We can’t think of a better way for country music fans to wind up the summer months than a concert featuring some of their favourite country artists, held right in their own backyard. Okay, not literally in their backyards, but certainly close enough to call the event their own.

That’s exactly what the fans in the West Shore communities will experience when the Country Roads Festival takes over Starlight Stadium in Langford on Aug. 29.

“This is about creating something right here at home for West Shore country fans,” says festival organizer Dylan Stone of Cascadia Concerts. “We want to build a festival that’s close, accessible, and truly theirs—where people can walk to a world-class venue, bring their families, and still be back home at the end of the night.”

Stone is also the driving force behind the Victoria Folk Music Festival, which took place at Royal Athletic Park on July 4. The Country Roads Festival is the second mainstream country music festival in the area after Lake Cowichan’s Sunfest.

Country Roads will feature award-winning talents, including Eagle Eyes, Born Reckless, Tumblin’ Dice, JamiesonRhy, and more, and will provide a full day of country entertainment across two stages.

But, as is the case with most festivals, it’s the headliners who are eagerly anticipated, and in that regard, Country Roads will deliver.

Doc Walker will be on hand to present their unique brand of rockin’ country. With frontman Chris Thorsteinson (lead vocals, guitar) and his bandmates Dave Wasyliw (acoustic guitar, vocals), Mark Branconnier (drums, vocals), Blake Manley (bass) and new addition, Murray Pulver (electric guitar, vocals), Doc Walker have made their mark on the country scene right across North America.

Manitoba Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Doc Walker is one of Canada’s most awarded and beloved country groups. They continue to raise the bar with their signature blend of heartfelt lyrics, soaring harmonies and electrifying live shows. Known for hits like ‘Rocket Girl’ and ‘Beautiful Life’ , their career has spanned multiple Canadian Country Music Awards, a Juno award, 22 top 10 singles and millions of streams. The band continues to tour the country and is currently working on new music.

“When you spend 24 hours a day in a bus going from show to show, it is a real pat on the back from your peers to receive that kind of praise,” says Wasyliw.

The other headliner – and the man that a host of country fans will undoubtedly be wanting to see and hear – is Canadian-born and bred Aaron Pritchett.

Pritchett has been in the business for more than 20 years, and his tally of nominations and awards is equally impressive. Still, for Pritchett, while the recognition is nice, it’s hardly the driving force behind his music.

“I’ve never been a big fan of awards,” explained Pritchett. “They tend to downplay the people who don’t win. I remember winning an award for songwriter of the year for Hold My Beer, which is basically a nursery song for adults. That year there were some really amazing songs, and I thought, ‘Man, how did I win this instead of them?’”

“Awards don’t add to my worth to the audience,” said Pritchett. “For me, it’s way more important to have people at my shows singing along with my songs … knowing all the words.”

The words to Pritchett’s songs are an amazing mix of the raucous simplicity of Hold My Beer and Let’s Get Rowdy to his soulful renditions of Done You Wrong and Warm Safe Place.

“Those songs were me telling a story about a battered woman, and it was meaningful to me. It was something very personal for me,” said Pritchett.

For Pritchett, country music is all about songs that people can relate to, regardless of whether they’re serious or simply fun. He laughs when asked whether the description of country music as “three chords and the truth” is accurate.

“I don’t know about that, but I know that I always related to guys like Randy Travis. I really connected with his music, and it’s what I want to bring to my audiences today …that connection.”

Tickets for the Country Roads Festival are available online at countryroadsfest.ca. Pritchett and George Canyon will also be touring Canada again later in the year when they embark on their Coast-to-Coast Cowboy Christmas tour.