Organizers for the 26th edition of the O’Brien Awards are pleased to announce that Etobicoke, Ont. native Kaitlin Kozell will open the Gala with the American and Canadian national anthems.

Kozell, 24, is a country music singer/songwriter who is no stranger to performing at major sporting events with her rendition of O Canada. Kaitlin has had the opportunity to perform at numerous Toronto Maple Leaf and Toronto Marlies games as well as other MLSE events and functions. The highlight of Kaitlin’s Anthem reel was making her CBC debut on Hockey Night in Canada in 2013.

Her singing career has begun to flourish and Kaitlin has released three singles to country radio, “Do It Again”, “Wrong”, and her latest single released June 16th, 2014, “Up From Here”.

Kaitlin is beyond thrilled to be playing at Boots and Hearts 2015. After being a part of the Emerging Artist Showcase in 2014, she can’t wait to get back to this year’s festival, taking place at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, Oro-Medonte, from August 6 – 9.

The 2014 O’Brien Awards are scheduled for Saturday, February 7 at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel and Conference Centre in Mississauga. Canada’s harness racing champions will be announced at the Black Tie Gala which will feature a ‘fire and ice’ theme.