Since 2014, The Boot has hosted the Golden Boot Awards, our very own fan-voted digital awards series, each spring. Beginning in 2018, however, the Golden Boot Awards are moving: Now, they will take place at the end of the year, to better align with the annual news cycle ... and to make way for the all-new Golden Mic Awards.

Recognizing the best in live country and Americana music, The Boot's Golden Mic Awards are debuting in 2018 with nine categories, each featuring staff-selected nominees who rule the stage. This week (April 23-27), The Boot will reveal 2018's Golden Mic Awards categories ... and then, it will be up to you, our readers, to crown the winners.

After each Golden Mic Awards category is revealed, readers will be able to vote for their preferred winner in each category as often as once per hour through 11:59PM ET on May 23. We'll announce the winners on the site the next day, May 24.

The Texas and Oklahoma music scenes are rich with talented musicians. Which one of these nominees deserves Best Regional Live Act in the 2018 Golden Mic Awards?

Wade Bowen is one of Texas country's most iconic acts: Known for his collaborations with other native Texans, Bowen has a devoted fan base from all over the world. Pat Green, too, is a tried-and-true pioneer of Texas country music, and has establish himself as a fixture both in the state and elsewhere.

Ray Wylie Hubbard is a living legend who was recently inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriter's Hall of Fame. His rock- and blues-infused tunes have also been game-changing influences on other artists, both in and outside of the state. And while Cody Johnson is, at least compared to Hubbard, a newcomer on the scene, the former rodeo star is selling out major venues (RodeoHouston, for example).

The Josh Abbott Band and the Randy Rogers Band aren't newbies by any stretch, but their music keeps audiences coming back night after night -- much like the legendary Robert Earl Keen, who blurs bluegrass and country and packs venues because of it. The Turnpike Troubadours, meanwhile, have cultivated a rabid fan base thanks to their their phenomenal live shows and radical musicianship.

One of The Boot's 2018 Artists to Watch, Vandoliers are musical wunderkind, making a name for themselves on the tour circuit with raucous live sets. They're joined in the Best Regional Live Act 2018 Golden Mic Awards category by Aaron Watson, who's earned himself years of success in Texas -- and, more recently, some name recognition outside of the state as well.

Make your pick for Best Regional Live Act in the 2018 Golden Mic Awards by voting in the poll below!

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