any other we have seen in Ontario.
In its first year, Boots and Hearts featured some of the industry’s most prolific heavyweights, including Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Paul Brandt, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock, Alabama, and Lionel Richie. When it was held last August more than 65,000 people attended.
Spurred by its inaugural success, the Boots and Hearts Festival for 2013 features headliners Jason Aldean, Rascall Flatts, Miranda Lambert, and many more.
Please join the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation during the 3rd Annual Peterborough Speakers Series at Market Hall on April 10th and discover just how unstoppable Shannon McNevan truly is.
Have you ever wondered how some people go the distance — and beyond? Find out at the Peterborough Speakers Series, an unforgettable evening of thought-provoking entertainment featuring seven acclaimed speakers.
This year’s speakers are Ashley Brzozowicz (2012 Olympic Silver Medalist), Ted Higgins (President, Peterborough Lakers), Shannon McNevan (Partner, Boots and Hearts Music Festival), John Moss (Mystery Writer), Bill and Barb Johnston (Dynamic Duo Motivational Speakers), Dr. Tom Phillips (Trent University, Economic Commentator), and Derek McGrath (Actor/Musician).
The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation presents Unstoppable, the third annual Peterborough Speakers Series, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at The Market Hall (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough). Doors open at 6 p.m. with speakers presenting at 7 p.m. Each guest will speak for 10 to 15 minutes, and there will be a cocktail reception following the speeches where attendees can meet and mingle with the speakers. Tickets are $50, with proceeds from the event supporting the Health Services Foundation.
